Discouraging Playstation Vita Details [Slashdot]

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itwbennett writes "Sony's new handheld gaming system, the Playstation Vita, launches in Japan in two weeks, and the latest report from Andriasang has some interesting details, including Sony's decision to go with proprietary memory cards. Sony says this is both for security reasons and to ensure a consistent experience for all users, but that 'doesn't explain why they're charging such enormous sums for these cards,' says blogger Peter Smith. 'The caveat here is that we haven't seen official pricing for the cards, but game retailer Gamestop lists them at $120 (!!) for a 32 GB card, $70 for a 16GB, $45 for 8 GB and $30 for a 4 GB.'"http://a.fsdn.com/sd/facebook_icon_large.png (http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgames.slashdot.org%2Fsto ry%2F11%2F12%2F05%2F216246%2Fdiscouraging-playstation-vita-details%3Futm_source%3Dslashdot%26utm_medium%3Dfac ebook) http://a.fsdn.com/sd/twitter_icon_large.png (http://twitter.com/home?status=Discouraging+Playstation+Vita+Details% 3A+http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2FtdklEm)

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[Graham Mitchell]

Wow, and I guess these are different form the Smart Cards the PSP used?

[PapaStu]

Yeah. because the PSP memory cards are nothing special. Any ol SD would work.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

PSP actually used Memory Stick Pro Duo. Other SD formats will only work with an adapter and typically have read/write speed issues vs. the proprietary Pro Duo format.

As much as I totally hate these prices and proprietary nature of these cards, lest we forget, in 2005 Memory Stick Pro Duos (even the 3rd party brands) cost well over $100 for more than a gig of space. (Close to $400 for high grade 2 Gig cards)

So ... YES these prices completely suck.

And, YES, proprietary cards/memory formats suck in general.

But, pricing on memory typically normalizes/drops exponential to a bunch of different factors (age of format, maximum size available, units sold, etc.)

Considering they're practically a necessity for Vita use, I can only imagine HK will very likely be cranking out cheap versions shortly after these hit the market, and even if not, these will eventually be less expensive.

[Nophix]

In 2005 even standard SD was very expensive, and the formats weren't universally excepted yet. Today, this is just unacceptable.

I can buy a 32gb microSD for my phone for $30 on Amazon.

[megasdkirby]

But, pricing on memory typically normalizes/drops exponential to a bunch of different factors (age of format, maximum size available, units sold, etc.)

And because Sony can. Since it's a proprietary format, they can charge whatever they want for it since no one in the market has them...yet. So they rape the buyer since, well, they can! But...


Considering they're practically a necessity for Vita use, I can only imagine HK will very likely be cranking out cheap versions shortly after these hit the market, and even if not, these will eventually be less expensive.

...as you stated, they will reduced in price eventually, specially with HK ripoffs. And I do hope generic cards appear, just to put pressure on Sony.

Just because it's a new format doesn't mean Sony can charge whatever they want for it. But since it's proprietary, they don't give a hoot. And it will backfire on them...just look at the recent trend of Sony Digital Cameras...with perhaps a few (and I mean FEW) exceptions, all of their cameras use SD cards. Although the reason is debatable, I am pretty sure it's because Sony FINALLY realized that they can't screw with the customer...much. Or you would think.

[kupomogli]

I'll be getting a 4gb until they drop in price a year from now or there's a Micro SD converter.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Just because it's a new format doesn't mean Sony can charge whatever they want for it. But since it's proprietary, they don't give a hoot...

Well, they CAN, doesn't mean that it's a good idea, and they're not going to win any points with consumers for it, but ultimately nobody can stop them from charging whatever they want regardless of how successful they are in selling them.

I mean ... somebody somewhere bought a $400 2Gig SD card at some point.

I am interested to see the technical specifications on these Vita memory cards, do we know for sure that they're rated the same as SD or Memory Sticks in terms of read/write data transfer speeds?

I wonder if they have something about them other than the shape/size that would be a some type of technical requirement to run on the Vita's hardware ... because judging by the size in photos that I've seen, I don't see why a MicroSD card adapter wouldn't be a feasible option.

Even if the system just checks some type of "authentication" string of code, I'm sure that HK manufacturers can fake that on a MicroSD adapter.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V_-NYEEle-U/TfDOm-SPnUI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/u-SWlmSmQF4/s1600/ps_vita_flash_cards.jpg

[j_factor]

PSP actually used Memory Stick Pro Duo. Other SD formats will only work with an adapter and typically have read/write speed issues vs. the proprietary Pro Duo format.

The Memory Stick series is not a proprietary format. It's a bit peculiar to Sony, but it was around before the PSP existed and is used in other devices.

[duffmanth]

When initial sales of the Vita are sluggish cuz of the high cost of the system and it's accessories, Sony will lower the price. Either that or someone will hack the system so you can use any SD memory card with it lol.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

The Memory Stick series is not a proprietary format. It's a bit peculiar to Sony, but it was around before the PSP existed and is used in other devices.

Yeah, bad choice of words, not proprietary to PSP specifically, but it is a Sony created memory format, no?

[BlastProcessing402]

...as you stated, they will reduced in price eventually, specially with HK ripoffs. And I do hope generic cards appear, just to put pressure on Sony.

Knowing Sony (or should I be hip and say $ony?) instead of taking the pressure and lowering prices on their cards, they'll just issue an updated firmware that blocks the generic ones.

[Lanzo]

When initial sales of the Vita are sluggish cuz of the high cost of the system and it's accessories, Sony will lower the price. Either that or someone will hack the system so you can use any SD memory card with it lol.

+1 I honestly cant see how this will perform better than the 3DS. I just don't like handhelds that cost more than a system. I tired of memory card issues as well, why not just put a cheap ass SSD in the things and call it a day.

[skaar]

Just how Blu-rays can only be manufactured by Sony.

Own the format. Rape the consumer.

Par for the course for the big S.

I'm sure it'll be hacked, but in the meantime they'll charge 5x market rates for storage chips. Awesome, guys.

[Leo_A]

I'll never understand why Sony overcharges for things like these, Microsoft with its' hard drives, etc. I would think they'd want to equip consumers with a lot of storage space for a fair price so they'd buy digial content to fill the thing up.


Just how Blu-rays can only be manufactured by Sony.


That's the first I've ever heard of that. A quick search didn't yield any results that back you up (And nothing that says you're incorrect). I'm rather skeptical that Sony controls the pressing of Blu-Ray disc. A lot of companies are involved in Blu-Ray, including some that have played major roles in the format since day 1 (Such as Philips).

I would think the Blu-Ray Disc Association controls the licensing of manufacturing plants, not Sony.

http://www.blu-raydisc.info/#

[Bojay1997]

I'll never understand why Sony overcharges for things like these, Microsoft with its' hard drives, etc. I would think they'd want to equip consumers with a lot of storage space for a fair price so they'd buy digial content to fill the thing up.



That's the first I've ever heard of that. A quick search didn't yield any results that back you up (And nothing that says you're incorrect). I'm rather skeptical that Sony controls the pressing of Blu-Ray disc. A lot of companies are involved in Blu-Ray, including some that have played major roles in the format since day 1 (Such as Philips).

I would think the Blu-Ray Disc Association controls the licensing of manufacturing plants, not Sony.

http://www.blu-raydisc.info/#

Correct. Sony does not own all the plants that press Blu Rays, nor do they have control over who can release content on Blu Ray. They are just one of a number of companies that receive a royalty on each Blu Ray pressed just like a number of companies receive a royalty on each DVD or CD pressed. In fact, Sony gets less than 30% of the royalty per disc or player, with Pioneer, Panasonic, Warner Bros. and a number of others all sharing in royalties.

[skaar]

Originally they owned all facilities for manufacturing of Blu-ray discs, I think there are a few more facilities now that demand is up, but their group still get a 4 cent licensing fee on every disc manufactured, plus royalties on all drives.

There's a reason Apple doesn't have Blu-ray support... they won't pay royalties to anyone if they can avoid it. They'd sooner just not have it. (Native HDMI?)

I was focusing it more on the game discs than movies, I just wasn't as clear as I should have been... my bad there. But they're not alone in that, MS and Nintendo are the same way.

[Leo_A]

their group still get a 4 cent licensing fee on every disc manufactured, plus royalties on all drives.

They were a major force behind the development of the format and growing it over the past 5 years. It makes sense that they're earning royalties since that's exactly why they got involved with it in the first place 15 years ago or so.

It's hardly raping the consumer. They're a business and saw an opportunity to make money. If they hadn't, there wouldn't be a Blu-Ray format. They're not a charity that's going to spend billions helping develop an HD home video format out of the goodness of their hearts.

They did it to make money.

[Bojay1997]

Originally they owned all facilities for manufacturing of Blu-ray discs, I think there are a few more facilities now that demand is up, but their group still get a 4 cent licensing fee on every disc manufactured, plus royalties on all drives.

There's a reason Apple doesn't have Blu-ray support... they won't pay royalties to anyone if they can avoid it. They'd sooner just not have it. (Native HDMI?)

I was focusing it more on the game discs than movies, I just wasn't as clear as I should have been... my bad there. But they're not alone in that, MS and Nintendo are the same way.

But then why single Sony out? They don't even receive the majority of the royalties for Blu Ray and there are tons of non-Sony facilities out there today including Cinram and Technicolor. I agree that this proprietary memory card format is ridiculous and is frankly causing me to rethink buying the Vita at launch, but disc licensing royalties paid to Sony are less than 30% of the total royalties and you would be more justifed in getting mad at Panasonic, Pioneer and the other members of the Blu Ray group that get the other 70% of those per disc and player royalties.

[skaar]

If anything, I'm still sore over buying into MiniDisc and getting burned there. Anyone want to buy 200 minidiscs? :D

[Trebuken]

Sony likely is selling the systems only a little above cost. They need to make the system profitable by marking-up the accessories. Nintendo overcharges for all of its branded accessories.

This is normal practice in retail and while annoying, I only need on memory card for my Vita initially.

[Richter Belmount]

Just how Blu-rays can only be manufactured by Sony.

Own the format. Rape the consumer.

Par for the course for the big S.


Sonys bad mmmmkaay

[substantial_snake]

This is pretty old news, unless gamestop listing these prices is whats a big deal here.

Even if these are the final price of these cards I plan on buying a 4 gig, then swapping out/on any download I want onto my linked PS3 until prices go down. This is no big deal and par for the course for Sony in particular, hopefully it does cut down on piracy rates for the Vita.

[WCP]

Sony likely is selling the systems only a little above cost. They need to make the system profitable by marking-up the accessories. Nintendo overcharges for all of its branded accessories.

This is normal practice in retail and while annoying, I only need on memory card for my Vita initially.

Exactamundo.



This reminds me of the PS2 days, when people would run out and buy a PS2, and then realize that they couldn't save any games without a memory card. Then they would run to the store and buy an overpriced memory card. It's a smart way to make the price of the Vita "seem" lower than the real price when you get the necessary add-ons to make it functional. Basically, they are robbing Peter to pay Paul. They drop the price of the Vita by $30, and then force you to buy a $30 memory card.

I guarantee that they will sell way more Vita's at $249.99 than they would at $279.99 if they included the memory card. It's all psychological. Once you've ponied up the cash to buy a Vita at $249, they already have you. It's pretty unlikely that you will return the Vita and say forget it. It's much more likely that you'll say, "Oh well, fuck it, I guess I need to buy a memory card...".

[Leo_A]

Sony likely is selling the systems only a little above cost. They need to make the system profitable by marking-up the accessories. Nintendo overcharges for all of its branded accessories.

This is normal practice in retail and while annoying, I only need on memory card for my Vita initially.

Your logic is the reason why I think this is a mistake.

With the growing importance of digital distribution and the fact that many retail releases will require a memory card just to run, I would think they'd want to sell the memory cards somewhere close to cost or even subsidize them for the very reasons you're getting at.

The money is in the software. I don't see the logic in severely overpricing a component just as necessary as the handheld itself and things like the charger and discouraging people from taking full advantage of the digital content they have for sale.

Plenty of people are just like I was before they patched in SD support for WiiWare and the Virtual Console. Once I filled the internal memory, I just stopped making purchases rather than delete content (That cheapest $30 four gig Vita memory card is going to fill up far faster than that, I bet). It's in their best interest to have the highest amount of memory possible per consumer so they're encouraged, rather than discouraged, from taking full advantage of digital transactions on PSN.

A little bit of gain from an overpriced accessory is going to be even more detrimental to their digital software sales, I bet. They should be trying to get as much memory out there as possible so consumers will take advantage of it and embrace digital distribution and publishers can make money off software sales. $130 for a 32 gig card is counterproductive to that goal..

[kupomogli]

The only thing I see a problem with is requiring a memory card to save cartridge based content.

We were originally told that there would be an amount of memory on each Vita card designated for save and/or dlc usage. I don't see why developers aren't just redirecting save files to a portion of the game card to use the remaining space their rather than requiring a memory card.

Not only Sony with Uncharted, but a half dozen games are being required to have a memory card in order to save. The other developers have no excuses when they've released games on other cartridges devices, like Ridge Racer for example. How much memory is the new Ridge Racer going to take with it's whole three tracks and astounding five cars?

Also another launch release for Ridge Racer. How many is that now? Six systems? Atleast Namco has the right idea. If that garbage series is ever going to sell it needs to be a launch title.

[Leo_A]

Also another launch release for Ridge Racer. How many is that now? Six systems? Atleast Namco has the right idea. If that garbage series is ever going to sell it needs to be a launch title.

It's a Playstation tradition, so I'm not complaining. And while it has lost its way over the past decade, I have some fond memories of the series during the 1990's. All the arcade entries, PSOne ports, Ridge Racer 64, and Ridge Racer Type IV were excellent games.

I still think Ridge Racer Type IV could've passed well as a PS2 game with just the smallest amount of enhancements. Amazing game that stands up well to this day.

Wish Namco would bring some of the arcade games out on XBLA/PSN like Sega did with Daytona USA.

[WCP]

I don't see the logic in severely overpricing a component just as necessary as the handheld itself and things like the charger and discouraging people from taking full advantage of the digital content they have for sale


Wait a minute.... You have to pay extra to get a fucking charger? (excuse my French)

[kupomogli]

Wait a minute.... You have to pay extra to get a fucking charger? (excuse my French)

He meant that with some games requiring the memory card to save or purchase digital content, it's pretty much a requirement.

[Leo_A]

Wait a minute.... You have to pay extra to get a fucking charger? (excuse my French)

I was responding to those of you that felt that it's legitimate for Sony to overprice their memory cards. I was saying PSVita memory cards should be viewed more like something like a battery charger.

Much like a battery charger, a PSVita memory card is a basic requirement for the consumer before they can start buying and enjoying software (Unless they never intend to purchase anything online or play one of the many Vita games that it appears will require a memory card to be present). They shouldn't be terribly overpricing it with an extremely high profit margin. It's counterproductive for them since it's going to keep people away while discouraging those that do buy from purchasing much DLC (That 4 gig card for $30, the one most people will likely be buying, isn't going to stretch very far in 2012 unless you only intend to buy PSP Minis...).

Make decent hardware that doesn't bankrupt you and isn't too expensive for the average consumer while providing compelling software options, and the consumers will come. The real money is in the software sales to those people after they buy the necessary hardware. Pricing 32 gigs of memory at nearly $150 is nonsense as 2011 comes to a close and isn't the approach to take to actually sell software. They should be doing everything they can to get the necessary hardware into the hands of gamers so they can start buying software. Putting barriers of entry in the way like outrageously priced memory cards isn't the way to accomplish that.

Even the unsuccessful PSPGo had 16 gigs of memory built into it several years ago. This shouldn't be an area to rip your customers off. They should be doing everything they can to encourage people to buy this and start purchasing software. Terribly overpriced memory is just going to keep them away. It's not the way to a profitible system and I imagine Sony will come to that realization pretty quickly. I wouldn't be shocked in the least if these prices are significantly reduced by the time it launches over here.

If you ask me, those memory prices should be cut at least 2/3's and this thing should already have 32 gigs of memory built into it.

[j_factor]

Even the unsuccessful PSPGo had 16 gigs of memory built into it several years ago.

Perhaps that's why. Maybe Sony, mindful of the PSP Go's non-success, is making a conscious decision to not emphasize digital sales.

[Leo_A]

Perhaps that's why. Maybe Sony, mindful of the PSP Go's non-success, is making a conscious decision to not emphasize digital sales.

If they are, they're the only one in the industry that is doing that. Publishers are in love with digital sales. They offer higher profit margins, reduced piracy, increased control, and perhaps most of all, no secondary marketplace "stealing" your profits (The thing every major CEO in this industry will rant about at every opportunity).

I imagine they're a bit gun shy after the early days of the PS3. Too many features and you risk pricing yourself out of your market and/or taking a big hit on each system sold.

But I think this is one feature they shouldn't of skimped out on. At the very least, they should've taken the option MS has with its lower end Xbox 360 SKU's. Put enough onboard memory in there to at least allow onboard saving without having to purchase an accessory. It's not the best of solutions, but at least it gives the consumer the option of not having to buy one of these memory cards right out of the box.

[j_factor]

If they are, they're the only one in the industry that is doing that. Publishers are in love with digital sales. They offer higher profit margins, reduced piracy, increased control, and perhaps most of all, no secondary marketplace "stealing" your profits (The thing every major CEO in this industry will rant about at every opportunity).

It also offers fewer customers. They haven't seen huge demand for digital sales for full-retail games on PS3 or PSP. Many people can't or won't buy games digitally, and many others apparently see digital sales as a valid avenue only for cheap, "small" games. The iPhone's success is much-discussed, but hardly anyone's buying $40, or even $20 iPhone games.

It's just not happening, and Sony has no particular reason to assume it suddenly will with the release of the Vita, regardless of the memory card situation. That said, I do agree it would be better for them to not overprice the memory cards (and/or bundle some memory with the system); I just don't think digital sales is a panacea, and I think taking a conservative approach to it is justified by the circumstances.

[Bojay1997]

It also offers fewer customers. They haven't seen huge demand for digital sales for full-retail games on PS3 or PSP. Many people can't or won't buy games digitally, and many others apparently see digital sales as a valid avenue only for cheap, "small" games. The iPhone's success is much-discussed, but hardly anyone's buying $40, or even $20 iPhone games.

It's just not happening, and Sony has no particular reason to assume it suddenly will with the release of the Vita, regardless of the memory card situation. That said, I do agree it would be better for them to not overprice the memory cards (and/or bundle some memory with the system); I just don't think digital sales is a panacea, and I think taking a conservative approach to it is justified by the circumstances.

I don't know, EA claimed over 40% of their sales last year were digital and Steam did an estimated $900 million in sales in the past 11 months. It seems like digital is becoming a more and more important segment of sales and with the added benefit of cutting out the middle-man and that profit skimming, it seems like Sony should be focusing massive resources on subsidizing the hardware needed to make the model work. Charging people a substantial premium for a memory card is foolish and will push people who might buy digitally back into buying at retail. I know personally I have started buying more digital content in the past six months and but I am planning on buying the minimal size memory card needed to play retail games on the Vita given the premium attached to it. Basically, they have lost me as a potential digital buyer until the memory card prices come down to a reasonable level.

[Frankie_Says_Relax]

Interesting ... there are rumors being reported on that digital download games will come with a significant discount vs. the brick/mortar physical releases.

The source claims up to a 40% difference.

http://kotaku.com/5864910/digital-download-discount-for-vita-may-explain-sonys-memory-stick-plans

Considering that Sony doesn't have a tremendous footprint in the portable game space in any retail location, they probably know that producing, packing, shipping etc. physical software may be a last gasp effort in this portable generation and it is catering now more than ever to a more limited market and costs more than it may stand to make long-term.

So, the higher pricing on the memory cards may be meant to ding a one-time profit for Sony on each card sold and then provide the end user a window to less expensive software to go along with the pricey point of entry.

If Vita games at retail cost $40, but on PSN cost around $25 for the DLC version of the same software, there may actually be some genuine incentive to pay the premium for the proprietary cards where there would be practically none if physical copies of the games cost exactly the same as the DLC version.

I guess it's a wait and see till more (or preferably official) info comes out.

Though ... even with the alleged/speculated 40% price difference it's still a fuzzy, confusing proposition that I doubt will ever be easy/clear to the average consumer.

[Nophix]

EA is using numbers from DLC sales primarily. Those Guitar Hero track packs sell like mad, as does anything else DLC.

Steam is a whole different animal. PC gamers tend to be far more download friendly, just by nature. That, and Valve has built such an incredible system, and support network, you don't worry about it.

The other side to digital distribution is storage. I can buy a nice 1.5tb hard drive for a PC for less than that 32gb flash memory. With games pushing 10+ gb, and getting bigger, forget it on a portable. Even the 250gb Xbox drives fill up fast lately.

[Kitsune Sniper]

The other side to digital distribution is storage. I can buy a nice 1.5tb hard drive for a PC for less than that 32gb flash memory.

The price of a 1.5tb hard drive is now pushing $150. So...

[Leo_A]

It also offers fewer customers. They haven't seen huge demand for digital sales for full-retail games on PS3 or PSP. Many people can't or won't buy games digitally, and many others apparently see digital sales as a valid avenue only for cheap, "small" games. The iPhone's success is much-discussed, but hardly anyone's buying $40, or even $20 iPhone games.

I don't think anyone was trying to argue that Sony should put all of its eggs into digital distribution. Nobody is ready for that yet. The online infrastructure can't support it, a large percentage of their customers don't even have the option of broadband internet, the retailers aren't ready for it, and the mindset of the consumers aren't ready for it.

But just the same, digital is growing in importance and companies like Sony most assuredly want that to happen and want to continue to shift physical distribution over to digital. Sony's pushing digital sales (Like that rumor Frankie said about digital games being sold for significantly less than physical), but overpricing an accessory necessary to embrace digital distribution on the PSVita isn't the way to go about encouraging them.

It's going to do exactly the opposite. It's going to encourage people to stick with retail games and just buy the cheapest 4 gig card for game saves. Or worse, encourage them to hold out on buying the system in the first place.

[Nophix]

The price of a 1.5tb hard drive is now pushing $150. So...

As of last night they were $120 on Tigerdirect. Still a far cry more space than the expected $120 for 32gb of flash memory.

[swlovinist]

I will be waiting on the Vita, and waiting for the library to build and price to go down a bit. The whole memory card thing is to be expected, but really....this is not 2005 anymore...

Having to buy memory cards for systems is stupid. In the past it has been an accepted practice, but I feel that the current trend in gaming devices is that hard drives/flash drives SHOULD be included in with the system. Give me a memory card or internal save that only holds a couple of saves...but is included. Dont force me to have to buy an add on to save my games.

[kedawa]

I really hope this thing tanks. With even a small memory card, it's going to end up costing almost double what the 3DS does.
Until and unless it gets hacked wide open, I wouldn't even consider buying one.

[WCP]

I really hope this thing tanks. With even a small memory card, it's going to end up costing almost double what the 3DS does.
Until and unless it gets hacked wide open, I wouldn't even consider buying one.



1. I'm pretty pissed off myself about this memory card thing. I had nothing but positive feelings towards the Vita until I heard about the memory card thing. However, wishing it tanks is going a bit extreme. Isn't Sony delivering about 90 percent of what we asked from them? Their handheld has a beautiful 5 inch OLED screen and dual thumbsticks. It can deliver experiences that appear to be almost PS3 level of quality (when viewed on a small screen).

2. When we first heard about the $249.99 price, there was much rejoicing. Of course, that was before the 3DS dropped to $169.99, and before the 3DS was selling at $169.99 with gift cards or games or whatever being included. When the 3DS had that high price initially, the Vita seemed like a significantly better value proposition. Now, when you buy a memory card and game, and the tax, you're going way over the $300 total. Doesn't look quite as cheap as it used to. Heck, the Wii U could end up being less expensive than that!

3. Regarding it being hacked wide open. If you like games this is a bad idea. All we need is for this thing to get immediately cracked and then 3rd party publishers will abandon it in droves, like with the PSP once piracy became so widespread. This is the last thing anybody should be hoping for. I'm hoping that Piracy is non-existent on the Vita for at least the first two years. Reason being, developers will actually take it seriously. Publishers will devote high quality teams to Vita projects, and we could see some really amazing things.

[kedawa]

For me the battery life was the first strike. Region locking and price gouging just add to the suck.
At least if it gets hacked it'll make a decent platform for emulation.

[kupomogli]

For me the battery life was the first strike. Region locking and price gouging just add to the suck.
At least if it gets hacked it'll make a decent platform for emulation.

Are you talking about the 3DS or the Vita, because the battery life on the Vita is better than the 3DS, atleast when you compare the three hour Nintendo figure to the three to five hour Sony figure. The 3DS is also the only one of the two systems that is region locked.

http://www.1up.com/news/playstation-vita-region-free

The only reason that you're seeing these $50 gift cards and $25 gift cards for the 3DS is because we've just passed a holiday. Oh, and the 3DS is actually out on store shelves right now. Kind of helps if the system is actually released in order to offer sales incentives and such.

Unless you buy the Vita on day one I'm sure you'll see some gift card or free game sales for the Vita as well. It's not like all available consoles and handhelds don't have frequent sales.

As for the price gouging. I don't see it outside of the memory cards. It's not like Sony never drops the price of their first party titles. Ever. *cough*Nintendo*cough.*

Ruin and the newest Motorsport are two current games announced as PS3/Vita bundle releases. Purchase the game and it comes with both the Bluray disc and Vita card.

http://playstationlifestyle.net/2011/08/24/sony-plans-to-bundle-ps3-and-vita-versions-of-ruin-in-one-package/

But also as mentioned, there's the ability to save data on the card on certain games. Most games infact. Uncharted is the only first party launch title to have the games saved on the card. Because six other "third party" developers did the same it's time to place blame on Sony? The Vita has the ability to both read and write onto the Vita game card, so it's up to the developer if they're going to allow save data on the card or on the memory card.

With the memory cards anyways Sony is allowing the gamers to have a choice. Would you like to save on the game card or a memory card? If you're borrowing the game or renting the game, then saving on a memory card is obviously the best choice. I'd say forcing all games to only allow saves on the Vita card would be good to combat used game sales or rentals as people might want to keep the game as it has their save data on it. Sony should look into doing this instead but atleast there are two ways to save.

Out of the 19 physical releases of launch games in Japan, only six require you to have a card to save on. Only two of those games are going to be launched in the west along with the rest to make a total of 24. The games altogether are Uncharted, Ridge Racer, Disgaea 3, Hot Shots 6,Monster Radar, and Dream Club Zero Portable. I won't be getting any of those except Uncharted. The only other game we're receiving is Ridge Racer, so just skip purchasing those two games and you're not required to buy a memory card. Tada!! I just saved you $30.

*edit*

So you want to play PSP games. Don't want to waste money on an overpriced memory stick. Don't want to repurchase games you already own. Then keep you PSP. O_O. That's. Holy crap. Genius!!

Different argument altogether but throwing this out there because I know it will come up in the near future about how we have to.... pay for a digital copy of a game that we own a physical format of. :roll:

[Rickstilwell1]

Are you talking about the 3DS or the Vita, because the battery life on the Vita is better than the 3DS, atleast when you compare the three hour Nintendo figure to the three to five hour Sony figure. The 3DS is also the only one of the two systems that is region locked.

http://www.1up.com/news/playstation-vita-region-free

The only reason that you're seeing these $50 gift cards and $25 gift cards for the 3DS is because we've just passed a holiday. Oh, and the 3DS is actually out on store shelves right now. Kind of helps if the system is actually released in order to offer sales incentives and such.

Unless you buy the Vita on day one I'm sure you'll see some gift card or free game sales for the Vita as well. It's not like all available consoles and handhelds don't have frequent sales.

As for the price gouging. I don't see it outside of the memory cards. It's not like Sony never drops the price of their first party titles. Ever. *cough*Nintendo*cough.*

Ruin and the newest Motorsport are two current games announced as PS3/Vita bundle releases. Purchase the game and it comes with both the Bluray disc and Vita card.

http://playstationlifestyle.net/2011/08/24/sony-plans-to-bundle-ps3-and-vita-versions-of-ruin-in-one-package/

But also as mentioned, there's the ability to save data on the card on certain games. Most games infact. Uncharted is the only first party launch title to have the games saved on the card. Because six other "third party" developers did the same it's time to place blame on Sony? The Vita has the ability to both read and write onto the Vita game card, so it's up to the developer if they're going to allow save data on the card or on the memory card.

With the memory cards anyways Sony is allowing the gamers to have a choice. Would you like to save on the game card or a memory card? If you're borrowing the game or renting the game, then saving on a memory card is obviously the best choice. I'd say forcing all games to only allow saves on the Vita card would be good to combat used game sales or rentals as people might want to keep the game as it has their save data on it. Sony should look into doing this instead but atleast there are two ways to save.

Out of the 19 physical releases of launch games in Japan, only six require you to have a card to save on. Only two of those games are going to be launched in the west along with the rest to make a total of 24. The games altogether are Uncharted, Ridge Racer, Disgaea 3, Hot Shots 6,Monster Radar, and Dream Club Zero Portable. I won't be getting any of those except Uncharted. The only other game we're receiving is Ridge Racer, so just skip purchasing those two games and you're not required to buy a memory card. Tada!! I just saved you $30.

*edit*

So you want to play PSP games. Don't want to waste money on an overpriced memory stick. Don't want to repurchase games you already own. Then keep you PSP. O_O. That's. Holy crap. Genius!!

Different argument altogether but throwing this out there because I know it will come up in the near future about how we have to.... pay for a digital copy of a game that we own a physical format of. :roll:

Disgaea 3? Why would I want the Vita version so soon when I already have the PS3 version and haven't even played it yet?

[substantial_snake]

I really hope this thing tanks. With even a small memory card, it's going to end up costing almost double what the 3DS does.
Until and unless it gets hacked wide open, I wouldn't even consider buying one.

Ok. :roll:

I can get you being upset about the memory card issue but hoping any console tanks is a pretty petty thing to say. Maybe its because I'm thinking about this rationally or maybe its just the internet magnifying every negative but I honestly don't see this as a huge deal. Its one aspect about the console that sucks upon launch one that will either drop in price withing a year or other alternatives will open themselves up. Its ok though you can keep on hating while I enjoy my console. :)

[Rickstilwell1]

Ok. :roll:

I can get you being upset about the memory card issue but hoping any console tanks is a pretty petty thing to say. Maybe its because I'm thinking about this rationally or maybe its just the internet magnifying every negative but I honestly don't see this as a huge deal. Its one aspect about the console that sucks upon launch one that will either drop in price withing a year or other alternatives will open themselves up. Its ok though you can keep on hating while I enjoy my console. :)

Yeah personally I never want any consoles to tank because the more consoles that are out, the more chances we get at getting more games.

[kupomogli]

Disgaea 3? Why would I want the Vita version so soon when I already have the PS3 version and haven't even played it yet?

I won't even get the PS3 version. I dislike the series. It's just one of the six eastern launch titles that use a memory card to save. Only two out of 24 launch titles when the Vita hits western shores require the use of a memory card to save(Uncharted and Ridge Racer.)

I was pointing out that depending if you were purchasing any of those games would be the only time you'd need a memory card. There's always the chance that this could change when it gets ported over to the US as well, so we might not even need a memory card at that point for some of those games.

[WCP]

Unless you buy the Vita on day one I'm sure you'll see some gift card or free game sales for the Vita as well. It's not like all available consoles and handhelds don't have frequent sales.



Yeah, but typically for the first 3 or 4 months you won't see ANY discounts. Sure, Sony will have some bundles where they pack in a memory card and carrying case, and some other misc. bullcrap, but basically it's just a bunch of overpriced add-ons thrown into the mix, and then marked down, to make it seem like a huge savings.

[Bojay1997]

I won't even get the PS3 version. I dislike the series. It's just one of the six eastern launch titles that use a memory card to save. Only two out of 24 launch titles when the Vita hits western shores require the use of a memory card to save(Uncharted and Ridge Racer.)

I was pointing out that depending if you were purchasing any of those games would be the only time you'd need a memory card. There's always the chance that this could change when it gets ported over to the US as well, so we might not even need a memory card at that point for some of those games.

But wouldn't you agree that the top selling game will likely be Uncharted meaning virtually everyone who buys the Vita will need a memory card? Why would Sony all of a sudden reverse course for the US release? That's wishful and naive thinking.

[kedawa]

Yeah personally I never want any consoles to tank because the more consoles that are out, the more chances we get at getting more games.
More likely you'll just get more ports, and have to own more consoles to play all the exclusives that could have otherwise been multiplatform. The Vita doesn't really allow for any games that couldn't be developed elsewhere, and the existence of more platforms doesn't magically promote software development, it just balkanizes the medium and encourages developers to spend time and money porting their games instead of making more games. Having more consoles on the market could actually lead to fewer unique games than having fewer consoles would.


But also as mentioned, there's the ability to save data on the card on certain games. Most games infact. Uncharted is the only first party launch title to have the games saved on the card. Because six other "third party" developers did the same it's time to place blame on Sony? The Vita has the ability to both read and write onto the Vita game card, so it's up to the developer if they're going to allow save data on the card or on the memory card.
It is most definitely Sony's fault. It's their platform and they could have easily mandated that all PSV games support saving to the game card.

[Lothars]

I really hope this thing tanks. With even a small memory card, it's going to end up costing almost double what the 3DS does.
Until and unless it gets hacked wide open, I wouldn't even consider buying one.


For me the battery life was the first strike. Region locking and price gouging just add to the suck.
At least if it gets hacked it'll make a decent platform for emulation.
Wow that's crazy, it's not going to tank just like the 3DS didn't tank and I still think the 3DS is a really bad system because of the 3D,

Also your wrong, it doesn't have region locking and the battery life is as good if not better than the 3DS, I think the memory cards should be cheaper and I hope the 40% off digital games is accurate but the system still looks incredible and if I don't get it at launch, I'll be soon after.

[otaku]

lame very lame. Propietary is always a bad way to go and making customers pay more is bs also

[kedawa]

Also my wrong, indeed.
You got me. I just checked, and it's true that there's no region locking on games. I misunderstood an article I read about how you can't have PSN content from different territories on a single memory card, which is not nearly as bad, but makes the memory card prices into a repeated kick to the nuts rather than a one off punt.

How am I wrong about the battery, though?
The battery life is pathetic. The fact that the 3DS also has a shit battery does nothing to change that. Every other portable device I own gets at least 10 hours on one charge, and this thing might give you half that.

I still really hope that these things hurt sales enough to convince Sony to improve battery life and bundle a memory card in future revisions.
I would wish no ill on a PS Vita that has a good battery and doesn't require a ridiculously overpriced flash card.

[kupomogli]

Every other portable device I own gets at least 10 hours on one charge, and this thing might give you half that.

So you don't own a PSP or DS? Because the original PSP gets four to six hours and the DS gets eight.

[The 1 2 P]

They can't really discourage me because I'm dead set on owning a Vita.....for an affordable price. Yes these expensive ass peripherals are annoying as hell but it's nothing new. And by the time I buy a Vita those memory cards most likely won't be more than $20 or so.

I also just got my first PSP a few months ago so I will be enjoying that the next few years while prices of the Vita continue to come down and it's game library builds up.