*PlayStation Vita Launch Party
Today, 6 p.m.
PS Vita Social Club in Santa Monica*
Today sees the launch of the newest handheld gaming device from Sony, the PlayStation Vita. The Vita follows in the footsteps of the PlayStation Portable, but boasts upgraded power, graphical capabilities and controls.
The gaming system displays graphics nearly on par with the PlayStation 3, as well as dual analog sticks, motion sensors and front and rear multi-touch pads. In addition to its hardware, the Vita already has an impressive lineup of launch titles including “Uncharted: Golden Abyss” and “Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3,” among others.
For those who want to learn more about the new system, PlayStation will be hosting a launch party specifically targeted toward UCLA students tonight. The event, which will feature free food, free drinks, a live DJ and free hands-on demonstrations of the PS Vita, takes place at the PS Vita Social Club in Santa Monica tonight at 6 p.m. There will be buses leaving from the Ackerman Turnaround at 5:30 p.m., and buses will bring students back after the event around 9 p.m.
Today’s event is a good opportunity for those who have their doubts about the system to get a chance to try it out before committing to it. It will also be a good place to get more information about the system for UCLA students and those who might not be familiar with the system.
Though the event is being hosted by PlayStation, but was put together by PlayStation Ambassadors third-year biochemistry and sociology student Clara Tsao and fourth-year international development studies student Bryan De La Riva, who are in charge of raising awareness for PlayStation products on the UCLA campus. However, these two do more than just promote products, according to Tsao.
“(We) also want to reach out to students who just want to have fun and aren’t necessarily addicted to games,” Tsao said.
The launch party today will also feature a bracket-style tournament, as well as chances to win plenty of promotional items, including at least one PlayStation Vita.