Sony’s PlayStation Vita hasn’t even launched in Australia yet, but already we’re seeing reports that a number of major retailers in the country will not be stocking the handheld on day one.
JB Hi-Fi confirmed recently that they will not stock the 3G version of Sony’s new portable games console, though this has now been followed by three other major chains.
According to Kotaku AU, Big W and Target have confirmed that they are not planning on stocking PS Vita at launch.
A statement reads: "At this stage we are not stocking the PlayStation Vita, however it may be something that we stock at a later date." Elsewhere, K-Mart has said they will not sell PS Vita due to their focus on low-cost goods.
As a result, Aussie punters will have just three major retailers to plump for, namely EB Games, GAME and JB Hi-Fi (albeit only the Wi-Fi edition will be stocked).
Sony has since issued a statement in an attempt to shed a little more light on the situation:
"For the launch of PlayStation Vita in Australia, with the specific target market being the active gamer we have chosen to launch the console with a focussed retail channel strategy across national specialist game and specialist technology retailers.
"There is a long term vision for our revolutionary new hand-held platform, in the same way we had a long term vision for the PS3, and anticipate that in line with this we will broaden channel distribution in the future."
PlayStation Vita hits Australia – along with the U.S. and Europe – next week.