Sony has unveiled a small TV box called PS Vita TV. When connected to a TV it can handle PS Vita games on the big screen, and it can also act as an extender for PlayStation 4 gaming. It even supports TV apps, such as streaming apps, but it has so far only been confirmed for Japan.

Sony PS Vita TV presented
Sony’s new PS Vita TV is a surprise, and an interesting move for Sony. After years of listening to critique about weak integrating between Sony’s divisions, Sony seems to have taken that criticism to heart.


Sony’s PS Vita TV can handle PS Vita games, but also act as an extender for PS4

The PS Vita TV is a small 6cm x 10cm box that can be connected to the TV via HDMI. It can handle games from the handheld PS Vita (except those that require touch), and can be considered a sort of low-cost game console for the TV. It can also handle PlayStation 4 games, but not directly as the hardware is too weak. Instead, it acts as an extender for a PS4 elsewhere in the home. 


It can also stream video and TV via the web via TV apps

The small box offers TV apps, including the most popular streaming service in Japan, and one can easily imagine that with PlayStation 4 and the PS Vita TV, Sony can build a solid foundation for a TV app platform; possibly even extending it to their Bravia TVs.

The PS Vita TV looks interesting in many ways, and looks like a direct competitor to the Apple TV box that is rumored to receive a software update at Apple’s event tomorrow. The PS Vita will be available in Japan for about $99 this November. Sony has not confirmed an international roll-out, but has shared this short "global" video demonstration, which may reveal that Sony has grander plans.