(Analyses) Vita, 3DS, WiiU - Too Early to tell

[Chark]

greenmedic88 said:

Chark said:
Just because the 3DS cut their price early doesn't mean everything has to. Why is it all the sudden the "norm". I see a early holiday bundle, probably 3G since they are pushing that SKU. It will include a 4gb or an 8gb and a game, new or Uncharted or something. maybe some variety. If we're lucky 2 games, but not betting on it. I see the Vita selling 8 to 10 million this year without a price cut just based on current sales and holiday boosts. A system that sells almost 2 million in 2 months in not doomed, by a long shot.

This pretty much stems from the assumption that "what's good for the goose, is good for the gander" when this is not always the case. Yes, the early $70 price drop for the 3DS was huge (to the point where it probably should have pissed off more "ambassadors" than it did), but it really needs to be pointed out that the price drop was paired with a couple of major software releases for the holiday season. Chopping a chunk off the MSRP of the PSV won't have the same effect without being correctly timed with the release of more than one major software title, which as of yet would be an unannounced title (GoW PSV or GT PSV for example). 

Comparatively speaking, the 3G model is already pretty reasonably priced if one were to compare the only existing business model in the iPad. Apple charges an extra $130 for 3G/4G network access (extra hardware cost). $50 seems extremely reasonable by comparison and yet the majority of the vocal internet still sees the 3G addition as "worthless" or "overpriced."

Personally, I really don't see the point of the additional costs associated with the 3G model and AT&T's 3G network service. I'm speaking as a PSV 3G owner and current AT&T 3G network user. As an AT&T iPhone user I would really like to know why I should bother even renewing the 3G service when the only uses I can see are for Near updates and non-WiFi internet access (which I already have with the iPhone). I've used less than 20MB on the 250MB minimum plan after just short of 1 month. Is that worth $15? Hell no. 

It's still way too early to be making bold predictions on where the PSV platform is moving, although that won't stop a lot of individuals from doing so anyway, even if for nothing more than generating controversy and the hits. 

About the only thing I'd venture to suggest is that the major complaint non-consumers (those who pretend to be interested in the platform, but really aren't) have that should be addressed, could easily be met by simply including an 8GB memory card with every SKU and just drop the 4GB card altogether since they're almost useless. No price drop required. If SCE wants to include a decent DD game off the PSN Store as well; all the better. 

I'm in the same boat with my 3G plan. Getting Super Stardust Delta was worth trying it out though. It's nice to have constant internet, but its not neccessary. Still I always have the choice to activiate it now. It will be more useful in the future, but its kind of bare bones now. The Vita is priced very well, those that think otherwise are just trying to rig the system in my opinion. This wouldn't even be an issue if Nintendo released the 3DS for $200 like they should have. 

I think an Uncharted Bundle should be announced with a 4gb card. That way 4gb cards can be phased out and stock can be moved. Then memory cards can drop in price, maybe $10 each. I think that's the next step Sony will make, along with a few bigger releases later this year, and then a sweet bundle in December. Maybe 2 games, or a couple to choose from with an 8gb. That will bolster up sales without a price cut, and when reality sets in for all those people waiting for the cut they'll buy the bundle and be happy. Then we don't have to hear about this anymore.