PlayStation Vita is, according to Jim Ryan, COO of SCEE, "a state of the art device with games at its heart." Naturally, he then promptly rattled off a list of non-game applications to prove what else it can do. These are mostly social focused, and include the following:
* -- a location-based app that shows what people nearby are playing, allowing players to find new friends.
* -- text and voice chat with friends, including cross-game/app support. The irony of the fact that this feature still isn't present on PS3 wasn't lost on the audience.
* -- an online social network style portal similar to EA's Autolog system, only updating friends on all the games they've been playing. Friends can comment on each others' achievements and stay up to date with what everyone's been playing.
* -- Vita looks like it will ship with Facebook, Twitter, Skype and Foursquare apps built in.
* -- Allows players to track their PS3 and Vita trophies in one place, as well as compare with friends.
* -- All Vita games will apparently be available for digital download as well as on the physical cartridge-based media.
There are also internet browser, group messaging and friends list apps, all of which are fairly self-explanatory.
Three new games on the way: a new Resistance title and two new IPs. More information .
As for third parties, Ubisoft was singled out as a strong supporter of the system, with 6 titles (including a new Assassin's Creed game) set to hit the platform -- more details . Bioshock, Call of Duty and Dust 514 were all also mentioned.
The handheld has enjoyed rekindled success in Europe thanks to the low-cost Essentials range of UMDs. As such, it's being rebranded as an "entry level handheld" and dropped in price to 99 Euros -- more on how that's possible .
Sony built up a huge amount of anticipation for a big announcement and then informed everyone present the somewhat underwhelming news that FIFA 13 would have Move support. The audience was completely silent in response.
In more positive news, though, Move is getting its very own fitness app from Sony. Looking like a cross between the old EyeToy Kinetic and Wii Fit, it's another alternative for those bored of Jillian Michaels yelling at them or Zumba Fitness.
Downloadable vampire-themed twist on inFamous 2 -- more .
We saw a substantial gameplay demo, including plenty of drama between Nate and Elena, a car chase ending with Nate jumping onto a fleeing cargo plane, and a very cinematic fistfight ending in one of Drake's trademark precarious situations. This demo ended with rapturous applause and cheers -- the biggest response of the event by far.
The price is dropping globally with immediate effect. In the U.S. it will now cost $249. More .
Sony also confirmed that its 24 inch 3D PlayStation-branded TV would be coming to Europe for 499 Euros including 2 pairs of glasses.
Sony's event held a few small surprises, but the most exciting thing for fans at Gamescom is the public's first opportunity to get their hands on Vita. The company will be counting on building momentum for the device, particularly as it now looks like it won't release before the holiday season of this year. This would explain the press conference's focus on Vita, its features and its games, above all else.