PlayStation Vita lands in Japan
The gadget's launch in Japan has apparently gone off without a hitch. But long lines or no, will Sony's decision to release the Vita so late in the year--and, indeed, delay its U.S. launch till February--put the kibosh on a post-PSP Sony comeback?
Sony's launch of its PlayStation Vita portable gaming device in Japan has apparently gone off without a hitch.
The Associated Press reports that the gadget landed in stores today, with thousands of anxious gamers queuing up hours ahead of time to get their hands on it.
"I'm so happy to see so many people lining up for PS Vita so early in the morning," the AP quoted Sony Computer Entertainment Japan President Hiroshi Kono as saying on his official blog. "I can tell they had anxiously waited for today's launch."
That may be, but Sony's decision to release the Vita so late in the year--and, indeed, delay its U.S. launch until February--could certainly undermine the overall splash the device makes and curtail Sony's efforts at a post-PlayStation Portable comeback.
In terms of the casual gamer and consumer, Sony faces increasing competition from smartphones, tablets, and games-as-apps like Angry Birds.
Still, the Vita has the advantage of Sony's technological expertise and the promise of integration with the PlayStation 3 console.
So, will the Vita have legs? Check out the following CNET and CBS Interactive pieces for insight:
"Can the PlayStation Vita succeed?"
Hands-on first take: Sony PlayStation Vita
"Get to Know the Vita Launch Lineup" (from CBS Interactive's Gamespot)