PS Vita launches February 22

The PlayStation Vita finally has a release date. Sony today confirmed that its next portable gaming system will arrive in North America, Europe, Latin America, Australasia, the Middle East, and Africa on February 22. That puts the system's international launch two months after its Japanese debut, as Sony confirmed a December 17 bow for the hardware in its home territory of Japan.

A Wi-Fi-only version of the Vita will cost $249, and a Wi-Fi/3G model will retail for $299. European pricing for the console will be €249 (Wi-Fi) and €299 (Wi-Fi/3G), while Japanese pricing will be ¥24,980 (Wi-Fi) and ¥29,980 (Wi-Fi/3G).

In Australia, the Vita will cost A$450 for the Wi-Fi/3G model, and A$350 for the Wi-Fi-only version, while in the UK the 3G version will cost £279.99, and the Wi-Fi-only version will retail for £229.99.

While the launch dates and prices for the PS Vita are set, there remain a number of questions regarding the handheld. For one, the international launch lineups remain unknown. The Japanese lineup has already been detailed as consisting of 26 titles, among them Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, and Lord of Apocalypse. Additionally, Sony has said the system's US-based 3G service will be provided by AT&T, but hasn't revealed any pricing for the data plans, or whether they would be contractual or monthly.

For more on the system, check out GameSpot's extensive PS Vita Inside & Out hardware feature.