Like the original PSP, the PS Vita uses Memory Cards as a means of storage. While we don’t know the exact format yet, the cards appear to be proprietary and none will be included in the base PS Vita package. If you want to store music or videos on Vita, you’ll have to pony up extra cash for a card on launch day.

By way of a press release issued by SCE earlier today, we’ve since learned that Vita Memory Cards will come in denominations of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB. The price breakdown is as follows:

Memory card 4GB – ¥2,200 ($28)
Memory card 8GB – ¥3,200 ($41)
Memory card 16GB – ¥5,500 ($71)
Memory card 32GB – ¥9,500 ($123)

While a tad on the pricey side compared to standard SD cards, they’re certainly nowhere near as sticker-shock inducing as the original Pro Duo cards required for PSP, which cost as much as $200 for a 2GB at launch.

Additionally, since Vita titles ship on flash-based storage, save data can be written to the card itself. However, Sony notes that “some PS Vita software titles may require the use of separately sold memory card for saving game’s saved data.” Looks like picking up a card is more or less required if you want the most out of your Vita, even for those that plan on playing games only.

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