Apparently, Sony has a new handheld out today … They kept that quiet.
Earlier this month, PlayStation Vita fans learnt that the program in Japan that allows users to download digital versions of their PSP UMD games, will not be coming to the US or Europe.
So what possible reason could does Sony have for letting down the western market? Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida cites that “there just isn’t sufficient demand to make it worthwhile for the platform holder.”
Speaking in an interview with Wired, Yoshida tries to calm angry fans. Explaining that because the PSP sold more in Japan, they get preferential treatment.
“The system has been introduced in Japan, where there is a much larger demand for PSP games,” he explained.
“When you look at the release schedule of new titles there are still lots of PSP games being released in Japan and being announced for release. Lots of people who are interested in trying Vita are also interested in playing PSP games that they might purchase before Vita comes out, and will not necessarily choose the digital version. So there is a lot more demand… to introduce a program like that.”
Yoshida also added that UMD games are cheaper in the West than they are in Japan, meaning the fee attached to transferring games is only a little less than the cost of the UMD digital download.
“The other point is that when you look at PSP titles sold digitally in the States or Europe, games are sold for a really reasonable price. You can buy Final Fantasy Tactics for $10. That’s a great price,” he squeed.
“When you compare that to the price of games here, PSP games in Japan are sold at a much higher price, so people see the value in spending the $5 to $10 to get the digital copy. But when the games are already sold at a lower price in the U.S. we see less value in introducing that kind of system.”
Sony’s new handheld launches in the UK today and so far has been met with trepidation thanks to a high asking price. We should have more coverage on the Vita as soon as Sony decide to send us one. Which they haven’t yet. Ahem.
Wesley Copeland
Wesley Copeland is a passionate writer with more opinions than an ostrich.
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