How Badly Does The PlayStation Vita Need A Price Cut?

Unsurprisingly, the automatic reply to the question posed in the headline will be simple-

"Badly."

There have been numerous headlines concerning the price of Sony's new portable, which currently sits at $299 for the 3G model and $249 for the Wi-Fi-only version. Analysts have predicted that if Sony drops the price of the unit this year, the Vita could perform extremely well on the sales charts.

Therefore, the consensus is that the Vita is simply too expensive. And that's probably true, given any economic struggles gamers may be facing. However, in the past, big games have proven too tough for the hardcore to ignore; many await the launch of one or two big titles before diving into any given hardware generation. For example, I know a great many waited for Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec before purchasing the PS2 (and that's only one example). Considering this, Sony says there are over 100 games in development for the Vita right now.

And that includes major franchise names, right? To build on that, if the unit is specifically targeting the core gamers and their one concern isn't fancy tech or other electronic wizardry but software, than won't all those games be difficult to pass up? Even if there isn't any one particular title on the list of a prospective buyer, there's no doubt that he or she can find more than a few intriguing possibilities. And by the way, I'll believe there's an economic problem when I don't see thousands of people lining up to buy the iPad 3, a very expensive and purely luxury item.

For the time being, it seems plain that many gamers are waiting for a price drop. That's obvious. But the Vita may be one of those systems that has more allure than the standard new piece of hardware, which is usually lacking in software and often suffers from other common start-up issues.

Tags: vita, playstation vita, vita price, vita cost, vita sales

3/15/2012 9:33:38 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (109 posts)

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Palpatations911
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 9:52:18 PM
Reply

Considering the handheld costs more than all the consoles? Wouldn't hurt to lower the cost.

7 up, 11 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10:24:03 PM

Consoles that are five and six years old, remember.

20 up, 7 down

Beamboom
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 4:39:29 AM

It's easy to explain it from that technical perspective Ben, and it is of course completely correct.

But for a consumer I believe Palpas point still stands; "I can get a full scale big fat console with a thousand full scale $10 games for LESS than this little thing?".
Different usage, yes, different technology, yes. But still... I can understand how some would think like that.

Last edited by Beamboom on 3/16/2012 4:39:54 AM

9 up, 3 down

wackazoa
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 9:24:57 AM

To Palpas point, yes the consoles are older but the Vita isnt putting out Skyrim,Mass Effect,GTAV,Max Payne 3... etc.

Buying the consoles are a better deal right now.

6 up, 1 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 9:54:29 AM

Beamboom, that's just plain old fashioned false reasoning. By that logic no new product could ever be sold for more than an older product.

2 up, 3 down

Beamboom
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:42:20 AM

It's just an objective observation.

It's the same with other products too: Like if you buy an older stationary PC model instead of a new laptop cause you look at that other PC and think, "damn, I get THAT much more for that much less?". Most consumers are like that. I dare even say we ALL have those moments unless you are filthy rich.

Last edited by Beamboom on 3/16/2012 10:54:00 AM

3 up, 1 down

Neo_Aeon666
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 3:28:50 PM

You peoples problem is that you compare it ONLY to the other consoles... They way to approach it is:

-It's about the price of an IPOD touch and you get so MUCH more! Heck the new IPAD that just came out now uses the same kind of graphics card (quad) but with a slower processor and its more than twice the price!

-It can handle graphics similar to the ones you get on your PS3/360

-The controls you get are near perfection.

-It looks awesome and can multitask like a beast!

-The game selection is AMAZING at launch and SO much more coming

All that for ONLY 249.99 DOOD it's sold under cost!!!

See. Thats how a good saleman approachs it. You people just don't get it. :P And btw none of what I say is a lie. I just think you're all blind or something. 249.99 is cheap for what you get with a Vita.

Last edited by Neo_Aeon666 on 3/16/2012 3:29:56 PM

0 up, 1 down

Palpatations911
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 4:43:56 PM

It will be worth the money once the touted features like remote play are added to to the firmware.

Or when Homebrew becomes available (WITHOUT ISO LOADERS)..

0 up, 2 down

dbyzforce
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 9:38:34 PM

@Neo_Aeon666. Its true that Vita has more power under the hood, and I agree Ipad is way too expensive. But one thing Ipad has is versatility, something that Vita lacks. I myself got Vita for games, but I know a few who refuse to get another dedicated game device, since they travel and have little room to carry much. Plus they want something that has other apps as well. One off them has told me he will change his mind and purchase the Vita with memory cards, if Sony can provide Android OS with Marketplace and not just Playstation Suite. This way can do his work on the "Vita tablet" and play on a dedicated game platfornm on ONE machine...

0 up, 0 down

Neo_Aeon666
Sunday, March 18, 2012 @ 7:41:22 PM

@ dbyzforce

I agree to what you say. It would be the BEST if they could just put everything on it... But I think they are trying to unify the PS3 and Vita markets... I don't think they want us on android :(

According to what you say though... The Vita might just not be something your friend needs. He seems satisfied by simple games/apps and that is ok. Personally if I want to play Fruit Ninja or Angry Birds or try any small random apps (learning japanese apps and all) I do it with what I already always carry around: My phone. The Vita is just perfect for doing what my Phone sucks at: Gaming. And it also allows me to lessen the batterry use of my phone by having other features like music and video playback. So my phone, that does pretty much anything an IOS device can do + the Vita (sometimes 3DS) is the perfect combo. You can just leave the cumbersome IPAD at home to be used as your MAC's extension while you drink coffee in the morning and read the news on it :D lol.

Last edited by Neo_Aeon666 on 3/18/2012 7:45:49 PM

0 up, 0 down

airwedge1
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 9:52:46 PM
Reply

Just have them change the name to the Apple iGamer and it'll sell plenty.

14 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 9:59:40 PM

no, no, they'd also have to ditch all but one of the buttons.. that won't do =p

9 up, 0 down

Cpt_Geez
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10:18:36 PM

@ airwedge Lol you got a point there.

Last edited by Cpt_Geez on 3/15/2012 10:19:17 PM

5 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 3:12:46 AM

If they did that, they'd have to raise the price to be in line with Apple corporate policy of overcharging for a product and making people like being overcharged at the same time.

9 up, 0 down

Neo_Aeon666
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 3:30:46 PM

LOL I think just like you.

0 up, 0 down

pillz81
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 4:32:31 PM

Thus, Highlander, is the Cult of Apple.

0 up, 0 down

hadouken
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 9:55:50 PM
Reply

I think 149.99-199.99 would work.

4 up, 14 down

firesoul453
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10:02:59 PM
Reply

Either way I won't be able to get one for a few months...

Gas is costing me $80+ a week now

Last edited by firesoul453 on 3/15/2012 10:03:26 PM

4 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:03:06 PM

Tell me about it. I freakin filled up a 2 weeks ago. Gas was 50cents higher today than it was then.

4 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 12:18:24 AM

It is going to get worse friend.

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 3:13:24 AM

Welcome to the gasoline prices that the rest of the world see regularly....

15 up, 4 down

telly
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:05:44 AM

@Highlander, an unfortunate truth. The US has been on borrowed time with low gas prices for decades. It's a matter of when, not if, the cost will skyrocket, and stay up there.

2 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 12:12:44 PM

If I told you what a litre of gasoline cost in Norway you would not believe me. Seriously, you would not.

Last edited by Beamboom on 3/16/2012 12:12:59 PM

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 2:09:20 PM

Oh I believe you. I know. Gas in Europe resulted in our band not making a profit when we toured there last year.

1 up, 0 down

Neo_Aeon666
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 3:34:33 PM

Yeah here its at 1,50$ per (L) Litre XD total ripoff

0 up, 0 down

PAKINIPS
Saturday, March 17, 2012 @ 3:30:10 PM

England is double your price

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10:17:36 PM
Reply

I thought it was exceeding expectations and all that.

I suppose it depends on how much it costs to make one of these suckers before anyone considers a price drop. Just because the useless 3DS had to drop doesn't mean a primo piece of tech should. Having more high-profile series available at the higher price point might be the better decision. I'd schedule a $100 price drop for holiday 2013.

6 up, 2 down

Temjin001
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:50:01 PM

Insanity, right? One week it's fire sales, next week it needs a price drop, or else. Man, where are these people who are complaining about it's price? It's a frick'n steal. I can't afford one, personally, but I'm not once complaining about it's price.. Maybe people just need to get out of debt and start earning more money or something. This is insanity.

Last edited by Temjin001 on 3/15/2012 11:50:26 PM

5 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 12:20:33 AM

$100 by Xmas 2013 would be great though I hope to get one before then.

2 up, 0 down

556pineapple
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10:26:23 PM
Reply

I can't even afford to pick up Journey, as much as I would like to. a $250-$300 gaming system plus games is just out of the question for me at the time being. If things were a little better for me though, I wouldn't mind paying that price for it.

1 up, 0 down

godsman
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10:43:12 PM
Reply

SOny have to lower the price of the memory cards. It's ridiculously expensive. The Vita is sold based on the network and downloadable games. In order for the sales to expand, the vita needs to sell memory cards and lots of them!!

10 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10:50:08 PM

Indeed. To be fair though, high priced Sony brand memory cards are not new. The ones for the PSP, if made by Sony are over priced as well.

4 up, 0 down

Cesar_ser_4
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10:54:45 PM

not necessarily drop the price of the cards, but at least include a 4gb card. Anything higher than that is pure luxury.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:01:04 PM

Nah, they need to come down. A 32gb memory card shouldn't cost $99.99.

9 up, 0 down

tes37
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:07:31 PM

I agree the card prices are kind of steep.

3 up, 1 down

Cesar_ser_4
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:10:09 PM

Apple charges 100 bucks more for a 32gb (insert favorite iDevice here) and I don't see anyone complaining.

3 up, 7 down

Jawknee
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:44:12 PM

That's a non sequitur. We're not talking about Apple.

7 up, 1 down

Temjin001
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:46:19 PM

Apple is the king of charging way too much for expensive adapters and basically any accesory.
Hi, here's your ipAd. Oh, you want to HDMI out to your TV? That'll be $50 for a video converter dongle. Something only we make, where every other tablet on earth simply has an ACTUAL HDMI output.

I like Apple products, I do. But sometimes they rob you cold.

4 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:51:19 PM

Those adapters are only $30. Though they should be $20 or less given the video output quality is lacking.

EDIT: just checked, they're $40 on amazon. I got mine from Target for $30 though in Jan.

Last edited by Jawknee on 3/15/2012 11:53:27 PM

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 3:15:03 AM

It's hardly a non-sequitor to provide a comparison for the cost of memory cards in a discussion about the cost of memory cards.

3 up, 5 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 9:19:09 AM

Actually it is because no one brought up Apple nor did anyone defend their high priced tech. He made the assumption that were okay with how Apple prices their products when no one even referenced them or made that claim.

Last edited by Jawknee on 3/16/2012 9:22:55 AM

4 up, 0 down

SirLoin of Beef
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 9:27:19 AM

Cesar, had I an Apple device, I'd be complaining big time for having to pay that kind of money for accessories like that. And if this were an Apple site where Apple products are talked about all of the time, I'd sure you see it. Since this isn't, I don't find it surprising at all that there's very little uproar here about the high prices of Apple's stuff.

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 9:56:07 AM

Apple (the over charging, money grubbing corporate raider that it is) was brought up in previous comments in this article. It usually is when people critique the price of the Vita since the iPad is such an obvious and direct comparison.

2 up, 6 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:00:40 AM

No one did that here so it's completely irreverent to the discussion. Your hate for Apple doesn't make Sony'a prices for memory cards more fair.

8 up, 2 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:26:14 AM

Just as your love for Apple does not make their involvement in a discussion a non-sequitor.

1 up, 7 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:34:49 AM

LOL, there you go again with unfounded accusation. Who said I "loved" Apple. I like my iPhone to which I only paid $199 for. Hardly unfair for how much I use it and what I use it for. $600 for an iPad? Over priced. $3000 for a top of the line MacBook Pro? Overpriced. $99 for a 32gb Vita memory card, over priced.

You want to make excuses for Sony and justify their over priced memory cards and if the only way you can do that is to hate on a company that no one brought up nor defended, you're not going to convice anyone.

Try to explain why $99 for 32gb is fair without hating on Apple. That should be more convincing.

5 up, 1 down

Temjin001
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:43:19 AM

Guys, this is getting ridiculus. At least try to be agreeable. Cesar said that no one is complaing about the price hike for a 32GB Tablet/Phone/Ipod, up from their next lowest, 16gb? Which is easy to see why Jawknee called foul because the product category in question totally shifted.

But in defense of Cesar, he's correlating the preceived value of 16Gb of flash memory, where Apple is charging an lofty extra $100 to bump up to 32Gb.

Ah, Temjin, the pacifist =p

Last edited by Temjin001 on 3/16/2012 10:45:02 AM

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 11:09:07 AM

Unfounded accusations? So, what do you call your suggestion that I am making excuses for Sony? Better not look in that mirror, you might see yourself.

1 up, 4 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 11:40:25 AM

You accused me of shilling for Apple when I made zero remarks in their defense for their over priced memory. You on the other hand implied along with caesar because Apple does it, it's okay for Sony.

Two wrongs do not make a right. Neither of them are pricing their memory at reasonable prices and I made zero defense for either of them. If in order to validate your points and to defend Sony you have to point to another company that I never brought up or defended, you have no argument.

3 up, 1 down

Neo_Aeon666
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 3:42:39 PM

The only reason we compare to apple is because it is competition.

We can also use MS or Nintendo. They both sell you pieces of crap for a superior price. You can check any Ninty accessory or MS Hdds or chargers or wires bleh. They are all overpriced.

I checked good quality Micro SDs in the camera department and some of them are beyond 150$... 169.99 and the likes (for 32gb). I do not think 99.99 is that bad for a 32gb memory card that has good performance. I do hope it comes to around 69.99ish at some point and they introduce some 64gb for 99.99 :D

But it is a reasonable price compared to the market on the high quality side. Not a crappy class 1.

Last edited by Neo_Aeon666 on 3/16/2012 3:44:39 PM

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10:49:17 PM
Reply

Not sure it needs one but it would help. If it cost the same as the 3DS I'd go buy one right now.

4 up, 1 down

tes37
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10:55:18 PM
Reply

I think it's too soon to expect a price drop. I don't know how badly they need one, but I'll buy a second one whenever it does drop.

Layaway is a good option for people who don't want to wait for a price drop, but can't afford to pay all at once.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:02:09 PM

Seems layaway is coming back.

2 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 12:20:03 AM

I agree... way to soon for a price drop.

4 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 4:36:44 AM

Layaway is a scam (unless it's a product that won't be available anymore soon). Retailers that offer it like the idea of people forfeiting money to them if they fail to pay for the item in full. It's kinda like they love gift cards/certificates because 10-20% of them never get used.

0 up, 3 down

tes37
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 6:05:57 AM

xnonsuchx

That's not a scam. If you put something on layaway without the means to complete the payments, that's a sign of being an idiot.

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 9:28:04 AM

It's not a scam. If a moron gives a store money for a gift card or a layaway item and doesn't follow through, that's their fault. Not the stores.

Last edited by Jawknee on 3/16/2012 9:29:15 AM

3 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Saturday, March 17, 2012 @ 6:53:58 AM

You apparently (but not surprisingly) misunderstand. Yes, people who do layaway and then can't pay it off are idiots. But that's what retailers are banking on...enough people doing that. Besides the aforementioned exception, why would ANY non-foolish person do layaway when they can just save up money on their own and then buy the best deal when they have the money? Explain why "layaway" is better than that.

0 up, 0 down

SolidFantasy
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:02:17 PM
Reply

IMO:

So let me get this straight. The Vita is more or less a portable PS3? The PS3 cost 600$ at release (when it cost 800$ to make). And a cheap PC with weaker specs and lower durability can cost up to 800$ and that's alright, just not for the Vita?

Quit Complaining people! You're getting a good deal on a very advanced piece of hardware.

Can you imagine if Sony didn't take the price wieners into consideration and gave the Vita even better specs?

I can't afford a Vita at launch right now and that's okay. If I could than it probably wouldn't be worth it.

There is this mentality that consoles should always be cheaper than computers, but that consoles should be on par with PC tech? How is that supposed to work?

When it comes to electronics more often than not you get what you pay for!!!

8 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:07:47 PM

The $600 price tag for a PS3 wasn't alright. It hurt them in the beginning. Even I, who has been an avid Playstation fan since the PS1 didn't buy a PS3 at launch and was taken aback by the high price tag. I didn't buy a PS3 until Circuit City put them on sale and included a no interest financing and an extra $100 of if I opened a Circuit City credit card. I got mine a year after it came out for $400.

That said....I personally think $250 for the Vita is fair given the PSP and the 3DS cost about that much when they released. I just can't afford one at the moment with gas and food prices the way they are. I don't think the Vita needs a price cut. $250 is more than fair for what you get but for people like me who have less disposable income, a price drop would certainly motivate me to get one sooner.

2 up, 0 down

Cesar_ser_4
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:17:31 PM

Very true Jawknee but that's how it started with the ps3 and sony started dropping features left and right. Sure a price drop would be good. But that would come in a price of its own. Lets at least give it a year or a revision for it to drop price. Otherwise well never see a 16 gb, TV out enabled vita.

0 up, 4 down

Jawknee
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:45:50 PM

Sony dropped the price of the PS3 before they started taking feature out. That's not likely to happen to the Vita.

Last edited by Jawknee on 3/15/2012 11:46:36 PM

0 up, 0 down

wackazoa
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 9:27:39 AM

What features would the Vita remove ? It doesnt play PSP games....

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:00:24 AM

Actually, I disagree about the PS3 price hurting them. It was not the price that hurt Sony or the PS3. It was the media reaction to the price. Instead of 100s of hysterical articles whining about the price, if someone had bothered to consider for a moment what was in the box, not to mention the price of a BluRay player at the time, the media stories could and perhaps should, have been far more positive praising the price for what was in the box. Never mind the fact that at the time the 360 cost just as much for a system that lacked BluRay playback and HDMI - yes I am including things like the cost of a wireless adapter, HDD and Xbox Live. The point being the myth of the PS3 launch price continues to be pushed by people who do actually *know* better - Jawknee. Not sure why people still push this particular myth, you'd think that by now it would be quite evident that it's a myth.

6 up, 4 down

bebestorm
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:10:05 PM
Reply

Maybe there will be a price cut in a year or so to me the price is fine the issue is software. I was tempted to buy one the other day but non of the exclusive games appeal to me. Truthfully Im way more into 3rd party games. I would of spent all that money to play my psp games. As someone mentioned above Sony could drop the price on the memory cards.

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:22:21 PM
Reply

Personally I think when compared to other luxury electronics items, it's completely fair. People seem quick to forget that without a contract their prized smart phone can cost well over $300.

Tablets, laptops, consoles, any tech device we own without necessity is a luxury and luxury cost money. Just because you can't afford it this instant doesn't mean it's too expensive.

If you can't afford to rush out and buy one, that's fine, be responsible. Save your money and put other luxuries on hold until you can afford it. It's not about the expense of the Vita, it's simply people being unable to prioritize their desires for the luxuries in life.

6 up, 0 down

wizzardofozzy
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 2:25:43 AM

I agree, I wouldnt hesitate if I had the money.

What it needs is a contract.

:being slightly humurous:

3 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:01:31 AM

Moto droid Razr costs $700-$800 without a contract, it's only dual core, has none of the controls the Vita has, and a considerably less good screen.

3 up, 0 down

Warukyure [Power User]
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:32:24 PM
Reply

For me, It would be nice if there was a price cut but its not as important to me as being about to use the 100+ Games I have from my PSP on this or even play PS1 Classics. (From what I understand is that it COULD play them, just that it isn't supported atm, which is a bummer.. CHRONO CROSS"

I really wonder if this is gonna die like the PSPgo. While this does seem to have a lot going for it. From the looks of it, its barely able to sell 10,000 units a week in Japan.

As for the gaming side of this, as much as it pains me to not play Uncharted... There just isn't as many RPGs out there for me on this console (Yes I am an RPG nut.) Maybe that will be remedied soon. ; ;

0 up, 0 down

Metal Head
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:41:13 PM
Reply

Don't forget that Sony reinvented gaming with the original Playstation. There would be no Xbox or innovation without Sony. Vita is a great piece of hardware. Memory cards price is the only problem and that's because is a launch product. If you save a dollar each day, that's $365 in a year. How hard can it be to save in advance. A price cut will eventually happen, don't be so hard on Sony.

Last edited by Metal Head on 3/15/2012 11:43:02 PM

3 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 11:54:38 PM

And there would be no Playstation without Nintendo. ;P

7 up, 0 down

darxed
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 8:24:25 AM

Atari anyone?

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:03:14 AM

Jawknee, that's true, but not in the way you are implying. Sony worked for Nintendo on a Nintendo CD based system. Nintendo shafted Sony, and Sony went it alone with the hardware they had developed, and called it the PlayStation. So yea, in a sense there would be no PlayStation without the duplicitous conduct of Nintendo...

5 up, 4 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:15:39 AM

Sony wanted control over Nintendo's household names and Nintendo said no. Hardly "duplicitous conduct".

1 up, 0 down

SirLoin of Beef
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:19:25 AM

Jawknee, Sony can do no wrong apparently.

2 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:26:39 AM

Apparently.

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:27:27 AM

Nor apparently can Apple or Nintendo...

4 up, 2 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:36:40 AM

Come on High, you can make better arguments then this.

1 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 11:10:00 AM

So can you, so why don't you stop sniping?

3 up, 2 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 11:44:08 AM

First of all my No Playstation without Nintendo comment was a joke. Second, you know I fault Nintendo for plenty of things. I like their hardware and software as much as Sony's but even I can admit when they have dropped the ball. With the Wii, they dropped the ball. Sony dropped the ball when they failed the reduce the price of their memory cards. I know you have problems with the way MS prices their proprietary hardware and memory, why is Sony any different?

3 up, 0 down

crokett
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 12:10:20 AM
Reply

It's tough launching new hardware in a recession. Would we even be having this conversation if Vita came out a few years ago. Or pre-housing crisis etc.

3 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 12:17:05 AM

Great point, but this recession as you called it is more like a shift in global money. IE - those with it will continue to live accordingly, while those without it will be forced to adjust their lifestyles.

Permanently.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 12:20:58 AM

Indeed.

0 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 9:40:15 AM

A few years ago the competition were *completely* different too. Like, another world of difference.

Last edited by Beamboom on 3/16/2012 9:40:56 AM

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:05:07 AM

Max, This has happened before. In the lat 1920s there was a fundamental shift in the posession of wealth that nearly crippled the world economy. But these things have a way of working themselves out. Fundamentally speaking if you continue concentrating wealth in ever fewer hands, something ultimately has to break. Those concentrating the wealth would do well to consider that simple fact.

1 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:34:27 AM

Highlander - Agreed on all your points with two things added to what you just stated.

First off, the wealthy are not doing what is necessary to stop the breaking that you speak about. I do not see that trend ceasing either, especially when only a few hands have it as we post. Take a look at government subsidisations on a world wide scale.

Secondly, the world of 1920 while similar in several regards did not have to contend with the two factors that I believe will ultimately cripple this society. One being the information technology we possess such as the internet. How much instant information is to much? Two being the world destroying military industrial complex that many nations are capable of projecting. A war is coming to this planet.

Last edited by maxpontiac on 3/16/2012 10:37:01 AM

0 up, 0 down

daus26
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 2:19:21 AM
Reply

Just got enough for a new laptop, and after that I'm looking to get either a Samsung Galaxy Player or Apple iPod touch for my portable needs. Original plan was to get the Vita, but after finding out that it just simply plays games, and mediocre everything else, I decided to wait on it. I figured if it's just games, I still have the PSP for that, even if I am missing out on the graphics or touch capabilities of the Vita.

Heck, even Nintendo is smart enough to start advertising the 3DS on the net as something to more than just "games." It made it sound like the 3DS is a better value, seriously. Consumers want to see value, and marketing this thing as just a gaming machine isn't gonna cut it.

Also, the memory cards imo should get the price cut rather than the system. Those memory cards look like they don't cost much to make, unlike the Vita itself.

2 up, 1 down

Beamboom
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 4:46:18 AM
Reply

A price cut can compensate for a lot of things.
If the Vita need a price cut I'm afraid it's to compensate for the fact that the product itself is not too hot on the market today.
It's not what the masses want.

0 up, 2 down

Naksy
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 5:16:32 AM
Reply

I don't know about how much IT NEEDS a price cut i just WANT the price to drop so that i can pocket this bad boy...

0 up, 0 down

Gordo
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 6:07:09 AM
Reply

I've just bought a PS Vita (plus 8GB memory card and Uncharted) for $420 Australian.

It's a superb piece of kit. It feels like having a PS3 in your hands... It's weighty and looks amazing. The screen is wow...

Uncharted plays just like the real thing. My train journeys to work are a joy.

Is it overpriced? I can't understand how you Americans are complaining. I'm paying $400 odd for it even though the Aussie dollar is parity with the greenback. I would like to pay less but it's an investment in my gaming time.

My train was delayed last night for 35 minutes. Did I care. Not a jot. Just another couple of chapters of Uncharted. It feels like a massive step up from the PSP (which I also loved).

9 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 8:08:29 AM

America is a nation of whining. :(

7 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:05:59 AM

The movie Idiocray was sadly quite visionary.

2 up, 0 down

Naksy
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 7:18:39 AM
Reply

Sorry 'bout the multiple comments... Computer hung

0 up, 0 down

CrusaderForever
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 8:01:20 AM
Reply

We all wish everything could be cheaper. However, at those prices the Vita is a steal. It's been great owning one. The last 2 days I have played Golden Abyss instead of ME3. Will be picking up Hots Shots soon as I loved the demo. Sony needs to release Monster Hunter or another blockbuster title soon. Once that happens they will fly off the shelves.

4 up, 0 down

sha4dowknight05
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 8:22:49 AM
Reply

Anyday is great for a price cut. Consumer's unite!!!

1 up, 3 down

Dustinwp
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 8:33:28 AM
Reply

I bought the Wi-Fi model with a 32GB memory card and it's worth every penny I paid for it. I think it's actually under priced as is. It's funny that people complain about a 250-300 dollar device that will remain relevant for five to six years, but will run out and drop 600 dollars on a stupid tablet every other year.
Quit being cheap! My F**king god!!! Gamers are becoming the most entitled little whiners! Save some money. The world does not revolve around you!

Last edited by Dustinwp on 3/16/2012 8:35:42 AM

11 up, 1 down

gumbi
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 8:38:19 AM
Reply

I think the earliest we'll see a price cut would be at E3 this year. I half expect to see a $50 price cut for both the PS3 and Vita, putting them both at the $199 mark. Which I think would be golden.

I don't think Vita 'needs' a price cut before then. What it 'needs' is to deliver on some of the missing features that we all expected out of the box. IE PS1 support and Remote Play. They hyped the hell out of remote play and it stinks, it's basically the same remote play we had on PSP, which sucked back then. Sony, I love ya, but please don't promote functionality as a selling feature that you don't even have ready for launch. Not cool beans.

Those two little gripes aside, I'm still loving my Vita. I think it's more than worth the $250 tag on it right now. You won't get any device anywhere else with this level of technology for such a great price. I mean, your average new smartphone is at least $400, more likely $500-$600. My DHD is over a year old and already outdated, yet it's still got a $500 tag on it. Lets try to put things in perspective.

3 up, 0 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:07:28 AM

Vita wifi at $199.99 by Holidays this year. I've been saying this since before launch. Give it 9 months and the price cut will happen. People need top remember that there is an early adopter market, and in the past that market has lasted 12-18 months. 6-9 months is probably closer to the mark now, so I expect a Vita Price cut by October.

1 up, 0 down

AugustoDeItalia
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 8:48:06 AM
Reply

the only thing that needs to drop in price are the memory cards.

7 up, 0 down

SirLoin of Beef
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 9:36:25 AM

I agree Augusto. I'm really keen on getting one but the ridiculous prices of the memory cards are a stumbling block for me. I hate having to pay stupid high prices for MS's proprietary 360 hard drives and I'm not keen on doing it for a Vita.

0 up, 0 down

Robochic
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:00:20 AM
Reply

price cut to me won't happen for a bit, from what it looks like it's the memory cards that need to be cut down not the system itself. I am right now saving for one every paycheque just like i did with my 3DS (i still kick myself for paying it in full and not waiting for the price cut) but i know the Vita is well worth it :)

1 up, 0 down

telly
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 10:16:31 AM
Reply

A price cut would help sales, for sure (though I wonder what would be more helpful: a price drop of, say, $50, or a slate of game announcements that drops jaws: God of War, the GTA vice city spinoff, an exclusive MGS game, etc.) But I think everyone -- fans, sony, everyone -- needs to temper expectations to an extent. A lot of people are more than happy to play games on the smart phones they already have and will continue to buy. Whether you love or hate that, it's a fact. And while I think the PSV and other dedicated handhelds can still do well in this era, I seriously doubt hardware and game sales are going to come close to the smart phone market. That's not a knock on PSV. I just think it will need to be judged on its own merits and not compared to 3DS (cheap and good for kids, Nintendo faithful buy EVERYTHING they put out, etc.) and certainly not to smart phone games sales.

0 up, 0 down

cadpig
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 4:17:54 PM
Reply

Sony doesn't need to cut the Vita's price just yet.
What they need to do now is lower those memory card prices.
Add flash and java to the PS vita's browser. Work on getting more higher profile games out as soon as possible. Like Killzone,Resistance, Mortal Kombat and Gravity Rush,etc...
I'm not against a price cut, but if it happens..Sony should wait at lease until the Fall

Last edited by cadpig on 3/16/2012 4:21:56 PM

1 up, 0 down

D1g1tal5torm
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 4:24:54 PM
Reply

I dropped my disoposable on a new ipad, much more appeal to me than a new psp.

1 up, 3 down

Highlander
Friday, March 16, 2012 @ 8:46:53 PM

Could have had a Vita Wi-Fi and PS3 for that...

2 up, 0 down

D1g1tal5torm
Monday, March 19, 2012 @ 1:56:46 PM

already got a psp and 2 ps3's. didnt need another.

wanted ipad

0 up, 0 down

The X Factor 9
Saturday, March 17, 2012 @ 2:57:57 AM
Reply

I'm sold once they start putting out RPG's like Skyrim and Mass Effect on it. I'd be willing to spend $300 total for a Vita with a game and like 16 GB+ memory. Any more simply won't sell with this economy.

Call of Duty will make or break this machine. Think about a full fledged CoD with Near functionality...kids at schools everywhere would spend their lunch breaks playing this. Game over.

0 up, 0 down

riptide8
Sunday, March 18, 2012 @ 6:15:24 PM
Reply

The Vita is not a must have unless you live on a train or commute. A price drop would bring it into reality and make it an affordable luxury. Id buy one for Shi#% and grins.I have all the handhelds and they collect dust because of the time I spend on the consoles.I play on a HD 55 flattie ,they cant compete unless the game has a story thats entertaining.
Drop that bad dog and Ill buy it.

0 up, 0 down

eclipse_gt_00
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 @ 2:39:00 PM
Reply

Got mine the day it came out with a 32GB memory card and 3 games from Amazon. If you want something bad enough you save your pennies... And yes, I'm sure the price will drop. But I'm playing mine now :)

0 up, 0 down

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