130°

The Playstation Vita is fighting an uphill battle

The Playstation Vita is looking to be a killer device, an amazing gaming machine and a hot piece of technology. However, the mobile gaming market has changed dramatically over the last few years and it will be a hard fought battle for the device to be a huge success for Sony, but this success is pivotal for the mobile gaming market as a whole.

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igamereport.com.au
Buho5053d ago

Don't even compare mobile gaming(LOL!) to real handheld gaming.

Sitris5053d ago

To you or I it doesn't compare, but to the casual gamer (the kind of gamer that just plays games to kill time) does not see a big enough difference to warrant a whole independent device. This mobile market has never been this volatile, where game developers that used to make on dedicated only devices, are now making tablet games, this is a big thing. With developer support, any gaming device can be successful. Again the Vita from a gamers standpoint is a slam dunk, guaranteed gaming brilliance, but will it catch on with casual gamer? I think it will, but it will be a difficult battle with the market being so crammed full of contenders.

iamnsuperman5052d ago

Totally agree. The area of the market that make devices like the vita successful are influenced by smartphones and tablets because it offers a range of usage and features a dedicated gaming machine does not off but to many on this website mobile gaming of that sort is seen as a joke and not a threat. The fact the mobile market (especially smart phone) has boomed and it will have an influence because think of it this way if you were the casual audience would you spend 200 or on a gaming device or similar price for a device with games, application and phone capabilities. To them they are already going to carry a phone why add an extra product when the phones now play games as well

EmperorDalek5052d ago

Here, here. When the PSP came out in 2005 it was a different marketplace. The majority of consumers want more than just gaming and they probably don't want something they can't slip into their pocket.

If you compare the Vita to a smartphone the Vita would only win the gaming category.

The Vita needs to break into the casual market to be a hit however, its unlikely to do that. Keep in mind the smartphone won't stagnate for 5 years like a dedicated gaming device does.

Dramscus5052d ago

See I think the key difference with the vita is that their going after a different market of casual.

I mean there is like casual casual which phones and to some extent the DS suck up.
There is however also the shooter casual crowd. Which Activision has shown to be large and full of purchasing power.

This device is making a bit of a push at the casual casual market with the touch stuff for sure. They want to be able to sel it to everyone of course. Touch stuff is easy to tack on though.

The Vita is built around those dual analogue sticks and specifically around shooting things to death. With online multiplayer.

I think it may actually sell less well in japan than it ends up doing elsewhere.

MaxXAttaxX5052d ago (Edited 5052d ago )

If an actual gamer wants a proper portable gaming system, they'll go for a PS Vita and/or 3DS.

They're very different systems, so they don't exactly compare.
At most, they compete for the casuals. Even though Sony seems to be focusing more on core gaming.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 5052d ago
LOGICWINS5052d ago

@Buho- Correction, in YOUR world they don't compare. The increasing popularity of smartphones and their ability to play addictive games that can be played in short bursts DOES affect the amount of people willing to pay for a dedicated gaming handheld.

nopunctuation5052d ago

People who pay for iphones are not looking for a handheld game system. They are looking for what is advertised in it (ie phone, internet, and music player). The iphone has yet to actually make a serious game for it that would prove that it is in it for the games. The fact that you could even suggest that one dollar flash games are taking away from real game sales is just ludicrous. Gamers dont consider the iphone a viable gaming system at all.

I would expect more from a person who has the word "logic" in his username. Ive read many of your posts and "logic" is not the word I would use to describe them. You are a troll who operates under the guise of logic so people dont take your bubbles. That guise alone should be enough reasons for you to only have 3 bubbles or less. You are living proof that the bubble system is completely flawed and should be abolished in favor of a mod guided bubble system.

MaxXAttaxX5052d ago (Edited 5052d ago )

They're very different systems. At most, they could compete for the casual market. Even though Sony seems to be focusing more on core gaming.

People don't buy phones to play games. It's secondary.
If an actual gamer wants a proper portable gaming system, they'll go for a PS Vita and/or 3DS.

firemassacre5052d ago (Edited 5052d ago )

my wallet is fighting an uphill battle.

Silly gameAr5053d ago (Edited 5053d ago )

What is up with all of the Vita doom and gloom? The thing isn't even out yet. Just because Nintendo had a rough start with the 3DS, doesn't mean the same will happen to the Vita.

And mobile gaming being the cause? Please.

Sitris5053d ago

I don't think vita is doomed at all, it will be the best handheld on the market. But you can't deny that the market has changed, hardcore gamers, are not the reason gaming consoles in the past have sold 100 million plus units. It is because it hit the sweet spot, and that spot is not crowded with heaps of devices, mobile gaming is all lots of casual gamers want. I know from friends and family that are most drfinately casual gamers, that used to have a DS but now don't even care about that device cause they have their phone with them. This is a real issue for both Nintendo and Sony, I will be getting a Vita day one, and so will many people on this site, but Sony knows that it Is going to be a hard battle to come out on top of the now crowded market of handheld gaming.

LOGICWINS5052d ago

"What is up with all of the Vita doom and gloom?"

When Vita finally releases and the first weeks sales are known, I'm going to come back to this thread and SHOW you(with evidence) why there were so many doom and gloom articles for the Vita months before it released.

..and then people will revert back to the "I play games not sales" mantra when they find that they've been proven wrong.

Silly gameAr5052d ago (Edited 5052d ago )

"LOGICWINS" (I can put things is quotations too)

If it means that much to you, then by all means, show me that "evidence" (did it again:) when the Vita drops.

I'll probably have forgotten by then or either your evidence was as blah as your comment, but hey bro. Go nuts.

@Sitris

You make some valid points and I see we're you're coming from, but the Vita will have games that you won't be able to get anywhere else. The hardware shouldn't be the focus but the software is where it's at, imo.

LOGICWINS5052d ago

LOL, I love how ur so nonchalant about the situation all of a sudden.

Already your in damage control mode because you know I'm right.

If you really didn't care, then you wouldn't have responded back to me. See you in six months :)

blackburn105052d ago (Edited 5052d ago )

What will you do if it does well? I know, you'll do like every other gamer and make more excuses and reasons why it will fail even though it sold this and that amount.

You say we will revert to the "I play games not sales" mantra but you will probably revert to the 'it still hasn't sold as much as a 3DS' or 'it's selling well now but what about later' or 'So and so price isn't even close to what the PSP sold at launch'. PSP sold 70 million plus units and everyone still to this day everyone has 'evidence' that it was no good.I am sure you and everyone else will come up with some BS to say if it actually does well.

Shikoro5052d ago

Dude, your logic doesn't work so much recently, huh? I remember you posting some smart things in here, but as of late, you're just trolling.

I'll tell you what the main difference is between Vita and the 3DS:
GAMES

You read it right, GAMES!

GAMES GAMES GAMES GAMES GAMES GAMES GAMES GAMES

The 3DS, if I remember correctly, mostly had ports of already released games on other systems, whereas Vita has at least 10 already announced original games, not just ports. Considering there will be a whole lot more announcements at GamesCom, the $249 pricetag is completely justified. :)

nopunctuation5052d ago

So you can predict the future now? Where is the logic that you claim to have so much of?

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 5052d ago
tiffac5052d ago

All I can say is the ball is in Sony's court. Only their strategy can make the PSV gold or bust.

Sitris5052d ago

That's exactly what I think, if Sony markets aggressively, this device can be 'the' handheld gaming device to have this generation. It has the power, it has the price point, it has the potential and it has the innovation. It also has a multi-billion dollar company backing it.

Myst5052d ago

Again just slap a Monster Hunter on it and it will sell especially in Japan. Probably even halt production again if they jam pack it with content and what not.

KonaBro5052d ago

Another day, another iOS is going to kill handheld gaming article, another article saying the Vita is going to fail and the damn thing doesn't even had a release date. Stop giving these sites hits.

Show all comments (25)
170°

Sony Aims To Sell 15 Million PS5 Units This Year, but Is Shifting Focus to Monthly Active Users

Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki and CFO Lin Tao talked about the state of the PlayStation business and the strategy and targets going forward, including how they're responding to the tariffs.

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simulationdaily.com
1Victor31d ago

I wonder how the USA tariffs war will affect that projection. 🤔

S2Killinit31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

I think they take that into consideration when they announce their projections. Currently, after the xbox price increase, the PRO is cheaper than the series x! That is ridiculous, and it can’t last.

darthv7231d ago

you keep saying that but the price of a PS5 Pro is S699.99 (US) and the price of a Series X is $599.99 (US)

S2Killinit31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

The series x with 2 TB storage space is more expensive than PS5 PRO which also has 2 TB storage space.

darthv7231d ago (Edited 31d ago )

Oh so you are pitting a regular Pro with a special edition X... got it. If you are going so far as trying to compare apples to apples... please add in the optical drive and stand to the Pro. Seeing as the X has both of those by default.

I will help you if you are unable to do so.
PS5 Pro 2tb: $699.99, Optical Drive: $79.99, Stand: $29.99 = $809.97
Xbox Series X Galaxy Black Special Edition 2TB: $729.99

31d ago
S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

The PS5 PRO has 2TB storage. The series X with 2TB storage and much weaker, is… more expensive! So yeah, Im pointing out that fact.

Also, the PRO does not require a stand.

Ps: regular series 2TB is $749 (where did u get 729?)

darthv7230d ago

Its right here on the official XB site: https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

Okay, so no stand for the Pro, but you might still want the optical drive. So $779.98 vs $729.99. A properly outfitted Pro is still more $$ than a 2tb X.

S2Killinit29d ago (Edited 29d ago )

Do I need to mention that the series x is not nearly as powerful as the PS5 PRO?

And no, the PS5 PRO runs just fine without a drive, and people don’t have to buy the drive right away, assuming they want it.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 29d ago
drivxr31d ago

I wonder why they are shifting focus to MAU.

RaiderNation31d ago

Because that's where the real money is made, in microtransactions.

Profchaos31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

People are spending less time playing is a typical trigger for this.

The less time spent playing the less likely you are to spend more money on games and services including subs or even the next console.

Increased engagement equals more money.

31d ago
DarXyde30d ago

Same reason Microsoft does it: it looks better to investors and it's a solution when unit sales slow down.

Personally, I'm not a fan of this metric; and by using it, you're kind of signaling that you're moving into the "This is a PlayStation" era.

Z50130d ago

Because the PS4 also has users and not necessarily sales

Obscure_Observer28d ago

"I wonder why they are shifting focus to MAU."

Because they´d finally realized that MS wasn´t wrong after all.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 28d ago
31d ago
31d ago
310°

Sony Announces Large Profits Growth for PlayStation; Expects Further Wins in Current Fiscal Year

Sony announced its financial results for the fiscal year 2024, and things are certainly looking up, despite a decline in PS5 sales.

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simulationdaily.com
CrimsonWing6931d ago

Expect sh*t to slow down if prices aren’t kept in check.

Redgrave31d ago

Who downvotes the truth?

Even PSN itself is too damn high.jpg

S2Killinit31d ago

Gamepass is already at 20$ per month if im not mistaken.

toxic-inferno31d ago

@neutralgamer1992

Not all of us. I'm a big PlayStation fan, and have been since the PSOne. But I can't begin to defend what's happening currently.

At least Nintendo release a large number of games from their major franchises. Sony is just not banking on their established franchises, and yet are raising prices. Not great.

S2Killinit31d ago

Im pretty sure we are going to see a price increase for PRO. I mean think about it, its currently cheaper than xbox series x! That cannot last.

Eonjay31d ago

I'm absolutely sure we will not see a price increase. I don't think we should 'expect' to see price increase because it just adds validity to what Nintendo and Microsoft have done.

darthv7230d ago (Edited 30d ago )

Sorry to pop that bubble but the Pro is not cheaper than a series x... generally speaking (like you are). It is cheaper than one specific version, and doing so by not including the optical drive and stand like the X has by default.

So keep on trying to convince people you are right when everyone knows it's quite the opposite. A stock Pro is $699.99 and a stock X is $599.99. A special edition galactic black 2tb X is $729.99. And if you really want to compare apples to apples... adding the aforementioned optical drive and stand brings that Pro to $809.97 and then they would be on equal footing.

Twisting truths to fit a narrative... I expect better from you S2.

S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

The PS5 PRO has 2TB storage. And the series X with 2TB is more expensive. Which in my opinion is insane conseidering how much more powerful the PRO is. The PS5PRO does not need a stand, it can be used without a stand.

TheKingKratos31d ago

So the Pro is not offering any push in sales at all ?

CrashMania31d ago

It's still an expensive, niche product ultimately. And they exceeded their sales projections for units sold by half a million.

lawox31d ago

"18.5 million units have been shipped during the full fiscal year. This is actually ahead of the 18 million units target set by the company."

They beat their yearly estimate. It's not broken down by device, but it's clearly performing well enough. Since it's been released it's consistently been the second best selling SKU on Amazon only after the the Slim with disc.

31d ago
Bathyj31d ago

18 million a year is in the toilet?
I remember when 10 was considered good
Hell Microsoft would take that right now.
Probably pay $100b for it.

31d ago
BeHunted31d ago

If their profits fall next quarter, we'll probably see more price hikes. I can't imagine having to pay £20 a month for PlayStation Plus.

S2Killinit31d ago

I think gamepass is already paying that much.

31d ago
drivxr31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

Decline in hardware sales.
Behind on lifetime sales and decline in first party sales.
Third party content and PSN came through to save the day.
Things will improve starting with the next Ghost game.

Hopefully a steady flow of first party content by end of '25

rlow131d ago (Edited 31d ago )

I guess you get downvoted for stating facts from Sony’s own lips. What I’m curious about is what their top games of the year were and how much Xbox games contributed to the increase?

CrashMania31d ago

Well, generally 3rd party publisher games contribute the most anyway, so no different to capcom, EA and so on contributing to this figure.

lawox31d ago

That's because the report is actually really good.

They beat the console sales estimate that they set last year March, they have increased users both due to the record numbers of PS4 users and strong PS5 sales which is leading to great profits in sales and user spend.

This report is about the financial health of the PlayStation brand and as a platform PlayStation is stronger than ever. Heck they even have Microsoft putting their biggest franchises on the platform.

31d ago
S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

Well, the facts in the article are positive. Nothing wrong with his comment, but in my opinion it doesn't correctly indicate all the facts and nuances that give context to the reality of things. I downvoted for that only.

Make sense?

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 30d ago
Lightning7731d ago

This is exactly what happened to Xbox year's ago. They had no first party and started seeing decline in 1st party sales, which effected their third party games which eventually effected their console sales. A slow decline across the board.

Calm down PS fans I'm not saying PS is becoming like old Xbox. I'm showing examples of the importance of first party output. Look how Xbox finally has compelling first party and things are on a up swing(despite years going on a downswing). I know thanks to PS releases which helps a ton, (which is why Xbox hardware only dropped 6% instead of 30+% like it usually does) The point still stands despite what Genz Trends may go, first party and compelling games sell hardware and software still. Sony's financial quarter is an example of this, of what lower First party output looks like.

No matter they'll be right back on track in due time any time especially with DS2 (not my type of game but I know many like it) and Yotei. They're not Xbox and let things get bad for so many years on end.

crazyCoconuts31d ago

"I'm showing examples of the importance of first party output. "
First party is mostly relevant for the sole purpose of creating EXCLUSIVES that are needed to stay competitive. With Xbox consoles collapsing and no more Xbox exclusives, first party is way less important. PlayStation as a platform now has free reign to profit without the high expense of needing exclusive first party titles.

red2tango31d ago

Sony has been very lazy with 1st party games compared to the PS4 era. And even the PS4 era was nothing compared to the PS3 era in terms of games.

S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

We have Ghost and Intergalactic coming. And then Marathon which is not exclusive to PlayStation. I think Covid and that chip shortage put a speedbump in game development because game manufacturers dont want even more risk that their game will arrive to too little hardware, but the games are starting to show up.

Lightning7731d ago

"With Xbox consoles collapsing and no more Xbox exclusives, first party is way less important."

Absolutely not. If that was the case then Nintendo would put Mario on Sega Genesis and Sonic on Super Nintendo. I know things are way different 30+ years later but not much has really changed in terms of exclusives and their impact on hardware. Especially early in the console life cycle.

Sony made all the money this quarter handover fist. Profits isn't a issue for them right now. I was just saying lower hardware sales and lower first party sales will hurt them or any console manufacturer of they don't have the compelling games in the long run. Just like it hurt Xbox. IF Sony keeps up not having lower first part output. Which we know they're not.

crazyCoconuts30d ago

Well no big exclusives in the last two years yet PS is doing great. What are people gonna do? Buy an Xbox?

S2Killinit30d ago

I agree with you. But they have had plenty of exclusives so far. Has it been ideal? Nope. I have a feeling we are seeing a resurgence with the effects of covid and that chip shortage now behind us.

Lightning7730d ago

No it's just like 360 where they had no games yet ppl still bought it because they sold ppl on the games early on that gen the fans were locked in and invested. They were riding the good will and was dubbed the shooter, racer box. The games dried up and they never recovered from it which hurt them in the long run. Same here with PS they still make the big bucks because they had games early on and the fans locked in and will continue to lock in for a little while longer despite lacking in first party.

S2Killinit30d ago (Edited 30d ago )

I agree. But the problem with xbox was that for some crazy reason MS thought game development wasnt all that important to a platform holder. They literally did not fund games with their own studios. When they lost marketshare they couldnt justify paying for exclusives with large install bases making it too expensive. That is not the scenario with PlayStation.

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150°

PS5 shipments top 77.8 million

PlayStation 5 has shipped 77.8 million units worldwide, Sony announced in its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025.

italiangamer31d ago

Perfectly in line to reach 100 million by March 2026.

Profchaos31d ago

Theys have to clear 22.2 million to do this.
When you average out the current number over 5 years it's unlikely.

If the console was going down in price it would be possible but they have not been able to reduce the cost in fact it's gone up so this is working against them.

gta Vi has also been pushed out of the financial year and there's likely millions of GTA v players still on ps5 that have not made the jump those players would for GTA vi

The overall poor market conditions and uncertainty doesn't fill me with confidence trade war, weak yen and the ongoing cost of living crisis. We're not talking core gamers picking up a new system were talking gamers who wait for the back 9 to enter a new generation.

I think 2027 they will but 100 not this year.

italiangamer31d ago

They will reach 100 million during 2026.

S2Killinit31d ago

It might actually get a boost considering that even the PS5 PRO is currently cheaper than the series x. This will of course be over soon as Im expecting a price hike for the PRO.

Travesty31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

I know Sony said they are considering raising prices.. Well as of yesterday China and the US lifted their tariffs standoff. At least for 90 days until they can agree on a trade deal that would benefit both parties. So with manufacturing in China and shipping them to the US I’m hoping it will not affect the prices.

Although I kind of doubt Sony will top 100 million since GTA 6 will be releasing next year by March. Could be wrong and I’ll be glad to be.

Xbox shooting itself in the foot or more like nailing their own coffin with rising prices. Hopefully Sony will stay put.. Ghost of Yotei is releasing for $70 still so that’s a god sign hopefully.

senorfartcushion31d ago

Is this a good thing for someone with no shares in Sony stock?

italiangamer31d ago

More PS5 on the market = higher chance of getting even more games.
It's not rocket science.

gold_drake31d ago (Edited 31d ago )

very nice.
in almost 5 years too.
some big hitters are yet to come

badz14930d ago (Edited 30d ago )

come on...don't say that! that slogan "Greatness Awaits" is haunting me everytime someone says this and yeah...1st party output has not been a highlight this gen which is a huge bummer! personally, I would rate their 1st party output this gen 4/10!

gold_drake30d ago

to be honest, when i typed it out, it did sound like a slogan for that ha