Sony is partnering with Vodafone as the preferred provider of 3G connectivity for PlayStation Vita when it is launched in New Zealand next year.
The partnership also extends to the UK, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Australia, The Netherlands, and with Vodafone’s Partners in France (SFR)
The PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi model sold in selected countries through SCEE retail channels will come with a Vodafone SIM card so that users can immediately engage in mobile multiplayer gaming.
“We want our customers to have the best choice of devices and PlayStation Vita is a great addition to our range,” said Patrick Chomet, Vodafone’s Group Terminals Director.
“We know from our application downloads that games are hugely popular with our customers, so we’re delighted to be SCEE’s preferred connectivity partner for 3G Vita devices sold across Europe and other selected regional markets. Using the device over Vodafone’s high-performance network with extensive 3G reach and market leading download speeds brings a reliable ‘anywhere anytime’ dimension to gaming, which customers in our initial ten launch markets will be the first to experience”.
PS Vitas will feature a “near” application that Sony says allows users to discover the games other PS Vita users are playing in their surrounding area. “Near” will also enable location-based gaming features such as ‘gifting’, where users can share and leave virtual items, such as costumes and treasures, at the various locations they have visited.
The Vita will be on sale in New Zealand as of February 23, 2012.
3 News