It was announced a while back that the PlayStation Vita would be getting the PS Plus premium benefits that subscribers are afforded this fall. Well, that date has just gotten a lot more specific as Sony has announced that PS Plus will be available on the PlayStation Vita starting November 19th (next Monday).

If you're already a subscriber, then all you'll need to do is update your PS Vita. Your PS Plus subscription covers both the PlayStation 3 and the Vita. New subscribers can buy the service in either three month or year long plans. It costs $17.99 for three months, and $49.99 for a full year.

Here, direct from the PlayStation Blog, is what will be available on the PlayStation Plus Instant Game Collection for PS Vita owners starting next Monday:

…Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Jet Set Radio HD, WipEout 2048, Gravity Rush and Tales From Space: Mutant Blobs Attack!, as well as (PSP) PlayStation Portable hit Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions.

While I wasn't too big a fan of Uncharted: Golden Abyss, I think that WipEout 2048 and Gravity Rush were both incredible games. If you're already a PS Plus member, or if this new initiative will convince you to sign up, I wholeheartedly recommend both games. Honestly though, all six are great.

Speaking specifically as a non-subscriber, this update might be what it takes to push me to buying the plan. PS Plus has always been attractive; but, the idea of more free games on multiple platforms is just too much to pass on for me. What say you folks?

[via PlayStation Blog]

Use a chess clock to keep track of move and play times
Tick tock

Use a chess clock to keep track of move and play times

These chess clocks feature dual clocks for players to control their own timers, and loud alarms so everyone knows when time is up. These clocks can be used for other 2-person games, like checkers, that may benefit from a game timer.