Andre Yoskowitz
28 Feb 2012 12:28
Although the PlayStation Vita is selling decently well, one analyst believes a price cut is necessary and is coming soon.
The console, which launched in the U.S. and Europe two weeks ago, has sold 1.2 million units total, including the handhelds sold in Japan since the console's launch last year in the nation.
Sony has also already sold 2.1 million games through their digital store and retail purchases, a significant number since there are only 25 games available for the system. Says Andre House, Sony Computer Entertainment president: "The market has responded and there is clear demand for a mobile device capable of providing a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context. To sustain momentum, we're working closely with 3rd party developers and publishers to ensure the best games and franchises possible will be available on PS Vita, and our software line up for the remainder of 2012 will have something for everyone across the globe."
Jia Wu, senior analyst for Connected Home Devices at Strategy Analytics (via Forbes), says Sony is making a mistake selling the console at $250-$300, however, and should slash the price as soon as possible. If Sony were to slash the price down similarly to how Nintendo did with the 3DS, the analyst believes Sony could sell 12.4 million units in 2012, making the handheld a massive success.
Video game industry analyst Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan Securities, agrees a price cut should be happening but doesn't see one happening. He instead expects Sony to sell 4.3 million PS Vitas this year.