In most of these countries I thought the taxes on non-essential products were almost always duties and tarrifs, and these countries tended to be used as examples of what protectionist economic policies really look like ...

I don't imagine Sony cares that much is the PSV doesn't sell well in South America - don't they normally pirate their games anyway?

Here in NZ. A 3g vita costs $500, not fair.

You cant really expect something so awesome to be cheap you know what i mean?

Okay, I actually dare you to pay $900 vs. $300 in U.S.A.

The current Brazilian real is about 1.7R for $1, so the currency is relatively healthy.  It's that Brazil, for a country showing so much promise and, is still abiding by those command economy prices for much of their goods and services, its really out of date and the politicians there need to get their act together.  Its not that Sony doesnt care (if they didnt, they wouldnt even bother releasing it there), its what the market there dictiates.  Its the same barrier that all videogame makers go through in the country.

~USD$815 - PS3 160GB R$1.399,00
~USD$465 - X360 4GB R$800,00
~USD$465 - 3DS R$800,00 (after the price cut... the launch price was ~USD$700 / R$1.199,00)
~USD$405 - PS2 R$699,00
~USD$405 - PSP R$699,00
~USD$405 - Wii R$699,00

That's the oficial price... there are deals and you can find the hardware for less than that.

I'm waiting my travel to US to buy the Vita .

What's wrong with Brazil??

Nothing... the tax system is different but due that type of economy the Brazil is one of the few countries to not enter in the the global crisis and show market grow for all consumers products.

In reality, Brazil is experiencing the best season in terms of economy.

The R$1600,00 launch price to Vita is not high... the PS3, 360 and Wii was launched with high prices (PS3 over R$3000,00 / ~USD$1500)... the Vita is set to launch  30% more expensive then 3DS launch.

The iPhone 4 was launched here over R$2000,00 / USD$1165.

So people in Brazil can actually afford it?