My pal Cheapy D (Cheap Ass Gamer) lives in Tokyo, but he likes him some North American territory game systems. He ordered a PlayStation Vita at E3 and just now got a ship date for his order: January 2012. Being in Japan, with the item shipping from North America, he'll get it that first week of January.
Since I've heard this a few of our readers that also placed orders are getting the same news. It seems the release date is December 31. Most are expected to see their systems arrive by January 4th.
Right after Christmas. Hmmph. What a punch in the balls. Still, that's soon! I'm ready!
Dale North is Destructoid's Editor-In-Chief, a founding editor, and specialist in Japanese gaming. An accomplished musician, Dale was reporting from Japan during the earthquakes of 2011. Luckily, he got the fuck out alive and is home in America now with his wife and beloved corgi, Einstein. Dale is also a co-founder of Destructoid's sister anime site
Japanator. Likes Corgis, Sega Saturn, PSP, iPhone, Photographic tools.
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Contest:
2:20 PM on 06.22.2011
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I can't wait for the Vita to come out! It'll be a nice companion to my 3DS!:D
Pokota has it right, December 31st is a placeholder date that the majority of games and systems without a firm release date get.
inFamous 2 had december 31st, 2011 as a release date for a long time on Amazon, and we all know how well that guess worked out.
I'd say relax, don't jump the gun and we'll learn a release date by TGS.
I'd expect them to either capitalize on pre-christmas rush, or post holiday when there's less competition game-wise.
Not on New Years Eve.
...although maybe i should wait for the inevitable PSV-2000 Slim Model?
Game Dev Story taught me well.
There is zero chance Sony would fumble potential sales that would come from Black Friday and Christmas day shopping.
@ GoofierBrute
It's hard to say but the usual consensus to January is that its a deadzone for big items, and its for the obvious reason: People don't really have the money after christmas, even if you count those money gifts (which most industries don't). Only thing that does seem to sell well is TV's and that's only as a Superbowl party favor.
But yeah, this is why most companies wait till tax time to do this sort of thing.. The area between February and April is much more ripe for something like this then the ass end of Christmas.
I'd bet money you won't see it out by black Friday.
I'm of the opinion that they would be better off releasing in the US first, but Sony has a lot of loyal PSP users and developers from Japan to consider.
January actually would not be that bad of a release month. Gift cards have made the weeks after Christmas into a strong secondary shopping season, especially online. I know I pretty much beg for Amazon gift cards. Sony has actually done pretty well the last couple of years with exclusive PS3 titles released in January.
Remember, though, that the original launch information, directly from Sony, was the by end of the FISCAL year, which means I believe is the end of March.
I'm of the opinion that they would be better off releasing in the US first, but Sony has a lot of loyal PSP users and developers from Japan to consider.
January actually would not be that bad of a release month. Gift cards have made the weeks after Christmas into a strong secondary shopping season, especially online. I know I pretty much beg for Amazon gift cards. Sony has actually done pretty well the last couple of years with exclusive PS3 titles released in January.
Remember, though, that the original launch information, directly from Sony, was the by end of the FISCAL year, which means I believe is the end of March.
Weird name...but since Black and White just came out, won't the next Pokemon games be remakes of Ruby and Sapphire? If you can live without those games, go with the Vita.
I'm just losing interest in my PSP, it's time for a new portable!!