Well it looks like we will be going another year without the release of a refresh to the Sony PlayStation 3 console. Kaz Hirai, the Representative Corporate Executive Officer and Executive Deputy President of Sony Corporation, and Andrew House who is the Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment have both stated that there will be no announcement of a PS4 console or next generation device at E3 2012 or anytime soon. Many people have anticipated new hardware from both Sony and Microsoft this year with the impending launch of Nintendo's newest console, the Wii U. Though it easy to argue that the Wii U is just simply an attempt to catch up to the XBOX 360 and PS3 when it comes to hardware performance and gaming graphics.

With the release of Sony's PS Vita coming up, there are various pre-order options for consumers to ponder. The obvious options are a pre-order of either the WiFi or 3G/WiFi version of the Vita, and the additional option is the premium "PlayStation Vita First Edition Bundle". The advantages of this premium bundle (at a premium price of $349.99) include the 3G/WiFi PS Vita, a limited PS Vita hard-shell case, a 4GB Vita memory card and a copy of the game Little Deviants. Gamers that order the PS Vita First Edition Bundle will also receive their console a week earlier than other pre-ordered systems and in consideration of that, a smattering of titles will be available on February 15 as well. Please note, however, that according to dates on Sony's official site, most of the games were already released in February of this year!

PlayStation Vita, the successor to Sony's PSP, has finally been released. Although it starts in Japan the portable device is region-free, so the only thing stopping you from importing one is the price tag. According to some sources, the PSVita is priced at roughly the same as the launch price for the Nintendo 3DS; the 3G compatible version costs ¥5,000 more. The PSVita competes with the flurry of smartphones now prepared to take over the game industry and the long-standing rival of the 3DS which was released almost a year earlier. In case you don't know, the Vita uses memory cards for its retail games. Older PSP games will be available alongside PlayStation games via download from the PlayStation store. It also boasts improved connectivity with the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Network. It has applications for internet browsing and social media, and a touch screen menu interface replaces PlayStation's now familiar XMB. An online guide is readily available for all to view. It is expected to be released in Oceania, Americas and Europe late February. I wonder how many conversations will be tripped up by the similarity in pronounciation of PSP and PSV.

Magic geeks get another set of cards to play with, only a month after the last set came about. Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 is another game by Wizards of the Coast that aims to take your hard-earned cash for more toys to play with. The Steam, PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade game now has a second deck pack with two new decks. A Black/White Angels and Demons deck (I foresee mana screw in this deck) and a Green Treefolk deck, which brings the total number of playable decks up to 17.

Wait, what? Kotaku has just reported that an insider has revealed upcoming plans for a multiplayer Dragon Age title. Not only that, but it will apparently be developed using DICE's Frostbite 2 engine, which we've seen in titles such as Battlefield 3. Supposedly the game looks "stunning" so far. Details are unclear so far as to whether the multiplayer will be available as part of a full retail title or as a downloadable game or expansion. The insider promised both PvP and PvE gameplay along with playable dragon characters. The combat will take place in an arena.

Back at E3 earlier this year, Sony announced that PlayStation 3 owners who purchased Battlefield 3 would get Battlefield 1943 free. When Battlefield 3 was released this wasn't the case. Now, EA has officially announced that they will be allowing owners of Battlefield 3 on PS3 to download their free copy of Battlefield 1943. Beginning November 26th, Battlefield 3 users in the Europe with an activated online pass will be able to download the game. North America will be able to download the game on December 10, and Japan on December 17. It is unfortunate that it took a lawsuit against EA for them to finally give in and honor their original offer.