The PS Vita, Sony’s latest handheld console, has been out for a couple of weeks now and has been delighting fans the world over.
It feels like a million years ago that we were watching the Vita’s progress in Japan closely at the end of last year, trying to see if the handheld would succeed over here.
But the handheld has been released into the wild now, and all Sony can do is watch and wait (and throw millions in marketing at it, obviously).
So how has the Vita fared so far? And will it beat that other hugely popular handheld console, the Nintendo 3DS?
Sony PS Vita a success in the US
According to Sony, sales of the PS Vita have been ‘exceptional’ in the US. But they would say that, and no official figures have been released just yet.
“After months of anticipation, the US launch of PlayStation Vita saw overwhelming enthusiasm amongst gamers, resulting in exceptional hardware, software and peripheral sales,” said Patrick Seybold, Sony’s corporate communications chief.
“Customer satisfaction rates are very high and momentum will continue as gamers get their hands on a deep line up of blockbuster titles that take advantage of PS Vita’s unique features, including cross-platform play with the PlayStation 3.”
Sony PS Vita still struggling in Japan
Sony has sold more than one million PS Vita units worldwide so far – a very decent start given its relatively short life. But can it beat the Nintendo 3DS?
The handheld is still struggling in Japan, often being outsold by Nintendo and the 3DS. The 3DS is also selling well in the US, shifting more than four million units in first year.
The 3DS was not well received by critics, especially compared to the PS Vita, but its fans love it. Sony certainly has an uphill struggle against the Nintendo powerhouse, but there’s still a long way to go.
