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PlayStation Vita to be region free?

Good news for European importers.

PlayStation Vita games will not be locked by region, Sony has indicated.

Therefore, PlayStation Vita games will be region-free, just like on PS3.

That's what Sony Worldwide Studios' Michael Denny told IGN was, "to the best of his knowledge", the case.

If true, you'll be able to import the PlayStation Vita from Japan without fear of incompatibility with European games. Why import? Because presumably Vita will be released in Japan before everywhere else.

Being region-free also opens up access to Japanese and American games, which are often released long before their European counterparts.

When will PlayStation Vita be released in Europe? Sony hasn't said, although US boss Jack Tretton last night suggested Europe may not see Vita this side of Christmas.

He said Vita will have a staggered "holiday season" release, and arrive in some regions before others. All regions should have Vita by the end of Sony's money-year, which closes 31st March 2012.

When Vita does launch in Europe, you'll be asked to pay €249.99 (£223) for the standard Wi-Fi model or €299.99 (£268) for added 3G.

PlayStation Vita gameplay highlights.