PS Vita Vitals: Your Guide to the Aussie Launch

With the PlayStation Vita launching in Australia this week, there's no better time to catch up on a few vital details about its debut. Not sure where to buy the Vita? Confused about Vodafone's pricing structure? Still deciding what the best launch titles are?

This handy launch guide gives you the latest up-to-date information on where to buy the Vita, how much it will cost, a breakdown of Vodafone's recently announced pricing plans, and a comprehensive list of Vita launch titles, including GameSpot reviews and local Australian pricing where available.

So, what are you waiting for?

When does the PlayStation Vita come out in Australia?

The Vita launches Down Under this Thursday, February 23. The console is already out in Japan and North America.

Where can I buy the Vita in Australia?

Last week, Sony revealed that it will only launch the Vita "across national specialist game and specialist technology retailers." The reason for this, according to Sony, is that the intended target market for the console is "active" gamers; however, the publisher did state that as with the PS3, it anticipates that it will eventually broaden the channels of distribution for the Vita in the future.

What this means is that only EB Games, GAME, JB Hi-Fi, Dick Smith, and Harvey Norman are stocking the Vita. Retailers such as Big W, Kmart, and Target will not be stocking the Vita at launch.

Here is a breakdown of Vita prices and deals from the retailers that will be stocking it:

EB Games: The store is selling the Wi-Fi-only version for A$348 and the 3G version for A$418.

GAME: The store is offering a preorder deal with the 3G model of the Vita. Priced at A$419.95, the deal includes the console and a copy of Ridge Racer.

JB Hi-Fi: The retailer is selling the Wi-Fi-only version of the Vita for A$348 and is throwing in a free starter pack, including a hard case for the console, a game case, a screen protector, a cleaning cloth, and a wrist strap.

Dick Smith: Dick Smith is offering the Wi-Fi-only version of the Vita for A$349 and the 3G model for A$419. The 3G model comes with a bonus: a Vodafone SIM card, preloaded with 200MB of data or 30 days of free data (whichever comes first), and a free copy of Wipeout 2048 from the PlayStation Network on first recharge.

Harvey Norman: The retailer is offering the Wi-Fi Vita for A$348 and the 3G model for A$418.

What are the Vodafone pricing plans for the Vita?

Earlier this month, Sony unveiled the Vodafone pricing plans for the Vita in Australia.

For users who are opting for a post-paid model, Vodafone will offer the PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi model at A$55 per month over 12 months, with a total minimum cost of A$660. This deal will include 1.5GB of data per month and a bonus 4GB memory card.

Vodafone's prepaid model will feature the PS Vita 3G/Wi-Fi with 200MB of data on a 30-day expiry, and a bonus 4GB memory card for A$419.

What are the first-party titles available at launch for the Vita in Australia?

Here is a list of all first-party titles that will be launching with the Vita Down Under. Where available, click on the game title to see GameSpot's review of the game.

Uncharted: Golden Abyss (selling for around A$59)
Wipeout 2048 (selling for around A$49)
Little Deviants (selling for around A$34)
ModNation Racers: Road Trip (selling for around A$49)
Reality Fighters (selling for around A$34)
Everybody's Golf (selling for around A$49)
Escape Plan
Top Darts
Hustle Kings
Motorstorm RC

What other titles will be available at launch for the Vita in Australia?

Uncharted: Golden Abyss (Vita)
Wipeout 2048 (Vita)
ModNation Racers: Road Trip (Vita)
Hot Shots Golf: World Invitational (Vita)
FIFA Soccer (Vita)
Rayman Origins (Vita)
Ridge Racer (Vita)
Dynasty Warriors Next (Vita)
Dungeon Hunter: Alliance (Vita)
Touch My Katamari (Vita)
F1 2011 (Vita)
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (Vita)
Shinobido 2: Revenge of Zen (Vita)
Virtua Tennis 4: World Tour Edition (Vita)
Putty Squad (Vita)
Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus (Vita)
Asphalt: Injection (Vita)
Little Deviants (Vita)
Army Corps of Hell (Vita)
Lumines: Electronic Symphony (Vita)
Reality Fighters (Vita)
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend (Vita)

For all titles launching on the Vita this Thursday, see this week's AU Shippin' Out.