Sony has pushed out yet another PS Vita firmware, bringing the version tally to 1.61. Now available on Network Update, the official changelog merely gives a recap of functionality added in 1.60 – such as Google Maps and the ability to record video.

It further states that 1.61 will “improve certain aspects of the system software.” In true Sony fashion, details on what exactly has been improved remain a mystery. For what it’s worth, some users have reported that the interface feels slightly snappier. Let us know in the comments if you notice any changes.

While hardly a shocking revelation, it’s been confirmed that Call of Duty is indeed Vita bound. In an interview with GameTrailers, newly-appointed SVP of PlayStation Brand marketing Guy Longworth dropped word that the title is in development.

Longworth reckons the title will be an “absolute game-changer” for the portable. It’s on for a fall release, though no further details were spared. It’s worth noting that the Vita is the first handheld platform that can properly support a full-blown Call of Duty FPS experience, so that alone will certainly turn heads.

Need some games to go along with your shiny new PS Vita purchase? US retailer Target will be running a promotion in which you can pick up any two titles and get a third free. It appears to be applicable to the entire lineup, not just select offerings.

The promotion kicks off next week, coinciding with availability of the standalone WiFi and 3G PS Vita units on February 22. It’s not often we see deals like this timed day and date with hardware launches, but hey, we’re not complaining.

While the PS Vita has been enjoying healthy sales in Japan, it’s not quite to the level of what you’d expect from a new hardware launch. Sony WWS boss Shuhei Yoshida has chimed in on why, referencing the still steady sales of PSP units.

“So overall, the portable game market in Japan is still very healthy. We are still seeing good sales through PSP, and we are advertising on TV, a dedicated PSP TV campaign, at the same time we are introducing Vita. For the Japanese market, we are expecting to see a slower transition in platforms. PSP will still continue to be very popular as an entry model. Especially for a younger audience. Our marketing group’s advertising is targeted towards kids’ magazines, in support of these younger-oriented titles. At the same time, we are trying to communicate the value and new, exciting features of PS Vita to an older, mature, core gamer audience,” Yoshida told Venture Beat.

Further, Yoshida alluded that initial sell-through numbers in North America will likely eclipse that of Japan by a considerable margin. He admitted that the launch line-up wasn’t all that enticing to your average Japanese gamer, noting that big-hitters like Uncharted aren’t as popular compared to say, Monster Hunter.  While SCE Japan has been making inroads towards raising awareness, he says Uncharted 3 only shifted around 200,000 copies in the region.

Given that Monster Hunter sold an upwards of 4 million units on PSP in Japan, that represents a huge gulf in sales. more »

Sony’s released a system software update for PS3 to coincide with the arrival of PS Vita firmware 1.60. This update bumps the firmware to 4.1, bringing with it an improved internet browser.

Significant strides have been made to increase browser performance and accuracy when viewing web pages. Some sites that previously did not render properly are now supported under the new firmware, we’re told. more »

Back in November, Sony’s Japanese division launched UMD Passport, a program that allowed PSP and PS Vita owners to get discount rates on digital equivalents of UMD titles by providing proof of purchase. Unfortunately, Sony has no plans to launch a similar initiative in North America, a blow to those heavily invested in the format.

A Sony representative broke the dismal news to Kotaku today. No reasoning was given for the decision. While this likely isn’t a huge blow to your Vita purchasing plans, it definitely knocks another worthy bullet point off the list, which is a shame. Here’s hoping Sony can make up for it by running frequent deals on PSP content, but we’re not holding our breath.

With the domestic launch of PS Vita only a week away, Sony is prepping yet another firmware update. Unlike the past two updates, this one is rather substantial, adding a Map app powered by Google Maps, along with the ability to record videos. Additionally, Sony is rolling out a Mac OSX-compatible version of Content Manager Assistant, a required app for transferring files to and from the Vita over USB connection.

In terms of less noteworthy changes, users can also expect to see the rebranding of PSN to SEN on account sign-in pages. The firmware is due out later this week on Wednesday. We’ll let you know when it’s live.

While the Japanese version of PS Vita launch effort Uncharted: Golden Abyss is strictly a solo experience, a developer reportedly told Destructoid at a recent Sony event that an announcement regarding multiplayer will be made soon for the title.

No further details were spared, only that it’ll be “something different,” presumably to complement the portable format. There’s no word if we’ll see it on launch day, either, though we  suppose it could always be added in via a patch later. Who knows, if Sony is adding in multiplayer for the US release, perhaps we’ll see other improvements as well.

Sony issued a slight update to the pricing tiers for the 3G version of PS Vita over the weekend, revealing a 3GB package for $30 a month which replaces the previously announced 2GB for $25 option. Below that is the entry 250MB plan for $15 a month. Applicable to North America only, both are offered exclusively through roaming partner AT&T.

Undoubtedly, it’s a slightly better value proposition if the paltry 250MB isn’t enough, but our thoughts on the 3G version haven’t changed. Too expensive of a premium for what it offers, especially when you could always use your phone as a mobile hotspot instead. The PS Vita goes on sale February 22 in the states, with pricing set at $300 for the 3G unit, $250 for WiFi only.

Although we knew it was coming thanks to a slip of the tongue by SCEA marketing head John Koller earlier, Warner Bros today announced that Mortal Kombat is PS Vita bound, giving a new meaning to killing time while on the go.

Developed by NetherRealm Studios, the PS Vita iteration of this violent fighter will feature no shortage of fatalities, along with “brand new gameplay features and content developed exclusively for the new handheld device.”

Complemented by a “deep story mode,” known gameplay modes will include Tag Team and Challenge Tower. It’s due out Spring 2012. Expect more details soon, as Sony plans on showing off a demo of the title at its Vita Hill Social Club events throughout the coming weeks.