Sony’s PlayStation Vita console is set to launch on December 31st in the US, online retail giant Amazon has revealed.

In what would prove to be an unusual move from Sony if accurate, Amazon.com has listed the upcoming PS Vita console with a release date of December 31st, a week after what would arguably be its key selling period of the pre-Christmas rush.

Whilst the retailer’s UK outlet has yet to issue the next-generation portable games console with a release date, it is currently taking pre-orders on the next-generation portable games console with the Wi-Fi only model set to cost wannabe owners £229.99 with the Wi-Fi plus 3G offering handed a £279.99 price tag.

Earlier this week UK online retailer ShopTo.net hinted that the Sony PlayStation Vita would be hitting UK shores on November 4th having made a full list of 20 Vita games available for pre-order with the early November arrival time and a £39.99 apiece pricing.

Is the Sony PlayStation Vita the next big thing in the gaming industry or a console that will play second fiddle to Nintendo’s 3D capable 3DS device? Let us know what you think via the T3 Twitter and Facebook feeds.