Features

Seven years ago, SONY launched into the portable market with the PlayStation Portable - the PSP.

This week, SONY's new handheld, the PlayStation Vita, arrived in Europe after months of anticipation, and gamers flocked to GAME Oxford Street for our Midnight Launch, clearly unable to wait any longer to get their hands on the PS Vita!

Pre-Launch Buzz

The excited crowd eagerly waited for the doors to open, talking animatedly about the system and what it can do, which games they were going to pick up with their console, and what the future holds for the PS Vita.

The crowd were able to get to grips with the PS Vita, which was being shown off by some of SONY's PS Vita Room crew, in attendance to help make the most of the evening. Those waiting to have a go on the Vita munched happily on pizza provided by SONY and GAME. Aren't we nice.

Soon the doors began to raise and the queue eagerly moved forward, entering the warmth of the shop. Everyone received a PS Vita goodie bag, but, more importantly, they were now one step closer to the next generation of handheld gaming.

Special Guests for a Special Night

Sitting at a table near at the front of the store was Karl Jones, lead designer for WipEout 2048, ready to sign copies of the game. He was accompanied by renowned cosplayer Ami Ledger, who was dressed as a WipEout 2048 pilot.

Once the crowd had filled the store, Karl and Ami stood on the counter to begin the countdown, and to thank everyone who had come out on the cold February night. With their final thank you, midnight struck and the PlayStation Vita was now available, which raised a huge applause from the crowd.

Well Worth the Wait

The first customer in the queue was lucky enough to walk away with not only his PS Vita, but also a bundle of PS Vita games and a Home Cinema System!

Soon the queue was moving and customers were walking out triumphantly, PS Vita in hand, ready to get home and start playing. Those that purchased WipEout 2048 stopped to have their games signed by Karl and Ami. Those that didn't asked to have their console boxes signed instead, and Karl and Ami were only too happy to oblige.

The excitement surrounding the PS Vita had been steadily building since its announcement, growing with every new snippet about what the console can do, and with each new game that was announced. Now the PlayStation Vita is where it belongs, in the hand of the gamers, and from the excitement seen last night, the PS Vita's future looks very bright indeed.