Sony PS Vita demo hardware drops in at US GameStop locations, lets you go hands-on (update)
Live within the United State's borders? Fingers itching to spend some quality with Sony's latest portable gaming sensation before the First Edition Bundle lands on February 15th? Good news is here then, since GameStop has equipped "over 3,300" of its retail stores with PlayStation Vita demo kiosks. The rigs will allow you to score some quality hands-on time with many of its upcoming titles, including the likes of Uncharted: Golden Abyss and wipEout2048 -- perfect if you're not sure about reserving one just yet. Hit up the source link below to find a Vita-packing location near you, and don't forget to check out our review of the Japanese variant if you need even more help making up your mind in the meantime. Full press release after the break.
Update: We're hearing from many of you in the comments, noting you're finding Vitas at some GameStop locations locked-up, and for your eyes only. So heads-up: your mileage may vary. We also want to add that according to GameStop's website, it currently has 4,460 stores in US, meaning there's a very solid chance the one near you might not be included in the demo.
Update 2: Also worth note, a few other folks have mentioned that certain BestBuys will also let you get paws on one.
[Thanks for all the feedback, everyone.]
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Be Among the First to Experience PlayStation(R)Vita at GameStop
Check out the next generation in portable gaming at more than 3,300 U.S. GameStop locations
GRAPEVINE, Texas, Feb 03, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --PlayStation(R)Vita (PS Vita) hits shelves this month and GameStop (NYSE: GME) is giving consumers a first glimpse at the highly anticipated new handheld system. More than 3,300 U.S. GameStop stores now have playable demo units that provide a first-hand look at PS Vita's exciting new technology. In addition to the five-inch OLED multi-touch screen, front and rear touch pads, dual analog sticks, dual cameras and six-axis motion sensing system, players can experience a variety of games, including:
UNCHARTED: Golden Abyss(TM)
Little Deviants(TM)
Hot Shots Golf(R): World Invitational
EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer
ModNation(TM) Racers: Road Trip
Virtua Tennis(TM)4: World Tour Edition
Escape Plan(TM)
wipEout(R) 2048
"We are excited to be the first retailer where consumers can experience the PS Vita," stated Bob Puzon, vice president of merchandising at GameStop. "We are impressed with how the quad-core technology brings gaming to life and are confident consumers will be, too."
To help consumers trade up to the PS Vita, GameStop is offering an extra $25 on the trade-in of a Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS or Sony PSP system toward the purchase of the new system. To learn more about the trade up offer or to find a GameStop store with a playable PS Vita demo unit, visit www.GameStop.com/PSVitaDemos.
The PS Vita launches in the U.S. on Feb. 22, 2012, but eager gamers can get their hands on it a week early by pre-ordering the First Edition Bundle. The bundle, available on Feb. 15, includes:
PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi system
PS Vita case
Little Deviants game
4GB memory card
AT&T DataConnect Pass good for one free 250MB data session ($14.99 value) upon purchase of one 250 MB data session
PlayStation Network game voucher provided upon 3G activation on the AT&T mobile broadband network.*
The bundle is valued at $435 and will sell for $349.99 - an $85 bonus value.
On Feb. 22, three additional PS Vita options will be available: a Wi-Fi model for $249.99, a 3G/Wi-Fi model for $299.99 and a limited edition PS Vita Launch Bundle that will include:
PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi system
8GB memory card
AT&T DataConnect Pass good for one free 250MB data session ($14.99 value) upon purchase of one 250MB data session
PlayStation Network game voucher provided upon 3G activation for $299.
This bundle is part of a promotional offer and availability is limited.
