- Do you think the game quality on the Vita will be worth the cost when it's become clear that many people are content to play games on their iOS or Android device?
- Do you plan on buying a Vita?
- If you have an iOS or Android device and play games on it and also intend to buy a Vita, will having the Vita impact how many games you purchase for your smartphone/tablet?
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Will the Sony PlayStation Vita be successful outside Japan?
While it won't be released in the U.S. until February, many are already questioning how successful a dedicated portable gaming device will be in the face of growing popularity of gaming on smartphones and tablets.
1. I think that the game quality on the Vita will be excellent, but that many will find it too expensive, even parents of kids begging for it.
2. I am not planning on buying one, but it's possible, however unlikely, that someone will show me a game that would be worth the expense.
3. Nothing can stop me from buying apps on impulse!
2. I am not planning on buying one, but it's possible, however unlikely, that someone will show me a game that would be worth the expense.
3. Nothing can stop me from buying apps on impulse!
"Successful" can be defined in multiple ways, and however the Vita does when it releases, Sony will of course spin the story to say how successful the Vita has been.
I think the toughest thing about selling the Vita is the price: The cheapest one is $250 for the wifi-only version, and whichever version you get: You still pretty much are required to pay an extra $20-$100 or so for Sony's proprietary Vita memory cards. Then there's the retail games, which can cost up to $49.99. Cost is going to be the biggest hurdle for the PS Vita.
Sony already has a pretty nice lineup of titles for the launch window, so I don't think the Vita's library is a problem (yet...for now...)
Do I have a smart phone? Yes: An Android. Do I want a Vita? Yes.
Smart phones and tablets are made for simple little fun games like Angry Birds. We see a lot of those smaller, simple games for these devices, and they generally do very well. But then, of course, we see even bigger games work their way on these devices, however: It's never always the best experience. We're talking about games that look to deliver a console-quality gameplay on devices that were just not made for it. For those kinds of games, you have to deal with on-screen buttons, which are never always good. Not to mention that the graphics/loading may chug a bit on your device, depending on the game/device.
And my biggest issue with these iOS/Android games is that there's generally no real easy way to manage game saves. Want to carry on with your game on another device? Nope. Need to delete a game to save some space? Say goodbye to your progress as well!
Also, at this point: I just want to keep my phone separate from games. I need to use my phone as a phone. I need to keep in contact with people. When I play a game on there, it's hogging up the battery life, and that's no good when I want to continue using my phone the rest of that day and I can't use my charger.
Simply put: I'm buying a Vita because it's a gaming device. It's made to play games. Not just tiny little pick-up-and-play physics puzzles: PS3-quality games. Games using actual buttons and actual sticks.
The Android/iOS crowd is best for casual games for anyone. Vita is more for the gamers who play their PS3 or Xbox 360 at home, and that's precisely who is going to buy the Vita. Certainly, Sony will also try to get casual gamers into the mix with simpler, approachable games (some of which we can already see from the launch lineup, like "Little Deviants"), but again: The biggest hurdle for both casual and hardcore gamers is the cost of entry: You'll have to put down around $300 or so just to have the system. $300 for another device. Such a price-point is certainly why many people are quick to say "Well, why buy more electronics when I already can play games on my do-it-all device?"
The fact of the matter is that most gamers may not necessarily want a console-quality game on-the-go. There are still some that are just content with their phone or tablet.
Will the Vita affect how I purchase apps on my phone? No. If anything, it will be just like owning another gaming console: I'll always go to GameStop or the games section of the big-box stores and check out what's available for the system I own. Anytime else, I can always browse the Android Marketplace (if i'm really bored), or search for an app I've heard about and just download, since it's at an impulse-price. That's the main difference with Vita and touch-device games: We're talking about smaller games that cost nothing or usually $0.99 compared to bigger beefier games that's $9.99-$49.99.
I just think the biggest thing hurting the Vita is price. We've already seen the system dip in sales over in Japan. That could be due to several reasons, like not much in the game's library right now, but the biggest thing has to be it's price. We have already seen the 3DS's price cut down drastically after a very rocky start early 2011, and since then Nintendo seems to be doing very well with it, especially after securing some exclusive games that the Japanese audiences really want, like Monster Hunter 4.
Overall: I'm looking forward to this February and to see just how well the Vita fares with American/European audiences...
I think the toughest thing about selling the Vita is the price: The cheapest one is $250 for the wifi-only version, and whichever version you get: You still pretty much are required to pay an extra $20-$100 or so for Sony's proprietary Vita memory cards. Then there's the retail games, which can cost up to $49.99. Cost is going to be the biggest hurdle for the PS Vita.
Sony already has a pretty nice lineup of titles for the launch window, so I don't think the Vita's library is a problem (yet...for now...)
Do I have a smart phone? Yes: An Android. Do I want a Vita? Yes.
Smart phones and tablets are made for simple little fun games like Angry Birds. We see a lot of those smaller, simple games for these devices, and they generally do very well. But then, of course, we see even bigger games work their way on these devices, however: It's never always the best experience. We're talking about games that look to deliver a console-quality gameplay on devices that were just not made for it. For those kinds of games, you have to deal with on-screen buttons, which are never always good. Not to mention that the graphics/loading may chug a bit on your device, depending on the game/device.
And my biggest issue with these iOS/Android games is that there's generally no real easy way to manage game saves. Want to carry on with your game on another device? Nope. Need to delete a game to save some space? Say goodbye to your progress as well!
Also, at this point: I just want to keep my phone separate from games. I need to use my phone as a phone. I need to keep in contact with people. When I play a game on there, it's hogging up the battery life, and that's no good when I want to continue using my phone the rest of that day and I can't use my charger.
Simply put: I'm buying a Vita because it's a gaming device. It's made to play games. Not just tiny little pick-up-and-play physics puzzles: PS3-quality games. Games using actual buttons and actual sticks.
The Android/iOS crowd is best for casual games for anyone. Vita is more for the gamers who play their PS3 or Xbox 360 at home, and that's precisely who is going to buy the Vita. Certainly, Sony will also try to get casual gamers into the mix with simpler, approachable games (some of which we can already see from the launch lineup, like "Little Deviants"), but again: The biggest hurdle for both casual and hardcore gamers is the cost of entry: You'll have to put down around $300 or so just to have the system. $300 for another device. Such a price-point is certainly why many people are quick to say "Well, why buy more electronics when I already can play games on my do-it-all device?"
The fact of the matter is that most gamers may not necessarily want a console-quality game on-the-go. There are still some that are just content with their phone or tablet.
Will the Vita affect how I purchase apps on my phone? No. If anything, it will be just like owning another gaming console: I'll always go to GameStop or the games section of the big-box stores and check out what's available for the system I own. Anytime else, I can always browse the Android Marketplace (if i'm really bored), or search for an app I've heard about and just download, since it's at an impulse-price. That's the main difference with Vita and touch-device games: We're talking about smaller games that cost nothing or usually $0.99 compared to bigger beefier games that's $9.99-$49.99.
I just think the biggest thing hurting the Vita is price. We've already seen the system dip in sales over in Japan. That could be due to several reasons, like not much in the game's library right now, but the biggest thing has to be it's price. We have already seen the 3DS's price cut down drastically after a very rocky start early 2011, and since then Nintendo seems to be doing very well with it, especially after securing some exclusive games that the Japanese audiences really want, like Monster Hunter 4.
Overall: I'm looking forward to this February and to see just how well the Vita fares with American/European audiences...
i am not sure how successful it will but i don't think it will be as the original PSP. The landscape is so different now and has much more competition in different areas (iPhone, Android phones and 3Ds).
I know you can get a WiFi only model and a 3G model i wonder how much does the device have to be on line to truly get the most out of it? the 3G model means another data plan on top of the one i already have for my phone.
- i think the game quality will be amazing. but i don't see a lot of people dropping 40 bucks for a game that may cost them 50 to 60 for the console. if they make games that tie into the console game some maybe but i doubt it. for portable devices i think a lot of people and parents have gotten used to giving out 20 dollar gift cards that keep the kids or even adults entertained for a while with the game selection from iTunes for example.
- no i don't plan on buying one. i do have 3DS and that really because of Mario and Zelda i can't think of any games on PSP that are must have titles. Uncharted for example i would prefer to play that on the console than a portable device.
- if i did have or planed on buying the Vita yes i think that would suck up my game money and leave my iOS and Android devices in the lurch especially on the large dollar games but not so much on the spur of the moment buys like 99cent games.
I know you can get a WiFi only model and a 3G model i wonder how much does the device have to be on line to truly get the most out of it? the 3G model means another data plan on top of the one i already have for my phone.
It really depends on how we want to define "successful" here. It will not do the same numbers that the PSP did over its lifespan. I don't think it'll manage to do more than 20 million unit sales at the most. But I think Sony knows that, and we all know that. Times have changed, and the market is different. This product will be fairly niche. I will most likely buy one, because of how impressive the hardware is, and my love for sony's franchises like uncharted or resistance, etc.. But at the end of the day, most of the mainstream market will not be like me. They'll ask why they'd need a dedicated portable console and why they'd need to pay premium prices for games when they can get quick, cheap, casual stuff on the phone they already carry. But again, I think we all know this and I really think Sony knows this too. They aren't expecting blockbuster numbers. They aren't expecting this product to change the way the market is headed. They just wanted to create the best portable console that's ever been made, and offer the most impressive handheld gaming experiences they could produce, even if it's only for that small segment of the market that still wants that. And if those people go out and buy one and love it, then I think it could be called a success, even if the numbers are fairly small. There are many other categories of niche products that don't sell very much, but they do well and continue to be made. We don't call all these failures. The same could be said for the Vita.
It depends on how you define successful. It will not sell as many units as Nintendo 3DS. It will not stop people from using their smartphones for gaming. However, if managed correctly, it can be successful (i.e. profitable) for Sony over the long term.
The quality of the games will appeal to a specific niche. It's abilities to interact with the PS3 will attractive to owners of that console. The unit's ability to play awesome looking videos (plus music) will also hook some buyers.
If this thing sells 50 million+ units over the next several years, I believe Sony and its customers will be more than satisfied.
I have a wifi version preordered and hope to receive it on the 22nd. I have an iPad but do not play games with it, so it will not impact my current game purchases.
The quality of the games will appeal to a specific niche. It's abilities to interact with the PS3 will attractive to owners of that console. The unit's ability to play awesome looking videos (plus music) will also hook some buyers.
If this thing sells 50 million+ units over the next several years, I believe Sony and its customers will be more than satisfied.
I have a wifi version preordered and hope to receive it on the 22nd. I have an iPad but do not play games with it, so it will not impact my current game purchases.
1. No. Especially with the iPad 3 right around the corner.
2. Have one.
3. Apples and oranges for now. iOS games are much cheaper while most Vita games will be in the $30-$50 range.
I got a Vita as a gift last month (I live in Asia). It's a beautiful device, but I believe that it will be a flop at launch and for the short-term in North America. Here’s why:
The Rise of the Casual Gamer
When the original PSP came out 5-6 years ago, it also was met with anticipation and had good press. But five years is a long time in world of tech and it was a different gaming market too. The PSP was initially targeted at hard-core gamers who demographic represents mostly men in their teens to their 30s. But since the success of the Nintendo Wii, a new kind of gamer began to emerge: the casual gamer. This demographic pretty much represent everyone else. The casual gamer isn’t going to care that the Vita is faster and better than the competition. All they care about are the games and the Vita, with all of its powerful hardware, won’t have many games directed toward the casual gamer.
Too Many Devices, Too Much Competition
Convergence and the rise of the casual gamer has led to smartphones and mp3 players being used more and more as a gaming platform. This is why Apple announced that iPod Touch/iPhone is now the world’s most popular portable gaming device. And let’s not forget the popularity of tablet devices. With more and more people using their phones, iPods and tablet as their game platform of choice, who (except for the hard-core gamer) wants to lug another device around?
A Better Sequel is Just Around the Corner
The lack of a truly successful launch for the Nintendo 3DS (and the Vita in Japan) is an indicator that the public is not going to respond well to another mobile game machine. Just like the Vita, the 3DS had great specs and press before its launch. Yet, after its release, even hard-core gamers and fanboys stayed away. If the public was thinking what I was thinking, we are all waiting for the 3DS Lite. Or the 3DS XL. The public is well aware of companies releasing an incrementally better version a year later. So the 3DS and Vita are just public betas. People will be more likely to buy them if once a more stable lower priced version is released.
2. Have one.
3. Apples and oranges for now. iOS games are much cheaper while most Vita games will be in the $30-$50 range.
I got a Vita as a gift last month (I live in Asia). It's a beautiful device, but I believe that it will be a flop at launch and for the short-term in North America. Here’s why:
The Rise of the Casual Gamer
When the original PSP came out 5-6 years ago, it also was met with anticipation and had good press. But five years is a long time in world of tech and it was a different gaming market too. The PSP was initially targeted at hard-core gamers who demographic represents mostly men in their teens to their 30s. But since the success of the Nintendo Wii, a new kind of gamer began to emerge: the casual gamer. This demographic pretty much represent everyone else. The casual gamer isn’t going to care that the Vita is faster and better than the competition. All they care about are the games and the Vita, with all of its powerful hardware, won’t have many games directed toward the casual gamer.
Too Many Devices, Too Much Competition
Convergence and the rise of the casual gamer has led to smartphones and mp3 players being used more and more as a gaming platform. This is why Apple announced that iPod Touch/iPhone is now the world’s most popular portable gaming device. And let’s not forget the popularity of tablet devices. With more and more people using their phones, iPods and tablet as their game platform of choice, who (except for the hard-core gamer) wants to lug another device around?
A Better Sequel is Just Around the Corner
The lack of a truly successful launch for the Nintendo 3DS (and the Vita in Japan) is an indicator that the public is not going to respond well to another mobile game machine. Just like the Vita, the 3DS had great specs and press before its launch. Yet, after its release, even hard-core gamers and fanboys stayed away. If the public was thinking what I was thinking, we are all waiting for the 3DS Lite. Or the 3DS XL. The public is well aware of companies releasing an incrementally better version a year later. So the 3DS and Vita are just public betas. People will be more likely to buy them if once a more stable lower priced version is released.
Interesting response. You raise some valid points but I have a couple of questions for you:
-Do people with iPads also carry their phones? Is it possible that some of these people will leave their tablet at home and opt for a Vita?
-If people are waiting for incrementally better versions of hardware, why did so many people buy the original iPad and iPad 2? Or, the iPhone 3, 3g, 4 and 4s? The fact is, if the device is compelling, people will buy it.
Clearly, for you, it was not compelling. It will be interesting to see how the market reacts.
-Do people with iPads also carry their phones? Is it possible that some of these people will leave their tablet at home and opt for a Vita?
-If people are waiting for incrementally better versions of hardware, why did so many people buy the original iPad and iPad 2? Or, the iPhone 3, 3g, 4 and 4s? The fact is, if the device is compelling, people will buy it.
Clearly, for you, it was not compelling. It will be interesting to see how the market reacts.
I definitely see people carrying around iPads and tablet PCs along with their phones. Will people be carrying around their Vita? Probably not, since it isn't as versatile and has a short battery life.
Regarding incrementally better versions of hardware: the iPad 3 will not be an incrementally better version, but have a significantly better and faster processor and graphics. It will be like comparing the iPhone 3GS to the 4. Even between the 4 and the 4S, you have a better camera and faster CPU.
With handheld game systems, the improvements have been incremental. Look at the PSP. Four versions of the same device with mostly cosmetic changes. The same with the DS. I can imagine Sony releasing a new Vita next year that is lighter, has better battery life and more colors. But it's not going to have better graphics and a faster CPU.
Therefore, people may wait for Vita 2.0 and for Sony to iron out any problems before buying it.
Regarding incrementally better versions of hardware: the iPad 3 will not be an incrementally better version, but have a significantly better and faster processor and graphics. It will be like comparing the iPhone 3GS to the 4. Even between the 4 and the 4S, you have a better camera and faster CPU.
With handheld game systems, the improvements have been incremental. Look at the PSP. Four versions of the same device with mostly cosmetic changes. The same with the DS. I can imagine Sony releasing a new Vita next year that is lighter, has better battery life and more colors. But it's not going to have better graphics and a faster CPU.
Therefore, people may wait for Vita 2.0 and for Sony to iron out any problems before buying it.
i just got a PS Vita for Xmas (launched in HK on 23rd Dec)
got two games cart, Uncharted and Marvel vs Capcom
and tried bought a game Ridge Racer from the online store..
so far it didn't disappoint.
the graphics and handling are quite good
and the Uncharted Control and quite innovative and fun..
its at another level over my iPhone 4, iPad apps
or on the Android Galaxy Note..
(obviously the price is different as well, Ridge racer is US$20, Uncharted comes with the Vita but sold separately at US$40
i haven't bought a game that's more than US$10 on a iPad/iphone
never bought a game from Android market
got two games cart, Uncharted and Marvel vs Capcom
and tried bought a game Ridge Racer from the online store..
so far it didn't disappoint.
the graphics and handling are quite good
and the Uncharted Control and quite innovative and fun..
its at another level over my iPhone 4, iPad apps
or on the Android Galaxy Note..
(obviously the price is different as well, Ridge racer is US$20, Uncharted comes with the Vita but sold separately at US$40
i haven't bought a game that's more than US$10 on a iPad/iphone
never bought a game from Android market
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