Sony announced in Japan today that will be releasing the PS Vita TV, a set box type device that allows you to play PS1, PSP and Vita games on your TV with a Dual Shock Controller for about $100.00 dollars. The fact that the device allows people to play the games of one of the most expensive handheld consoles and then some for about 100 dollars cheaper than the portable hardware didn’t receive a fond reaction from too many gamers on the web, which is unfortunate.

As a reviewer, this device is a MUST have for me as it will allow me to play all my digital PS1 titles, digital PSP games and physical or digital Vita games on the big screen. No longer will I be forced to try to find the perfect camera angle that hits the Vita screen so I can show off game play. It will also be quite nice to play some PSP Classics on the big screen without having to have a clunky component cable coming out of the portable unit to record. One HDMI cable into my capture card setup and I can bring high quality Vita reviews to viewers. Throw in a PS+ Account on this thing and you’re guaranteed a pretty damn good selection of games from all 3 systems. As of yet though, there is no U.S. release announced.

The news of the PS Vita TV itself reminds me of the announcement of the Super Game Boy back in the 90’s. Nobody thought that was a good idea either, but then upon the release of it; people were talking about how the unit was breathing new life into their Game Boy library.  Just like with the Super Game Boy though, there will be people who don’t want to be chained to a screen  to play games and will stick to the handheld console because of that. For those who want some additional options though, the price and the possibilities makes this unit pretty tempting.