Sony Computer Entertainment

Sony has released final specs for its upcoming PlayStation Vita gaming handheld.

We already knew the PS Vita contains an ARM Cortex A9 quad-core processor and an equally impressive quad-core PowerVR SGX543MP4+ GPU. A 5-inch capacitive multitouch OLED screen (with 16 million colors) will be the window into a world of next-generation handheld gaming, which faces stiff competition from advanced smartphones and tablets. Oddly, the dimensions are still tentative at 7.16 by 0.73 by 3.28 inches.

Perhaps the most important aspect of the newly released information is the official confirmation of 512MB of memory, nullifying earlier rumors of lesser RAM capacity. This is more than 20 times the amount of RAM in the current PSP. Also newly confirmed: Vita's graphics processor has 128MB of VRAM.

The PS Vita contains two cameras: one front-facing, and one rear capable of VGA (640x480) resolution with 120 frames per second at QVGA (320x240) sizing, or 60fps in standard VGA mode. The cameras and the built-in microphone and speakers will come in handy for the variety of social apps available for Vita owners.

Format fiends should be satisfied that Vita has compatibility with several audio formats, including MP3, AAC, and WAV (Linear PCM) files. MPEG-4 video support is also onboard, including H.264 AVC encodings in high, main, or baseline profiles. Impressive. A variety of slots and ports include space for memory cards (possibly including a proprietary one) and a SIM card (3G model only). There's a multiuse port for USB, power, and audio-out.

Unfortunately, it still seems the PS Vita is on track for an early 2012 release in North America, missing the critical holiday release time frame. There are two expected Vita handhelds: a $249 Wi-Fi only model and a $299 Wi-Fi version with 3G.