The PlayStation TV has received a massive price cut in the UK within only four months of launch. The device, which can play PS Vita and PSOne games, is now available for a RRP of £44.99 (down from £84.99).
At Sony’s Gamescom press conference, the PS Vita officially got a price cut in Europe and North America. The portable console’s RRP has been dropped to $199 / €199. In addition to the price cut, several new titles were also announced for the PS Vita, including Borderlands 2 and Football Manager 2014.
Yesterday, Sony Japan reduced the price of the PS Vita in Japan, while also introducing a new colour. But it doesn’t look like the price cut will take affect in the West. Sony Europe told VideoGamer that the new PS Vita pricing “is for the SCE Japan region only” and it has “nothing to announce at this time regarding pricing within [Europe]”. The price in Japan was dropped to approximately £140.
In a Japanese PS Vita Showcase this morning, Sony Japan announced a considerable price cut for the PS Vita, reducing the console to ¥19,980 (approximately £140) effective next week. In addition, a new color, Ice Silver, was also revealed and will be released on February 28th 2013. Both the Wi-fi and 3G versions are now the game price in Japan, but it’s unclear if the price will also be reduced in the West.
Sony’s UK boss, Fergal Gara, has said the PS Vita will eventually get a price cut, but don’t expect one this year. As manufacturing costs are reduced, the price of the PS Vita will fall, but until then, Sony is working with retail partners to add value to the PS Vita instead of a straight-up price cut.
Sony’s Shuhei Yoshida has told Eurogamer that the company’s engineering teams are trying to find ways to bring the cost of the PS Vita down, however, don’t expect a price cut this year. For the remainder of the year, Sony will be focusing on value with PS Vita bundles like the recently announced PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale and Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified bundles.
The PS Vita’s low sales has led many to believe the portable console will receive a price cut to entice users to purchase it. In fast, many retailers over the past few months have cut the Vita’s price temporary to boost sales. Despite the rumors, Sony insists no strict price drop is planned for the Vita.
PopCap’s Plants vs Zombies is getting a discount over the weekend with the PS3 and PS Vita versions both getting price cuts. The game has won over 30 Game of the Year awards and you can pick up the games from tomorrow at 12:00pm GMT at discounted prices, until Sunday, July 22nd at 11:59pm GMT.
Play.com are selling the Wi-fi PS Vita model at a significantly reduced price for a limited time only. The Wi-fi PS Vita is on offer as part of Play’s “Warhouse Clearance” sale and will be available until all stock is sold out. You can get the PS Vita for only £169.99 – a saving of £60 in comparison to the RRP.
Yet another retailer is offering the PS Vita at discounted prices. GameStop.co.uk is offering the Wi-fi Vita for only £190, while the 3G Vita is available for £230. Both prices are significantly cheaper than other online retailers, so if you don’t already have one but thinking of getting one, now is the time.
