Slim PS Vita announced for UK release next month

As expected, a slim version of the PlayStation Vita has been announced for the U.K. and will be released on February 7, for a suggested retail price of £180.

Sony revealed the PS Vita PCH-2000 model, the same one introduced into Japan in October of last year, at a London press conference today; it features a re-designed system that is 20 percent slimmer and 15 percent lighter than the original models. Additionally, the original Vita's 5-inch OLED screen has been replaced with an LCD screen. Although the switch was originally met with hesitation among consumers, Sony claims the new LCD screen produces an image quality that is "as high as that of the OLED panel." The change has helped lead to an increased battery life that allows up to six hours of gameplay.

The new PS Vita is available for pre-order starting today. Unfortunately, Sony made no announcement regarding a North American release of the slim Vita.