Sony pre-empts Apple with game-equipped PS Vita TV

Slow PS Vita sales haven't stopped Sony looking to broaden the appeal of the handheld, with the company having just announced a new unconsole-like device called PS Vita TV.

Set to hit Japan this November, PS Vita TV is based on the hardware behind Sony's handheld and enables gamers to take on PS Vita, PSP or original PlayStation games on their television.

It also links up with the firm's forthcoming PS4 for cross-functionality.

TV times

More interesting, however, is just how closely positioned PS Vita TV will be to Apple TV, supporting media platforms such as Hulu and Sony's own Video Unlimited.

Games played via a DualShock 3 controller are being built into the TV platform in much the same way that many people expect apps to be syphoned into an updated Apple TV, although just when Apple will announced such a device is currently up in the air.

Some commentators believe an updated Apple TV may be part of Apple's iPhone 5S/5C unveiling later this week, though the press event isn't expected to play host to the launch of an app-equipped version. That, it's believed, may come later.

Either way, PS Vita TV - which will launch in Japan from ¥9,480 (around $95) - essentially attempts to tick many of the same boxes, with a release in Europe and the US on the cards, but not yet pencilled in.