PlayStation has led the way in augmented reality gaming since the launch of the EyeToy USB camera for PlayStation 2 in 2003. On the current console generation, EyePet burst onto PlayStation 3, introducing a new family audience to this magical technology.
These experiences were not confined to home consoles as PlayStation brought augmented reality gaming to (PSP) PlayStation Portable, both with EyePet, and the innovative Invizimals franchise.
At the PS Vita preview event, Michael Denny revealed the next phase in augmented reality for PlayStation. Six augmented reality cards will be available at launch with free games to download from PlayStation Store. These will allow gamers to enjoy a selection of games that make full use of the impressive AR capabilities of PS Vita.
PlayStation also revealed that PS Vita will be the first games console to utilise WAAR (Wide Area Augmented Reality) technology. In contrast to familiar single-card AR, WAAR uses up to six cards and allows for a much larger gameplay area than gamers have previously experienced.
PS Vita will also support markerless AR, that can do away with cards altogether.
The addition of this captivating technology means that gamers will have so much to play, and share, with PS Vita right out of the box.
Cross-play means players can compete via challenges and leader boards on PlayStation 3, or with PS Vita, as well as continue their experience from one to the other.
