14 DAY TRIAL // The PlayStation Vita handheld from Sony is now officially launched on all major markets, from Japan to Europe and North America, and Sony says that it has big post-launch plans for the device, including bringing over the biggest brands in video gaming.
Guy Longworth, who is the leader of the marketing division at Sony Computer Entertainment of America, stated, “We are excited to have a lineup that appeals to anyone who is interested in gaming.
“We want to bring the best experiences and best brands to the platform, not only from Sony but from third parties as well. The hardware offers a canvas for developers to do different things. FIFA Soccer plays incredibly well on the Vita, and we think sports games in general will be big on it.”
The Sony executive even defended the rather high price point for the device, saying, “We think this an incredible experience you get with the Vita and that gives great value to the consumer. We have something for everyone, from AAA titles at $49.99 to downloadable games at more accessible prices.”
The launch version of the PlayStation Vita is selling for 249 dollars (187.5 Euro) and some analysts have said that it represents the biggest weak point of the new device.
Poorer-than-expected sales on the Japanese market have also been blamed, at least partially, on the price of the Vita and on the limited appeal of some games that launched alongside it.
Sony has said that it has a ten-year life cycle in mind for the Vita and that it will make sure that important games are launched on a regular basis in order to avoid the dips in sales that the older PSP has seen.
We have a full hardware and software review for the PlayStation Vita on Softpedia.