If an Amazon pre-order listing is to be taken as Gospel, Sony’s brand new hand-held, PS Vita, may launch earlier than expected in the U.S.

Though Amazon’s U.K. site has yet to reveal a launch date for PS Vita, the U.S. branch of the online retailer has today listed December 31, 2011 as the ship date for PS Vita as it begins its pre-order campaign.

Sony has yet to confirm an official release date, but it’s believed that all will be revealed at the Tokyo Game Show, which runs from September 15-18, 2011.

Since its official reveal at E3 earlier this year, PS Vita has impressed critics and gamers alike with its smooth, dual analog control scheme, impressive graphics and strong line-up of launch games.

There will be two PS Vita models available at launch; a Wi-Fi only version (£229.99) and a 3G and Wi-Fi version (£279.99). The U.K. official launch is expected to be in 2012.