3DS outsells Vita 47-1 in Japan - Sony, take action now

[dc89]

The portable console war in Japan has always favored Ninendo's 3DS over Sony's Vita, but never quite like this.

Last week, the Vita hit a new all-time low in the country, selling only 4,021 units. By comparison, the 3DS sold nearly 47 times that many, at 187,077.

The numbers only tell half the story, however: 3DS sales were bolstered significantly by the release of Nintendo's Animal Crossing: New Leaf, which debuted at number one on the charts with 721,786 copies sold.

Still, it's clear that Sony is having a very difficult time selling anyone in the country on the Vita, and a lack of desirable software in the region isn't helping matters. The Vita had no new releases last week, and none of its games appear in the top 30 chart. There are, by comparison, fourteen 3DS games.

For a closer look at the numbers, last week's Japanese sales charts are available here.

http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/1...9#.UKSeVGlNxYj

Wow. Sony need to do something and quick. Start with a price cut I guess. Animal Crossing is a huge game in Japan, but that's what Sony are missing, a real system seller and to rub salt in the wounds Vita gets no new games that week!

The Vita is currently tracking lower than the Dream Cast right now.

[brebaz]

Vita is in need of some quality games ASAP. And also a Price cut would help.

[*goo]

I've come to the conclusion Vita needs Minecraft, Lol.

Plus coming to Vita should help shift some units but it really needs some significant software to get those numbers moving. The longer this goes on, the harder it is to keep the hand held relevant.


Obligatory Tapatalk Signature

[dc89]

For a bit of perspective the 3DS the week before Animal Crossing sold 20 unit's for every one Vita.

Here are the recent sales of the Vita in Japan.

10 weeks ago: 50.070
9 weeks ago: 14.106
8 weeks ago: 10.858
7 weeks ago: 9.295
6 weeks ago: 14.469
5 weeks ago: 7.957
4 weeks ago: 6.134
3 weeks ago: 6.791
2 weeks ago: 5.806
Last week: 4.842
This week: 4.021

As you can see the Vita does shift a few units when a key title drops! But then it drops off a cliff again. Sony need a stream of solid software, TGS was the perfect opportunity but they missed the boat.

What big games are in development for the Vita now for 2013?

[F34R]

I Pm'd Kaz, but he's not listening lol.

[Ghost-Rhayne]

I Pm'd Kaz, but he's not listening lol.

He's playing his 3DS.

[MjW]

^^ lol, you guys!


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[Nitey]

They won't take action now. It's clear as day that they are going to attempt to ride the storm until next year, probably to the end of their fiscal year. Can't say it's the best idea in the world but not much will change until then

Software takes time to develop. Dropping the price really won't increase sales by that much, particularly in Japan. So they may sell a few more but will end up making less money per sale/ It'll be a combination of both software and the inevitable price drop. Whenever the software is ready I guess

[THUGGEDOUT]

A price cut would be good, I'd be more inclined to buy one then.


Tap-a-hoe

[MjW]

Both price and content are important.

One might be a bit more important than the other, but in the end you need both to succeed.

Tough times.


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[Yuuichi]

But but why is t doing so bad. It has two joysticks. I mean TWO that double the ds so thats awesome lol

[DarkVincent07]

This is depressing to see. Hope you do well soon Vita, you deserve it

[F34R]

But but why is t doing so bad. It has two joysticks. I mean TWO that double the ds so thats awesome lol

I can buy a 3ds, and a second joystick, and still be cheaper than buying a Vita, AND have triple the amount of games.... so which is awesome? lol

[THUGGEDOUT]

Plus don't you have to buy a Vita specific memory card?


Tap-a-hoe

[EvilJ0k3r]

Only cuz Japan is a huge supporter and fan of Nintendo! Therefore of course they're gonna buy Nintendo consoles more!

[F34R]

Plus don't you have to buy a Vita specific memory card?


Tap-a-hoe

Yep.. add that into the + column.

[Kuro]

Ouch man..So sad to see what the hell is going through sony's mind? Shit get a Tales game and bundle it withe the vita and a 4gb. Japanese love them RPG's big sale profit right there lol.

[F34R]

Ouch man..So sad to see what the hell is going through sony's mind? Shit get a Tales game and bundle it withe the vita and a 4gb. Japanese love them RPG's big sale profit right there lol.

... and drop that price to $199 for that bundle.

[chrisw26308]

What a shame. The vita is a helluva little console. I play mine everyday.
Ive never picked up my daughters 3ds. Or wanted to buy a game for it.

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[RaY_210]

Damn. I knew the Vita wasn't doing too good, but damn.

[DeviousOne]

The fact that the vita with a couple accessories will cost you more than a PS3 or xbox360 isn't a great selling point.

They need exclusive software for the vita however I have notice sony marketing the vita more on TV lately so that's good hope it turns around for the vita its a badass little console there isn't too much software on it that I want to play yet once the vita gets it I'm picking one up for sure!

[F34R]

The fact that the vita with a couple accessories will cost you more than a PS3 or xbox360 isn't a great selling point.

They need exclusive software for the vita however I have notice sony marketing the vita more on TV lately so that's good hope it turns around for the vita its a badass little console there isn't too much software on it that I want to play yet once the vita gets it I'm picking one up for sure!

That's been the theme of the sales recognition since the first six months was out lol.

[R3D D3V!L]

A price drop has already happened. Kind of. There are several bundles at reduced price now. A real price drop will only happen when a game launches with it.

[F34R]

A price drop has already happened. Kind of. There are several bundles at reduced price now. A real price drop will only happen when a game launches with it.

The system price drop, hasn't happened... that's what makes a bundle more appealing. Free games don't make the bundle appealing more than a better price.

[DeviousOne]

A system price drop won't come until next year at the earliest.

Bundles are a great move but accessories are still pricey IMO