The system may be locked in a constant conflict with the bottom half of the Japanese hardware charts, but it turns out that local consumers want to love the PlayStation Vita after all. A recent Famitsu magazine survey discovered that more than 64 per cent of readers are eager to snap up the struggling hardware, a sample greater than the Nintendo 3DS’ second-placed 48 per cent.
According to the poll, just 34 per cent of respondents are interested in the recently released Wii U, while 25 per cent are still in the market for a PlayStation 3. Elsewhere, 11 per cent fancy an Xbox 360, while just 10 per cent want a PlayStation Portable.
It’s currently unclear how the results were obtained, so it’s worth taking the figures with a pinch of salt. Still, it at least proves that there’s an audience waiting to invest in the Vita, even if it's unclear what's holding them back. We've included the full list of desired hardware, according to Famitsu, in the space below.
1. PS Vita - 64%
2. 3DS - 48%
3. Wii U - 34%
4. PS3 - 25%
5. PC - 14%
6. Xbox 360 - 11%
7. Smartphone - 10%
8. PSP - 10%
9. Wii - 9%
10. iPad - 7%
11. DSi / DSiXL - 5%
12. iPhone - 5%
13. iPod Touch - 4%
14. Other - 2%
[source computerandvideogames.com]
Comments 15
I think it makes sense. The hardware is near flawless in the current handheld market, but there hasn't been a game that REALLY stands out. Persona 4 Golden is probably one of the best games ever made, but it's also a port. Gravity Rush is awesome, but it's a bit repetitive and doesn't seem to hold the attention of a lot of individuals. Vita needs it's killer title like Uncharted, Killzone, and inFAMOUS is to the PS3. It would also help if Sony unleashed it's full potential (likely saved for PS4) as a handheld!
I feel similar about the Wii U. The hardware is interesting, but I don't feel like any of the games make it worth purchasing a whole console that doesn't do much more than what my current ones already can.
Also makes sense as over half of Japan already have at least one 3DS.
What really needs to happen is an HD remake of Dissidia with more characters and content! (just my opinion)
@rastamadeus Yeah, that's what I thought. With the install base so low, it's likely to have skewed the figures somewhat. Still, it's reassuring that this sample is eager to invest in the machine. Hopefully, sales improve soon.
I would agree with @rastamadeus and @nathanuc1998.
Until great games arrive, there are some excellent psp games on psn for less if you don't already own them, such as Monster Hunter Freedom Unite, Dissidia games, God of War titles, Metal Gear titles and great Tactics games among others. Some of the above are also rated the best of their respective categories. An opportunity to play old classics like FFIX and Vagrant Story is also an option to keep you busy.
A price drop on the system or more must-have exclusives would drive sales incredibly high, Vita is a sexy machine for sure
"even if it's unclear what's holding them back."
I think the choices are -
1. price
2. cost
3. it's too expensive
4. all of the above
I've said it once, and i'll say it again. If Sony wants to boost Vita sales, they need to make Puppeteer and Rain, Vita exclusives. I think it's great that they're still supporting the PS3 during what could be it's final year, but they need to pay more attention to the little guy. Uncharted, Persona, and Gravity Rush aren't enough to get people interested in the Vita.
Tearaway, Soul Sacrifice, God Eater 2, and Killzone: Mercenary are getting a lot of attention right now. Mercenary has a lot of pressure on it though, after the Unit 13 and Declassified failures, Vita owners are really looking for a worthwhile shooter. Hopefully, Mercenary isn't underwhelming.
I want some huge epic sandbox rpg on Vita... Give me that for 40$ or I cry....
final fantasy and mh and there will be many buyers for it
I think the vita would be a better contender as a portable if sony would release alot more games for it, and lower the memory card prices. Maybe Sony is right after all too, the vita will be slow at first, than really pick up after awhile, every Sony system kinda seems to do that
Well because everyone in Japan has a 3DS now... Well almost
@nathanuc1988 I must agree, It stand to reason that there will be more Vita connectivity and intergration wiht PS4 than PS3 and maybe Sony has something special planned for Vita alongside the PS4 launch. But yes Gravity Rush 2, and more interesting exclusives that wont be available elsewhere will help Vita. cheaper memory cards too please!
@ThatOneBlackGuy I wouldn't call Unit 13 a failure, though I only played the demo. It seemed good, but the score chase mechanic didn't catch my interest.
Was thinking the exact same thing as @get2sammyb and @rastamadeus myself as far as the survey is concerned.
I think the lack of game, especially with Japan's tastes in mind in this case, and the over-all start-up costs are a big part of it. The Vita's price isn't too bad but by the time you buy everything you need you could probably have bought a home console or a bunch of other stuff for the same price.
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