Skype now available for PS Vita

Skype is finally coming to the PlayStation Vita beginning… today. The free app will be available to download from the PlayStation Store and will allow for video calling on both Wi-Fi and 3G models. The built in front-facing camera and microphone makes it a pretty obvious platform for Skype to be available on.

Besides the typical Skype video calling functionality, the Skype Vita app runs in the background so you can actually pause you game and take a call, and continue where you left off.

Take a look at a video showing off the new functionality in action.
[youtube_sc url=”FpMqz_G2FB8″ width=”550″]

Read on for the press release.

Skype announced today that Skype video calling is now available on PlayStation Vita (PS Vita), expanding Skype video calling capabilities to a portable gaming device for the first time. PS Vita, which launched in early 2012, will offer video calling capabilities and voice calling on both the Wi-Fi and 3G models. PS Vita users can download the application for free from PlayStation Store later today.

“Our users appreciate being able to access Skype features wherever and whenever they choose,” said Manrique Brenes, senior director, consumer electronics group at Skype. “With the launch of Skype for PS Vita, we are taking another step towards our ultimate goal of making Skype video calling available on every platform, all over the world, and meeting the demands of existing PlayStation users to offer video on a gaming console.”

Skype on PS Vita runs in “background mode” for users while gaming or using other applications* and users have the capability to “pause” a game, conduct a call and then return to their previous activity. Additionally, PS Vita features both front and rear facing cameras, which allows users to switch back and forth between the two during a Skype call. This is a great benefit of never missing a call even when playing a game or using another app.

PS Vita is available for $249.99 (MSRP) for Wi-Fi and $299.99 (MSRP) for Wi-Fi/3G models. The device is also equipped with a 5″ OLED touch screen, dual analog sticks, front touchscreen and rear touch pad, two cameras and a built in microphone.

Twelve time world champion Fatal1ty was one of the first users to test-drive the application.

“As a gaming enthusiast, I am always in search for a next big thing,” said Fatal1ty. “When I heard Skype was going to be featured on PS Vita, my first thought was this was going to be the device that sets the bar for all new gaming consoles-connecting with family and friends while playing your favorite game.”

For more information on Skype for PlayStation Vita, please visit www.skype.com/go/ps-vita or http://us.playstation.com/psvita/.