$896. That’s how much Brazilian gamers will be forking out for the PS Vita once it becomes available in the South American country. The staggering price was uncovered by Kotaku Brazil, citing sources “close to retail”.

The Kotaku Brazil post states that the price isn’t even for the 3G version (the more expensive model), which it believes Sony won’t be releasing there.

Sure, $350 (Wi-Fi) and $420 (3G) for the Vitas here is nothing to sneeze at, but you can’t argue Brazil has more than enough ammunition to justify importing overseas units. Going by the post’s comments, this is exactly what many are planning to do.

For comparison purposes, the Nintendo 3DS was R$1199 ($651) before the price drop and R$799 ($435) after.

According to a Gamasutra story on Brazil’s gaming market, the country places extremely high taxes on non-essential goods (especially games and consoles) and most people get their games from sites such as Play Asia. A piece by GamePolitics reports prices can be “up to three times more” than the US. Given what we’ve seen here, that’s not hard to believe.

The Vita Brazilian will cost R$1,600, say our sources [Kotaku Brazil, via Save and Quit]

Source: Kokatu (or something like that)

Yeah, so shameful. I'm importing a PS Vita, even though I think all first shipment of PS Vita here in Brazil is coming with ModNation Racers, 4gb card and a pouch (wi-fi Vita only).

What exacerbates our prices is the value of our dollar. The fact we have no good bundles at our retailers at all doesn't help either. I think Game has the 'best' bundle, 348 for a wifi vita and copy of RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDGE RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACER. If someone finds a better deal in Australia please PM me.

Feel bad for people that live in Central and South America where the prices are jacked up so high (based on their currency and incomes). I wouldn't have half the games in my collection if I was exposed to those high prices.

Are the prices for games you download from PSN, Live, and VC/WW the same price as other regions or are the prices inflated online also?

Why are they so expensive ? Do you have some crazy taxes for them ?

Is that really 900 US dollars or currency difference!?

USD. In their currency it's R$1600. At least that what' i'm reading.

"the country places extremely high taxes on non-essential goods (especially games and consoles)"

"extremely high" isn't the phrase I would use... It's more like "Fuckin' rediculous".

you must be out your mind if you think $896 is not bad lets see what i can buy for that much .........
a 3ds=170 a wii-150 a ps3=250 a 360=200 (4gig model)
thats 750 for all other current hard ware except psp

Is that how much those platforms cost in Brazil?

Ouch.
After getting my Wii at $549 and a Spongebob game for $100 in Ecuador, I only buy games in U.S.A were they are amazingly rip-off cheap.