Sony PS Vita to miss 2011 release in US

You heard it here first: Sony has confirmed a 2011 release date for PlayStation Vita in Japan, but the handheld won't hit Europe or the US until next year. Sony executive vice president Kaz Hirai announced the news today in Japan, according to the Associated Press.It's disappointing news for those outside of Japan, but we've heard US and European gamers won't have to wait too long for the portable's arrival. Sony had promised a "phased global rollout" starting later this year, and our sources indicate Vita will hit western markets in January or February. When it does launch in the UK, Vita will set you back £229 for the Wi-Fi model and £279 for the 3G version.If you can't wait until next year to get your hands on the device, Vita will be publicly available during the Tokyo Games Show this September. Or for the price of getting out to Japan, you could just import one - Vita is expected to be region free. Tom Ivan