Sony’s next-generation portable games console, the PS Vita has launched in the company’s native Japan with the PSP replacement to hit the UK in February.

Officially unveiled at E3 earlier in the year before being shown off at a number of major trade shows in the months that followed, Sony’s eagerly awaited handheld gaming powerhouse has hit its first market ahead of the Christmas period with a global launch to follow in the coming months.

Sony PlayStation Vita Features

Set to boast a 1.5GHz ARM A9 quad-core processor from launch the PS Vita will feature a 5-inch 960 x 544p OLED display as well as landing in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi plus 3G forms. The Wi-Fi + 3G model is to hit UK priced £279.99 with the Wi-Fi only version to sport a £229.99 price tag.

Standard analogue sticks and PlayStation-esque gamepad controls are to be further plumped by a three-axis gyroscope, accelerometer, electronic compass and shoulder buttons. Front and rear mounted cameras complete the Vita’s bag of tricks alongside a rear mounted touch panel.

Sony PlayStation Vita Games

With Uncharted being used to demonstrate the PSP replacement's impressive hardware credentials during its first official public appearance earlier this year it comes as little surprise that Uncharted: Golden Abyss is to feature as a Vita launch release.

Timeless PlayStation launch classic Wipeout will return for the Vita in Wipeout 2048 whilst PS3 showcase title Motorstorm is also set to be reincarnated through Motorstorm RC.

The usual array of lower end puzzle games, sports titles and action sims will complete the 12 strong selection of launch day titles with the likes of Reality Fighters and ModNation Racers: Road Trip to touch down alongside Little Deviants and Everybody's Golf.

Top Darts, Hustle kings and Escape plan round out the line up with Escape Plan and Super StarDust Delta.

Whill you be looking to snap up the eagerly awaited Sony PlayStation Vita when the portable console hits the UK on February 22nd, let us know via the comments box below.