In a surprise press conference overnight, Sony has announced that it is set to slash the price of the PlayStation Vita in Japan. The company confirmed that from 28th February, you’ll be able to pick up either a Wi-Fi or 3G console for around ¥19,980 ($215), down from ¥24,980 ($269). The platform holder has since confirmed that the cut won’t apply in the West, but there’s always a chance that something might be announced during Wednesday’s upcoming PlayStation Meeting.
For the time being, though, the move is clearly aimed at improving domestic handheld sales. During the surprise event, SCEJ president Hiroshi Kawano also revealed a Phantasy Star Online 2 bundle featuring a console and copy of the game for ¥19,980, a red Soul Sacrifice bundle for ¥24,980, and a handful of games. Japanese players will also be able to redeem one week of free PlayStation Plus access between 28th February and 18th March.
Amongst the titles on show were Toukiden, a brand new action game from Dynasty Warriors developer Omega Force. Gundam Breaker and Valhalla Knights 3 were also on display, as was God Eater 2. And, finally, the first footage of Final Fantasy X HD was shown, which looked particularly impressive we must admit.
It’s great timing for the price-drop, with the Vita finally gathering a decent collection of heavy hitters in its home region. The console is now just ¥1,080 ($11) more expensive than the Nintendo 3DS, which is pretty impressive when you consider the differences in technical prowess. The platform holder needs to continue bringing a steady stream of games, though, if it hopes to compete with its closest competitor’s unstoppable juggernaut.
At least this is a step in the right direction.
[source jp.playstation.com, via eurogamer.net]
Comments 20
it would be nice if it also gets a price cut here it would go a long way to helping improve it's sales
Finaly some smart moves from Sony.
Great! I was hoping they would clear out all the vita info before wednesday so we get more PS4 info. But i was REALLY hoping to hear about a sequel to Gravity Rush.
Weird how they make 3g and wifi mode the same price
Want to watch the news so baaaddd, and it's relieving seeing news for Ffx ev though still no date
A price cut here in the West is imminent, seeing as they're really trying to more Vita's. And it's about time there was some more news about God Eater 2, I was starting to get somewhat frustrated.
its great now if only capcom help out with monster hunter or resident evil...
@divinelite
i think that perhaps 3G isn't quite the draw that they expected it to be. The additional expense of the 3G console and data plan just isn't worth it. WiFi hot spots are all over the place and phone tethering is pretty much a standard option on most handsets these days (what I used to do), and you aren't hit by the built in 3G download restriction when you do.
Maybe this may be a partial 'clearance' move to introduce a hardware revision. Probably not. but by the time Killzone Mercenary lands in September I'd like to be able to pick up a new Vita, a respectable memory card and a few games for £200.
Blimey things could be looking up, with the price cut, and hopefully on weds they will show ps3 games streaming to vita, and if were really lucky they will show that every ps4 comes with a vita as a touch screen controller (well we can dream!)
Wow, can Sony shoot there self in the foot anymore in the u.s. ..
If you could stream PS3 games to the vita I'm sure ppl wouldn't care about the price cut.. I know I wouldn't.
This is good. I predict that this will help.
I hope we get the price cut over in NA just so people will stop complaining and actually get this excellent system.
Although it has gameplay looking like its merely by-the-numbers I have to say God Eater 2 has fantastic music in that trailer.
Dang, $11 more for a Vita than 3ds? Who in the hell wouldn't spring for that? Vita just needs Cooking Mama and 3ds won't have anything left
All Sony needs to do is drastically REDUCE the prices of their memory cards. Intro a 64gb one for those who like the Dwnload options.
Well they need to announce some heavy hitters like the ones that are coming out on 3DS soon. Can't wait for summer...
This price-cut wasn't surprise at all... it was obvious.
I hope NA gets both the price cut AND the bundle. If we do then I should be a very proud Vita owner by the end of this year!!
There's no way I can resist a new Ys game. Here's to hoping the Falcom/XSeed partnership brings over many more quality games to the Vita!
Falcom's a system seller for me, don't know about the rest of you
Yeah, I bought Vita for Ys and Gravity Rush... And now, with Sloul Sacrifice around the coner, I more than happy that I bought Vita.
I'm not interested in any of the games mentioned. Although recruiting an army of waitresses in Valhalla Knights 3 sounds funny, but not $20 funny.
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