Analysts Don't Think PS3's New Price-Point Will Have An Impact On Vita

The entry-model PlayStation Vita will also cost $249. This has driven some speculation that the two devices might cannibalize each other's sales, but industry analysts disagree.

“I don’t believe the PlayStation 3 price drop will impact the perceived value of the $249 Vita,” EEDAR’s Jesse Divnich told IndustryGamers.

“With the growth of the tablet and smartphone market, I believe consumers are more likely to compare the $249 Vita to a $499 iPad tablet than a PlayStation 3. Bottom line, I don’t believe the announcement of the PS3 price drop will impact potential sales of the Vita.”

Maligned Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter added that the overlap between the devices is not likely to be very large.

“I’m not sure that they are trying to sell both to the same person as alternatives to one another. People who want both will buy both.

“People with neither are more likely to buy a PS3, people with a console already might be more likely to buy Vita.”

Divinch added that it wouldn't be the first time a handheld has sold for a greater price than its home console counterpart.

“Back when the Nintendo DS launched at $149, the GameCube was only $99, and that had little impact on the success of the Nintendo DS,” he said.

“The PSP launched at $249, while the PS2 was priced at $149. I truly believe that despite sharing similar brands (and games), consumers treat the home and portable markets separately.”

[Thanks IndustryGamers]