TGS 2012: Vita to Get PS Plus Access

In addition to the new “super-slim” PlayStation 3, Sony has announced at TGS that the PlayStation Vita will have access to the PlayStation Plus subscription service. Sony initially announced that the Vita would have PS Plus access back at GamesCom, but now we know that it’ll go live in November. And if you already have the subscription via your PS3, membership for your Vita is free, and vice versa.

For those who don’t know, for a yearly fee (roughly equivalent to that of Xbox LIVE Gold membership), gamers get discounts on downloadable games and content, along with access to the Instant Game Collection, a frequently updated bunch of complete games available for free download. It’s a pretty sweet deal, and now Vita owners will be able to take advantage as well.

Here’s the official rundown of benefits the Vita will get from the service as it appears on the PlayStation Blog:

• Instant Game Collection: Unlimited access to a regularly refreshed selection of the full versions of games as long as your membership is active.
• Discounts: Take advantage of exclusive discounts on games and DLC for your PS Vita.
• Online Game Storage: An additional 1GB of online storage for game saves for PS Vita games and downloaded content.
• Automatic Updates: PS Vita will automatically start up at a designated time to download and install select game demos and game updates as well as system software updates and start standby mode upon completion.
• Automatic Trophy sync: Trophy information will be synched to PSN servers automatically via the PS Vita.

One thing that isn’t totally clear is that of the Instant Game Collection for the Vita. Will gamers get playable versions of the games that are available for the PS3? Or will there be a separate list of games available for the Vita itself? Either way, free is free, and that’s good. I’m looking forward to having a reason to turn on my Vita.

Via PlayStation Blog