There's nothing like the launch of a new console to get geek hearts all a-flutter. This week, PlayStation Vita lands in Europe and the US amid a whirlwind of expectation, with fans hailing it as the best thing ever in handheld gaming, and critics wondering who is prepared to pay the high price.
We can't get enough of ours - and if you want to know exactly what we think of it, check out our in-depth PlayStation Vita review. While the hardware itself is gorgeous and powerful, consoles – as 3DS proved, rather ailing until the arrival of Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land – really are all about the games.
Vita, with much to prove, arrives with one of the strongest, most varied launch line-ups in memory, with full price blockbusters all the way down to sub-£5 bargain bin beauties – vital in the age of the 69p app.
With so much to choose from, why don't you worry about which model of Vita you're buying and let us take the pain out of deciding what you should be playing. And you won't go far wrong with any of these.
FIFA Football (£35-40)
A superb debut from EA's table-topping champ. Loads of content and features, slick presentation, tidy controls – and, biggest surprise of all, touch screen shooting that really works.
MotorStorm RC (£4.79 – download only)
If every Vita game was £30 it would have been dead on arrival. Luckily, Sony clearly appreciates the threat of smartphones so you will be able to buy games at impulse prices. And Evolution's addictive, Micro Machines-esque racer is the perfect start.
Escape Plan (£9.99 – download only)
Arguably the freshest, most inventive launch title of all. Escape Plan is a macabre, stunningly-stylish puzzle game, with a wicked sense of humour that makes inspired use of Vita's many features.
Uncharted: Golden Abyss (£40-45)
If there's a 'killer app' on day one, it's the return of Nathan Drake. Eye-popping Hollywood production values show you exactly what Vita is capable of, and the action is a solid as you'd expect. But, ouch, is it pricey.
Rayman Origins (£30-35)
A straight port of the simply beautiful PS3 and 360 platformer that sank without a trace during the Christmas blockbuster season, because silly old Ubisoft picked the worst possible time to release it. If you missed it then, you've no excuse now.
Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 (£30)
If you've got young kids, the gimmick-ridden Reality Fighters might be your best bet for boredom-swatting brawls. But if you want a competent, deep, proper one-on-one fighter, this is it.
WipEout 2048 (£30-35)
Not only is this a spectacular, thrilling take on the classic PlayStation sci-fi racing series, it's also one of the first titles to take advantage of Crossplay – which means you'll be able to race not just other Vita gamers, but also anyone who owns WipEout HD on PS3. Clever.
Virtua Tennis 4 (£30-35)
Another console stalwart makes the transition to Vita in style. Still the best tennis game there is and the nature of the sport itself makes it ideal for toilet seat topspin and bus stop backhanders.
Everybody's Golf (£30-35)
It wouldn't be a PlayStation launch without a round or two from the always-on-form cartoon club swinger. Your fairway to heaven has never looked prettier.
Lumines Electronic Symphony (£30-35)
Q Entertainment's trippy, trancey, brain-bleeding puzzle game was always going to be the perfect fit for a new portable device, and doesn't disappoint. Hypnotic.
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