E3 2011, Wat? Already? Options

[Crushinator]

Seems like some E3 vids/trailers are dumping, publishers blowing their loads before the show, so to speak:

NeverDead - Konami



Tomb Raider - Square Enix/Crystal Dynamics

[Crushinator]

I think you might have missed the two separate SKUs. Yes ATT is the exclusive 3G partner, but you can also get a WiFi only version of the PSVita for only $249, the 3G enabled version is $299.

I figure it will be similar to how Apple positions the different versions of the iPad. You can get a standard one with WiFi only, or you get get the 3G enabled version that requires a separate cellular data plan.

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/playstat...11-starting-at/

[Scan_Man]

I think you might have missed the two separate SKUs. Yes ATT is the exclusive 3G partner, but you can also get a WiFi only version of the PSVita for only $249, the 3G enabled version is $299.

I figure it will be similar to how Apple positions the different versions of the iPad. You can get a standard one with WiFi only, or you get get the 3G enabled version that requires a separate cellular data plan.

http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/playstat...11-starting-at/

I know there are two Skus, but in the conference why would he mention AT&T Wifi hotspots being free if you have an AT&T service plan? Sounded to me that you have to pay if you want to use network features at AT&T Wifi hotspots at Starbucks (free last I checked), McDonalds, and Airports for example. If you have the data plan you would not need Wifi unless reception is bad, so they give you the Wifi access as part of the package. If you have the Wifi only model, it sounded to me, you would still have to pay a separate plan or fee to use the Vita network while mobile. When I worked at AT&T that is how we sold the data plans for over-the-air internet, we offered another plan to gain access to all AT&T hotspots around the country. If it is not like that, then why the distinction of free with service plan?

http://www.att.com/gen/general?pid=5949

Looking it up what it is now. This is what I am referring to. It's 20 dollars a month for Wifi at AT&T hotspots. It includes roaming in case you need to use public Wifi on a non-AT&T network. But, 3.99 if you opt to pay per session over an AT&T network, or whatever non-AT&T Wifi hotspots charge. I don't know what they are doing, but he when said they are partnered with AT&T it just screams to me they want to charge you for using Vita mobile network features whether it is from a Wifi hotspot or over 3G. A plan applying to the Vita similar to the ones in the link might be the case.

Paying for Wifi sessions in some places is expected. But, then again I have not heard how Playstation Network factors into this, if Sony wants to charge for this like its Plus service. Or even if some network features are tied to the exclusive deal with AT&T (can you blame them after getting hacked?). And, like I said, I don't see reason for someone to get this (there are exceptions of course) and not use these online features to there full potential even with Wifi only sku. By the time this comes out one might be able to get a PS3 at a $50-$100 price drop for 160GB and 320 GB putting them at the same price as the Vita. So for the same price you have the opportunity to play the real games in these series, and not off-shoots, in HD and you get a blue-ray player too on a PS3. I just don't see the value in this device if strictly used as an offline gaming device.