By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

Forums - Sony - PS Vita is 'too expensive for most', says Pachter

UnitSmiley on 27 July 2012
wfz said:
When extremely expensive Apple products sell yearly minor updates for huge prices and people buy it by the millions, I can't help but think this price argument is retarded. It's all about value. Pachter argues that it has amazing value yet even with the best value ever, having that price point makes some sort of magical barrier to consumers.

I think he's entirely wrong.


But apple products have a lot more going for them, even if it's all superficial. Apple products are the "cool" thing to have.

I have nothing against Apple products, in fact I don't know much about em. But neither to most people who buy them. A lot of Apples consumers are just people who buy their products because of popularity/social relevance.

The Vita doesn't have that type of superficial appeal.



Around the Network
NintendoPie on 27 July 2012

Nice job stating the obvious, Mr. Pachter.

Now, about that 3DS statement... *facepalm*



wfz on 27 July 2012
UnitSmiley said:
wfz said:
When extremely expensive Apple products sell yearly minor updates for huge prices and people buy it by the millions, I can't help but think this price argument is retarded. It's all about value. Pachter argues that it has amazing value yet even with the best value ever, having that price point makes some sort of magical barrier to consumers.

I think he's entirely wrong.


But apple products have a lot more going for them, even if it's all superficial. Apple products are the "cool" thing to have.

I have nothing against Apple products, in fact I don't know much about em. But neither to most people who buy them. A lot of Apples consumers are just people who buy their products because of popularity/social relevance.

The Vita doesn't have that type of superficial appeal.

Which all adds into the increased "value" people see in products. As long as they see a high value, they will pay a high price. The price doesn't magically stop people from purchasing. The price/value ratio does.


The idea that "this product has absolutely amazing value but the price point is too high for consumers" doesn't make sense when extremely expensive products with high value DO sell (iPads are an example).

The real problem with Vita isn't the price. It's the price/value ratio. Consumers aren't seeing the value to reflect the price the handheld is at.



happydolphin on 27 July 2012
Jay520 said:
oniyide said:
Jay520 said:

compared to the DS sales at the same time from release, you could say 3DS sales are weak.


didnt someone put up a chart that showed 3DS is actually selling more than DS did?

OT he is right about Vita but wrong about 3DS as usual


perhaps, but I remember someone putting up a chart showing the 3DS selling less than the DS. I'm too lazy to check right now though.

No, Oni's right. As far as I remember the 3DS is outselling the DS in all regions since launch. Here was my analysis, since Kowen's graphs need to be updated.

US Data:

Month DS 3DS
1 2004 Nov 486,391 2011 Mar 350,918
2   Dec 816,218   Apr 220,021
3 2005 Jan 141,999   May 94,459
4   Feb 129,478   Jun 102,090
5   Mar 147,647   Jul 75,118
6   Apr 62,394   Aug 234,387
7   May 58,594   Sep 293,443
8   Jun 123,586   Oct 249,784
9   uly 81,920   Nov 842,397
10   Aug 98,893   Dec 1,644,736
11   Sep 178,646 2012 Jan 237,840
12   Oct 145,379   Feb 239,203
13   Nov 351,935   Mar 198,458
14   Dec 1,083,532   Apr 143,729
15 2006 Jan 157,694   May 122,409
16   Feb 159,191   Jun 165,842
  Total   4,223,497     5,214,834

Courtesy of 

http://gamrconnect.vgchartz.com/thread.php?id=145718

http://gamrconnect.vgchartz.com/post.php?id=4697307



BenVTrigger on 27 July 2012

The thing holding Vita back isnt price at all its software.

I LOVE my Vita, Gravity Rush so far has been amazing but the Vuta really doesnt have any "must have" games yet. It really needs a well done Final Fantasy, Monster Hunter, GTA, or some game of that caliber.

AC3 Liberation might help in the West it looks damn good and theres a Vita bundle for it



Around the Network
huiii on 27 July 2012

if the vita is too expensive would't the 3ds xl be to expensive as well? (if i remember correctly it costs about the same) plus i read somewhere that the charging cable isn't includet in the 3ds xl so youd have to pay extra just like the vitas's memory card...



mysticwolf on 27 July 2012

Vita is having a rough start just like the 3DS did. Too expensive and not enough games.
Can't wait to get my hands on an XL.



 Been away for a bit, but sneaking back in.

Gaming on: PS4, PC, 3DS. Got a Switch! Mainly to play Smash

happydolphin on 27 July 2012
mysticwolf said:
Vita is having a rough start just like the 3DS did. Too expensive and not enough games.
Can't wait to get my hands on an XL.

"That said", hey?



silicon on 27 July 2012
bouzane said:
silicon said:
Compared to the number of Ipads that were sold it is definitely not too expensive...


Apple can sell all of the overpriced crap they want, that doesn't change the fact that the Vita is way, way too expensive.


If an Ipad costs $600 and the vita costs $250

Apple sold 17 million Ipads... Vita is 2.5 million since release. Price is definitely not the issue. I aggree with other posters, they should have added some tablet features like a pdf reader or ebook reader. SONY probably didn't do that because it didn't want to compete with it's own ebooks or tablets. SONY needs more communication between departments. They really only need 1 big seller instead of many average / poor sellers. 

Don't get me wrong though. I like the Vita, and I think they needed to emphasize the compatibility with PSP games. I just don't think price is what's holding it back. 

There'll be a price drop anyway. There have been sales for the last few months with free games / free $50 gift cards. Also October is packed with games. There's probably a game for everyone in that month that make it worth buying. 



Pokemonbrawlvg on 27 July 2012
huiii said:
if the vita is too expensive would't the 3ds xl be to expensive as well? (if i remember correctly it costs about the same) plus i read somewhere that the charging cable isn't includet in the 3ds xl so youd have to pay extra just like the vitas's memory card...

Note: The 3DS XL comes with an AC Adaptar if you live in the US, Australia, or New Zealand. Only Europe and Japan doesn't have one included.

3DS XL = $200

Vita = $250 (Wi-Fi model)  or $300 (3G model) + $20-$100 Memory Card (depends on sizes, 4GB-32GB)

Included (not the basic stuff such as manual and charger):

3DS XL = Built-In Software: StreetPass Mii Plaza (includes two free games), Face Raiders, and AR Games. Six AR cards and 4GB SD Card

Vita = Six AR Cards (have the option to download three free AR games from PSN Store)



Read my original story on Fictionpress (Shinigami Twin): http://www.fictionpress.com/s/2996503/1/Shinigami-Twin 

As well as my other one (Hell's Punishment): http://www.fictionpress.com/s/3085054/1/Hell-s-Punishment

Nintendo Network ID: kingofe3