Phantasy Star Online 2 for the PS Vita has officially been released in Japan! While there has still been no word on a possible Western release of the Vita version (nor updates on the previously announced 2013 release on PC), die-hard fans can still enjoy the game by downloading and playing the Japanese version from the JP PlayStation Store for free (note: the game and registration forms will be in Japanese, so be prepared to do some translating).


With PSO2 Vita's release comes a number of additions to the game, some for the PC version as well. Almost all of this information has been previously revealed in various news stories, but here's a recap for your convenience (this story is still being updated):

Newly Added for PSO2 Vita Launch
[*]New Blocks for Vita-only and PC/Vita shared
[*]Vita blocks will have fewer enemies and fewer emergency quests / trials[*]Maps are smaller to allow for quicker completion[*]PSE Burst will last longer[*]PC players playing on Vita blocks will experience the same changes
[*]New Chrome Dragon boss
[*]Will appear in an interrupt event on Vita & PC/Vita shared blocks[*]Will spread to PC blocks via players who have encountered it already
[*]New Story & Side-Story Quests
[*]Chapter 9 Story Quest: "The First Farewell" (Vita First)[*]Side Story Quest: "Arks Combat Tournament (PC First)
[*]PSO2 Vita Special Package (retail bundle with bonuses)
[*]Eight costumes from PSP2 (previously revealed here)[*]A PSP2 weapon set (Wing Spada, Clad Cannon, Clad 6)[*]A mag evolution device[*]30 Day Premium Set[*]1000 FUN ticket[*]Decorative Little Wing Stickers[*]A soundtrack CD with songs from PSP and PSP2[*]Available for purchase here
[*]New Items & Weapons[*]New NPC Kuna with new client orders (on Vita first, PC in the future)[*]New NPCs Toro & Kuro (PlayStation mascots)
[*]Their client orders are available only on Vita[*]Partner cards can be obtained on Vita (and then used on PC or Vita)[*]Will be able to gain a mag evolution device from these NPCs
[*]Five new campaigns from SEGA (detailed here) with rewards

There is also a wealth of information available in our PSO2 forums, where a number of discussions are already taking place regarding PSO2 Vita's launch, new features, Chrome Dragon, and more. Be sure to drop by and see what's new!