Linford Butler
6/07/2011 10:11:00 PM
The EU PlayStation blog has heard your questions! Or rather, the questions that were submitted to them through the official forum. Several members of the PlayStation Europe blog provided answers to queries posted by other members, and we’ve compiled them into one large comprehensive post.
Q: When will the NGP launch in Europe?
A: [The PS Vita] will be a phased roll-out starting at the end of this year. I can't confirm when the European launch date is just yet and we will announce this shortly.
Q: Will Uncharted NGP be a launch title?
A: [The PS Vita] will be a phased roll-out starting at the end of this year. I can't confirm when the European launch date is just yet and we will announce this shortly.
Q: Will the Wifi and 3G versions of the NGP release simultaneously?
A: The two versions of PS Vita will give you the chance to get the product that suits you best.
Q: Will the Trophy system on the NGP work towards the same trophy amounts as we currently have on the PS3?
A: In terms of your Trophies, yes, the trophies you collect playing PS Vita games will add to your overall trophy count.
Q: Can we link our PS3 PSN accounts to the Vita and vice versa?
A: Yes, you will use the same PlayStation Network account that you've set up on your PS3 to access PSN on the PlayStation Vita console.
Q: Also can i access any of my PSN games from my Download list on it?
A: You'll also be able to access your download list and download/play any PSP game you've purchased so far.
Q: Will there be cross platform online between PS3 & NGP (ie Call of Duty)? With there be combo packs for PS3 & NGP Titles bundled at a competitive price (or free voucher for NGP version etc)
A: Yes, we already showed WipEout 2048 and Ruin with cross-platform play and we are working with developers to ensure this feature is rolled out across as many suitable titles as possible. In WipEout for example, you'll be able to race against people playing the game either on PS Vita or PS. As for hardware and / or software bundles, I can't confirm anything at the moment."
Q: [Will there be] backwards compatibility?
A: Absolutely. PlayStation Vita will support backwards compatibility for PSP and minis games, there's more to come too so stay tuned.
Q: How much will be the internal storage of the Vita?
A: Aside from the system software, all your data will be stored on external memory cards
Q: Does NGP allows remote play with PS3 for all games, cause PSP only allowed it on a limited number of games
A: You'll be able to access the same content via remote play on the PlayStation Vita as you can on your PSP"
Q: I believe I read I that games will be sold on a type of flash-cards (which have a read-only part for the game data, I assume?). If that is true, does it store the savegames on the same card?
A: Yes, it’s true and yes, it will store the savegames on the same card
Q: One of the features I enjoyed the most was the common vocal chat room for the friends to be able to chat together whatever the game they are playing on the PS Vita. As a former PC player it is something I missed painfully on the PS3 whereas we were almost sure that it was possible to implement it. Will you adapt it on PS3 someday in order to allow everyone to chat in a good quality vocal chat whatever game they are enjoying at the moment?
A: In terms of Party on PS Vita, as well as being able to text and voice chat with other PS Vita players when you're playing any game, you can set up multiplayer games and use it when you're using any of the features such as browsing the Internet - so for example, you could be playing Uncharted and your friend could be browsing the Internet at the same time and you could be exchanging game tips.
Q: Why was Vita chosen as a name?
A: Vita means "Life" in latin. The aim with PlayStation Vita was always to integrate the console into every aspect of your day-to-day life, so we went with a name that reflects that goal.
Q: What type of experience (effects) can we expect from the system: a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis compass (plus, already mentioned, GPS)?
A: So, with the gyroscope and accelerometer, in a game such as Little Deviants, you control the characters by tilting or moving PS Vita around; also, in WipEout, you tilt PS Vita to ge the perfect line through a bend, and in Uncharted you move PS Vita to aim at a character before taking him out. As for the GPS, one of the best ways to illustrate how this will be used is in the "near" application, a location-based gaming feature that for example lets you access free virtual items that other users have shared in that location.
Q: Will it have dynamic themes like the PS3? Can i call mine Barry?
A: We're looking into ways for you to customise your PlayStation Vita, so stay tuned for more information on that. I'll see about sending you a sticker for yours which says: "This Vita is called Barry."
Q: Will the Vita have a web browser? For 3G will the Vita be using a normal sized SIM card or Micro SIM?
A: The Vita's web browser will be a much improved version of the PSP web browser. We'll have more info on that soon. As for SIM cards, the Vita will use a normal sized SIM
Q: How will the games be published on PS Vita? Physical media or downloads only (due to PSPGo not getting all games published in the PS Store)?
A: All PS Vita games will be available as downloads from PlayStation Store.
Q: Is the GPS standard for the PS Vita?
A: The GPS is standard on the 3G version; on the Wireless version, you'll still be able to access location-based services using Wireless triangulation.
Q: Does the PS Vita have a TV-out?
A: No.
Q: Does the PS Vita have an android operating system? If so, can android apps be used?
A: No; the operating system for PS Vita is built especially for the system. PS Vita will be compatible with newly developed PlayStation Suite titles.
Q: Is there a way to play my older UMD PSP games on the PS Vita? Is there so to speak an external UMD device? Will there be a region lock on the PS Vita?
A: We are considering every possibility for supporting older UMD titles.
Q: How is the handling as it is quite big?
A: PS Vita has been specifically designed for long periods of gaming; I've played lots of different games on it already and find it really easy to use and get to grips with.
Q: Will video chat on the psp cross with the ps3s video chat?
A: No, Party is software specific to PlayStation Vita consoles. You will however be able to send PSN messages from your PlayStation Vita, which can then be read by your friends on a PlayStation 3 console.
Q: What efforts have been made to ensure the uncharted 3 multiplayer is balanced?
A: Playtesting, playtesting, playtesting! We playtest our multiplayer game every day at work with anyone and everyone at the studio who wants to take part. The conversations we have after each game are really useful for us to polish the design of the multiplayer game and the balancing of the mechanics. We also playtest on members of the public and study the videos we capture of their gameplay which gives us even more useful information.
Q: What games will be offered with NGP in the release date?
A: Games like Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Little Deviants and Wipeout 2048 will all be available in close proximity to the launch of PlayStation Vita. We can't be too specific about release games at the moment, so stay tuned for more news.
Q: Will the Trophy system on the NGP work towards the same trophy amounts as we currently have on the PS3?
A: Definitely. All trophies you earn on PlayStation Vita will add to your total trophy count and level across the PlayStation Network!
Q: Can we expect the PlayStation Network on the NGP to be free?
A: Absolutely.
Q: Will it be possible to access the same friend list located on the PS3 on the NGP and to communicate with these friends?
A: All the details of your PlayStation Network account will transfer over to your Vita. So your friends list, account details and trophies will all stay the same!"
For additional questions and the chance to submit your own, check out the PlayStation Europe blog.
UK: Mon 6th, 5:30pm
US: Mon 6th, 9:30am
UK: Mon 6th, 10:30pm
US: Mon 6th, 2:30pm
UK: Tue 7th, 5pm
US: Tue 7th, 9am
UK: Mon 6th, 8:30pm
US: Mon 6th, 12:30pm
UK: Tue 7th, 1am
US: Mon 6th, 5pm
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all US times are PST, Pacific Standard Time (GMT-7)
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