You know what one of the most requested features on PlayStation Network is, besides not giving your credit card to the communists? Cross-game chat, the ability to talk to friends who are playing a horrible game while you’re playing an awesome one. Sony won’t be adding that to PS3 any time soon, (that we know of), but it will show up on the upcoming PlayStation Vita handheld.
A batch of new screens have been released showing off some of the interface features of the PS Vita. Some of them show off the new bite-sized PlayStation Store, which looks much like the current one does, only with more touch-friendly buttons.
A few of these screens show off the Party feature, which is the aforementioned cross-game chat and messaging service.
We also have confirmation that trophies will stream seamlessly between PS3 and PSV systems, as you can see in the picture below with titles like inFamous 2 and Motorstorm: Apocalypse showing up.
We also see how the Stalker-vision NearArea feature works. It’s similar to the StreetPass function on the 3DS, except that it points out the precise location of people playing on a Vita nearby. Because nothing says “AWESOME!” like meeting some random, nerdy stranger who just wants to play some ModNation.
I must say, I’m pleased with the interface. Especially how, unlike the PSP, there’s a great deal of stuff to do while connected to the internet. Hopefully you won’t have to re-connect to a Wi-Fi network every time you want to log into the store. Hate that about the PSP.
What say you, gamers? Could Sony have finally put together a handheld that can dethrone even the mighty Nintendo?