MLB 12 The Show saves shared between PS3 and Vita versions

The next iteration of Sony-exclusive sports sim MLB The Show will appear on both PlayStation 3 and Vita, with some neat new features.

Those who own both versions of the game will be able to utilise cloud saving to share their progress between the two systems. Cross-platform multiplayer won't be possible, but the Vita version will include some form of multiplayer which is yet to be nailed down.

Otherwise, the two versions will be functionally identical, although the Vita release will feature shortened play sessions by eliminating extraneous presentation like camera cuts.

Speaking to the US PS Blog, community manager Ramone Russell said the emphasis with this year's iteration is ramping up the feel of a TV broadcast.

"We’re trying to blur the lines between baseball simulation on your PS3 and what you’d see on MLB.TV sitting on your couch. When a batter strikes out, the camera will cut and you will see his face, his anger," he said.

"You’ll hear more season-specific commentary, more conversation pieces. The commentators are going to talk about the MVP race, the Cy Young race, the series that you played in two days before. They’re going to talk about how your pitcher is having an awful year because he’s 5 and 15.”

On a related note, the team at SCE San Diego is addressing a common complaint this time around:

"The key feedback we heard involved our presentation and commentary, so that’s our number one focus this year," Russell admitted.

Other updated features include improved ball physics, great PlayStation Move integration and a brand-new multiplayer mode which is "really, really innovative". Apparently unlike any multiplayer seen in a sports game before, the new mode will be unveiled at a future date.

Sony is yet to date MLB 12 The Show, but expects to launch both versions near simultaneously.