14 DAY TRIAL // The PlayStation Vita is getting ready for its launch in February, but games industry analysts are unsure about its chances of success. Some believe that first-party games might save it, while others say that it will only end up damaging Sony’s image.
While the PlayStation Vita isn’t doing so well in its native Japan, Sony is confident that the device’s release in the rest of the world, scheduled for the end of February, will be very successful.
EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich believes that the Vita will sell well only if Sony’s first party games will cause enough hype around it to get people past its high price.
“Their big focus for 2012 will be the launch of the PlayStation Vita. If Sony can dedicate themselves to launching strong first-party content, I don’t see any reason, not even the price tag, that could hold the Vita back. With early reviews of Uncharted for the Vita coming in positively, it looks like they are on the right track,” Divnich told Industry Gamers.
On the other hand, Wedbush Securities analyst, Michael Pachter, isn’t so confident in the Japanese company, saying that the mainstream market doesn’t need a new dedicated handheld gaming device at this time, especially due to other mobile platforms.
“I think that the push of PS Vita as a portable PlayStation is a good idea, but am not sure if there is a mass market need for a portable PlayStation. Sony should come up with a product strategy where it can make money from each product on a standalone basis (as Apple does), with interoperability and cross functionality a nice side benefit. Apple doesn’t try to sell every iPhone owner a Mac; Sony shouldn’t base its PS Vita rollout on PS3 titles.”
Some of the Vita’s selling points include backwards compatibility with the PSP, remote play option with the PS3, as well as the support of big PS3 franchises like Uncharted, Wipeout, Resistance and much more.
Considering all these things, do you think the Vita will be a success in the rest of the world or will its sales disappoint, just like in Japan?