How Sony can save the Vita

[Michael-5]

greenmedic88 said:

The truth is, in Japan, there simply isn't a whole lot of compelling new software to sell the platform; no major must have hit title and in Japan more than any other market, it takes that single big title to move portables on a given week.

A consistent release schedule for marketable, solid titles more than any other thing previously listed in the OP is what will "save" the platform.

The thing is, PSV will probably be successful in Japan. Japanese gaming habits have largely shifted to handheld system, and PSP did start slow too. 360 started real slow as well, but it's still holding #2 in console sales.

People will get a PSV because they want to get a new console, and PSV is the only "alternative" to the 3DS. It's also likely going to house a lot of Japanese HD games like Monster Hunter and Final Fantasy. Until we start seeing those games come in, PSV sales, like PSP and 360 sales, will be slow. When they come in, sales will jump.

 

The real question is, outside of Japan, is the PSV doomed? NA handheld market is largely Casual/Nintendo focused, so it will have trouble here, but in Europe the Playstation brand holds a lot more meaning.

Personally I expect 3DS sales to mimick DS sales and PSV sales to mimick PSP sales with the only differences being that 3DS will start strong, but fall earlier, and PSV will start a bit weaker, but pick up more momentum down the road.