PlayStation Network premium membership service PlayStation Plus will expand its Instant Game Collection to include support for PlayStation Vitain North America beginning on November 19, 2012.

PS Plus members will receive six titles to play on PS Vita in addition to the 12 games currently available for the PS3, all for less than $5/month (based on a 12 month membership). PS Plus is expanding as part of the PS Vita System Software Update (v2.00), which will add other new features that enhance the overall gaming and entertainment experience on the PS Vita system.

PS Plus offers members even more benefits with the release of PS Plus for the PS Vita system at no additional cost. Members can take advantage of the Instant Game Collection, which includes unlimited access to a regularly refreshed selection of downloadable games with an active PS Plus membership. On day one, PS Plus members will be able to download a selection of hit PS Vita games including Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Jet Set Radio, WipEout 2048, Gravity Rush, and Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack! as well as the PSP hit Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions.

"The PlayStation Plus Instant Game Collection is such an incredible value, providing PS3 and now PS Vita owners with a library of 18 games for less than $5 a month," said John Koller, vice president of marketing home consoles and portable platforms, SCEA. "Ultimately, we know that gamers choose platforms based on content, and with the addition of PS Plus and a stellar lineup of exclusive games launching for the platform by this holiday season, now is the perfect time to purchase a PS Vita."

In addition to an Instant Game Collection, PlayStation Plus will offer members exclusive discounts on games and downloadable content, early access to betas, and automatic updates for both games and the latest system software. PlayStation Plus also provides online storage of up to 2GB for game saves (1GB on PS3 and 1GB on PS Vita).

There are two membership options available for PS Plus, including a 3 month plan for $17.99 and a one year plan for $49.99. PS3 owners with an existing PS Plus membership will also be able to enjoy PS Plus features and services on the PS Vita system at no additional cost. By purchasing PS Plus for PS Vita you will be able to enjoy the benefits of PS Plus for PS3.

Beyond PlayStation Plus, PS Vita System Software Update (v2.00) will include:

Email

• PS Vita users will be able to check read and send email directly from PS Vita

Content Management

• PS Vita users will be able to wirelessly transfer content between PS Vita and PC in addition to browsing folders on PS3/PC and copying them to PS Vita

Settings for PSone classics

• PS Vita users will be able to assign controller buttons to touchscreen, rear touch pad and buttons with select games on the PS Vita system
• Custom screen mode option for flexible screen size adjustment

Web Browser

• Enhanced performance of the web browser along with improved support of HTML 5 and JavaScript
• PS Vita users will have the ability to "Tweet" web page addresses