Ace Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda has suggested that Sony risks “major failure” unless it lowers the cost of PlayStation Vita in light of the 3DS price cut.
Speaking to Bloomberg, Yasuda-san said that punters are expecting the platform holder to cut costs and reckons the firm will find itself under increasing pressure as a result.
"Gamers are increasingly anticipating Sony to lower prices, especially after the 3DS cut," he said. "Sony is under major pressure to cut the price of the Vita or risk a major failure."
Yasuda’s comments come in light of Sony boss Kazuo Hirai’s assertion yesterday that the console maker has no intention of cutting Vita’s price, which will retail for $249.99 in the U.S. for the basic Wi-Fi model.
On the other hand, Shiro Mikoshiba of Nomura Holdings Sony’s slab is priced just right considering its target audience.
"The customers Sony is targeting with its Vita are those willing to spend a lot of money," he said. "That’s a valid strategy even if the volume’s low as long as it can sustain the higher price."