Sony PS Vita 3G seeing price cuts of $100 across US
updated 06:36 am EDT, Tue March 12, 2013
Sony PS Vita 3G looks set to be axed, $100 price cuts on offer
Sony’s PlayStation Vita 3G model is seeing price cuts of $100 across the US, reports Joystiq. Normally retailing for $299, the device is can be picked up for as little as $199 at a number of Sony stores. The price includes an 8GB memory card, and a free game if upon signing up to a data plan, although the deal is not currently available online.
In our review of the PS Vita, we noted that the device has tremendous gaming potential, running a quad-core Cortex-A9 architecture and quad-core PowerVR GPU. While the option for 3G seemed like a useful inclusion at the time, the reality is that for a secondary device that is already finding it difficult for users to justify buying in addition to a smartphone, the inclusion of 3G and the requirement for an additional data plan has not added up; even though the 3G model also brings GPS capabilities to the device.
Although Sony has not publicly announced that it is axing the 3G PS Vita model, it seems likely that the current price drop on that model is indicative of a model run out and that it no longer plays a part in Sony's plans. Since launching in the first quarter of 2012, the PS Vita has been a consistent seller, but has yet to take off due to a combination of factors, with its price-point being an issue. A recent price cut for the Japanese market, has however, seen sales quadrupled according to some estimates.
