US pricing revealed for PS Vita memory cards

Sony has released US pricing details for the proprietary memory cards to be used by the PlayStation Vita. The cards will cost you $29.99 for 4GB, $44.99 for 8GB, $69.99 for 16GB or $119.99 for 32GB high-rollers. This is comparable with Sony's own pricing on the PSP's Memory Stick storage – which is lucky, as you won't be able to do much without one.

Above: Probably the least exciting PlayStation Vita-related image you've seen thus far

If you're planning on getting a Vita on the system's February 22 launch day, you've probably already figured on adding some storage immediately. This is a wise move on your part: while many Vita game cards will have a little space for saving options, updates and the like, Sony's already announced that many titles will require a memory card to save. These include Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Ridge Racer and Disgaea 3: Absence of Justice, with plenty more doubtless to follow.

Between games that demand separate storage and Sony's continued emphasis on download-friendliness, it should come as little surprise that a memory card will be an essential purchase. Fortunately, the console's First Edition bundle includes a 4GB card – so if picking up one of those packages was your plan all along, you can just forget this conversation took place.