The new device will have a ten-year life cycle, like the PS3

Feb 22, 2012 09:18 GMT  ·  By

The general perception might be that the PlayStation Vita has been underperforming on the Japanese market, but one leading Sony executive says that the new device is now doing well and that it will perform even better in North America and in Europe.

Speaking to IGN, Jack Tretton, the leader of the American division of Sony Computer Entertainment of America, stated, “Quite frankly, it scares me if people think that the Japanese launch is struggling. The fact is they sold 500,000 units in three weeks.

“I would be pleased if we did 500,000 units in the first three weeks here in the United States. I think that’s a real healthy number for a new platform launch.”

He added, “I’ve been involved in every platform launch we’ve ever had back to 1995, so I have the history to fall back on, and in terms of the press that we’ve gotten for Vita, in terms of the way we’ve been able to deliver the message and in terms of merchandising at retail and getting the hardware and software in people’s hands, I think this is probably our most successful lead up to a launch platform.”

Tretton believes that success for the PlayStation Vita should not be judged based only on sales numbers but also on how the developers use the new platform and on how it performs when compared to its competitors and the larger contingent of smartphones that also deliver mobile gaming experience.

The executive said that, like with the PlayStation 3, Sony has a 10-year life cycle for the Vita.

The device is now also out on North American and European markets and the launch line-up of video games should ensure some solid sales during the first few weeks and Sony is promising more big launches for late spring.

You can read more about the hardware and the software for the PlayStation Vita on Softpedia.