Sony’s forthcoming handheld PlayStation Vita will reportedly allow owners to use it as a PlayStation 3 controller.

According to Eurogamer, Sony R&D man Phil Rogers confirmed that the company’s forthcoming portable game player would serve as PlayStation 3 controller, and that the company would allow cross-talk functions between the Vita and PlayStation 3.

It means users will be able to load up a game on the PlayStation 3 and use the Vita’s unique functions gyroscope, a touchscreen up front and a touch panel on the rear, to control it.

Speaking on the topic, Rogers said, "You could drive a display from a PS3 game. PS3 can send data down to Vita and Vita can display it."

The Vita features a 5-inch touchscreen, a robust processor, two analog sticks, and optional 3G.

Meanwhile, reports are emerging that a flier from Blockbuster in the UK suggests that the PlayStation Vita would be released on October 28, with price tags of 229.99 pounds and 279.99 pounds for the Wi-Fi only and 3G versions, respectively.