Quality Ignored: Why Hardcore Gamers Should Embrace PS Vita

[forevercloud3000]

RolStoppable said:
A sales failure doesn't make a console bad. Yes, I can agree with this sentiment. However, whether or not a failure is deserved is another matter. The Vita is a deserved failure for numerous reasons:

1) Sony overshot the market with their portable console once again. There were things to learn from the PSP, but Sony didn't. The result is that the system, including memory cards, is too expensive to be an attractive buy.

2) Sony's expectation that it can't go wrong. Their software roadmap had an initial push of first party software with the expectation that third parties would take over soon after launch, hence why the release schedule of upcoming first party games is so barren. If the console manufacturer itself doesn't show much support, then there's no reason why anyone should feel sorry for that company.

3) Sony's inability/unwillingness to address obvious problems. The Vita's dire state was long in the making. By the start of last year's summer, everyone (except Jack Tretton) could see it clearly. A permanent price cut on the console and memory cards was needed, as well as additional allocation of first party development resources to send the message that Sony wants to prevent this ship from sinking. With Sony's recent projection for Vita sales for the current fiscal year, there's no indication that there's going to be a first party software push. Even a price cut is doubtful.

All these are things that are/were under Sony's control. Whether or not a failure is deserved depends on what you could have done better and by how much you could have done these things better. In the Vita's case, it's going to be hard for anyone to disagree that Sony could and should have done many things a lot better. It is a deserved failure.

I can agree with you on most points, except the Barren 1st Party for Vita. Its been mostly packed with 1st Party IPs. Soul Sacrifice, Sly4, Killzone Mercs and Tearaway this year. I believe that is really about normal on how many 1st party titles you can have in any given year on the same console.