Yesterday during their keynote address at the 2012 Gamescom convention in Cologne, Germany, Sony unveiled a ton of news regarding the seemingly stillborn PS Vita system.
The big news is that the PlayStation Plus service will be coming to the handheld. This will include an increase in the cloud save space from 150mb to a full 1 gig of space, and will most likely include free games, demos, and early betas, just like its console counterpart.
A major firmware update is also coming on August 28, version 1.80, that will prepare the Vita for PlayStation Plus, as well as add new features such as better video controls, full controller functionality for PS3 remote play, and the ability for gamers to upload songs from iTunes and their PS3’s directly into the Vita. A new “cross-controller” icon will appear in the LiveArea under Remote Play to identify if the PS Vita is capable of controlling a game on PS3.
Also on August 28, PSOne Classics make their long-awaited debut on the PS Vita. No prices or game lists were revealed, but rest assured that Final Fantasy VII will be one of the first, based on the popularity, and demand, of the title.
Sony also announced that Killzone Mercenary is coming this holiday season. This is a whole new title set within the Killzone universe and it promises to utilize the Vita’s controls and touch screens. Check out the trailer:
The first footage of Call of Duty: Black Ops II Declassified was also shown. Declassified is a Vita-only game that is set between the events of Black Ops and Black Ops II. In addition to the solo campaign, the game will feature 4-on-4 Wi-Fi multiplayer, and a variety of maps, including the mega-popular Nuketown map! Declassified will be available on the same date as the console versions on November 13, 2012.
Sony also revealed a PS Vita Black Ops II Declassified bundle. The bundle will include a Wi-Fi Vita, a copy of the game, and a carry pouch. The back touch screen also has Call of Duty markings, making it unique in and of itself.
Lastly, it was announced that Sony will begin a new service this fall called Cross Buy. This service gives a free PS Vita version of certain games when the console game is purchased. The list of titles include PlayStation All-Stars: Battle Royale, The Sly Cooper Collection, and Ratchet & Clank: Full Frontal Assault. Cross Buy titles also utilize the cross platform play feature, meaning games can be saved and resumed between the PS3 and the Vita.
After a slow start, it looks like Sony is finally lighting the fire underneath its ridiculously powerful handheld and this holiday season, the PS Vita will finally come to life.
