Japan Vita Pre-Orders Exhausted by Japanese Retailers

A number of Japan based retailers, from Amazon to Yodobashi and Bic Camera, have reported that they are running out of pre-order stock for the upcoming PlayStation Vita handheld from Sony, which is set to be launched during December 17.

A number of Japanese news outlets have reported that those who are trying to pre-order either the 3G or the Wi-Fi version of the new device have been told that they are unable to reserve a handheld.

The PlayStation Vita is listed as being either unavailable or out of stock.

It's not clear whether Sony will be able to supplement the number of devices that are available before launch.

The company has not said how many Vita handhelds it will ship to Japanese stores ahead of the December launch dates, which might mean that shortages will probably exist for the first few days after the official launch date.

The fact that the platform is unavailable for pre-order about two months before it arrives on store shelves also means that it will be hard to gamers in the United States and Europe to pre-order a Vita and get it shipped to their regions.

Sony has confirmed that no region restrictions will be enacted on the new handheld.

The pre-order popularity of the Sony made device might also mean than a smaller than expected number of handhelds will be offered on pre-order in North America and in Europe, where the launch dates will be set for the first few months of 2012.

The fact that pre-orders are maxed out in Japan is good news for Sony, as it shows that gamers are still interested in getting a dedicated mobile gaming device despite the widespread availability of smartphones that deliver similar experiences.

It also suggests that the Vita might be a bigger sales success than the Nintendo made 3DS.