Sony's Playstation Vita isn't due in the US until February, but it has plenty of gamers ready to ditch their current consoles — Sony says 60 percent of PSP owners are planning to upgrade. The PSP is now five years old, and its owners are apparently ready to get their hands on the Vita's 3G capabilities, 5-inch AMOLED display, and dual touchpads. 63 percent of PS3 owners also said they'd be buying a Vita when it's released, and though there's certainly some overlap between the camps, it's definitely a sign Sony's done something right. Of course, the 40 percent who are happy with their years-old PSPs suggest the Vita might be more evolutionary than game-changing. Even if the Vita won't be here for the holiday season, get ready to put those stockings out again a week after Valentine's.
Comments
Saying & doing are two different things. I’m saying I plan to get a Vita, however their launch is probably going to be right about the same time the iPad 3 comes out in the US. Obvious there is a huge price difference between the two products, but if I have a choice of the two I’m going to save for the iPad 3. It will play games, and it lets me do a lot of other things I need a portable device for at the moment.
In an ideal world, saying would equal doing. I’ll be surprised if 60% of PSP owners buy a Vita at launch.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:26 PM EDT reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
This is just PR puff piece from Sony to remind everyone their ‘must sucseed’ device is coming, please re-order. The stat is picked out of thin air and wouldn’t hold much water even if they’ contacted every single PSP owner on the planet.
As you say, saying and doing are completely different things. I’m not sure they have a library of must have titles are on launch and i’m a casual – keen gamer. The Vita looks sweet but not ‘must have’, not yet.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:34 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
60% of users who bothered to respond on a Sony mailing list.
just saying.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:06 PM EDT reply Recommend (4) Flag actions
I think the price is more than good, this survey from Famitsu is more informative IMO http://andriasang.com/comx42/
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 5:33 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
very true! i think this survey has some facts wrong.. i bought a psp 5 years ago.. i havnt played in at least 4 years.. and of the 5 ppl i know that have/had one, none of em will buy a vita either.. i can’t see 60% of psp owners getting a vita.. that’s way too optimistic!
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 8:04 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I never had a PSP but I’m a long term PS user. I plan to buy a vita as my main entertainment device for the road.
The bang for the buck you get with the vita is ridiculous, no other handheld devoce can match it and will remain like that for quite some time.
I also own a tablet and honestly this produxts do not compete nor in category nor in price nor in use.
Posted on Nov 02, 2011 | 8:45 AM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
This is how I am, although without the iPad 3 though. I just don’t have the money to waste on whatever I want and I don’t know how much I would use it now that I’m in university.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:35 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Given that the source for this is Sony’s Director of HW Mktg, should be taken with more than a grain of salt. If they get 10% to upgrade in the first year, they’d count themselves lucky.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 10:00 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
You got a point there.
Posted on Nov 02, 2011 | 12:35 AM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I will be one of those people that’s for sure.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:27 PM EDT via mobile reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Depending on its launch lineup, me too :)
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:32 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I am so BEYOND over this. From the time they announced the device until now it feels old already. Is there even a major market for a PSP anymore. Everyone is either developing or playing games on their phones. Further more the Xperia Play should be more of their focus. Make your sh*t work better.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:27 PM EDT reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
As much as I agree with you, you can’t beat a dedicated device. Ok, the games may cost more – but they’re sure as hell a lot more full-featured and work a lot better with physical controls. Just imagine playing games on your Xbox using your Smartphone or iPad as the controller.
The Xperia Play is the exception. Unfortunately, they didn’t execute it properly. If they came up with a way to get a real analog stick/nub on there, then we may well not be discussing this.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:31 PM EDT reply Recommend (3) Flag actions
You do have a point for the full features you get on the Actual games for dedicated devices. What takes you 3-6 hours on a Phone to beat would take 3-6 weeks on a console.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:33 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
The experience on a dedicated console or PSP is better as well, IMO. Playing games like Real Racing 2, RPGs, and shooters on the iPhone is great, and I love the 90+ games I have on there, but I can only play them for a few minutes at a time; never longer than 30 or so straight, depending on what game it is.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:07 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I agree, plus without a charger on me I won’t be playing much for long anyways. I already use my phone as a music player and for internet access. If I add gaming to that it won’t last. Dedicated gaming devices are definitely better for gaming, plus it has buttons!
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:21 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Gaming on a phone sucks. Its cool that you can have good vraphics and everything. But I’m yet to find a non puzzle types of games that is enjoyable on a phone. I have purchased shadowgun holy crownd of tablet fps and it feels like i hace to really try to like it but i don’t. Good to impress folks because of the technical showcase it is but nothing more.
Posted on Nov 02, 2011 | 8:53 AM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I definitely plan on getting the Vita. It’ll compliment my PS3 nicely, and I just love the capabilities plus I feel like the 3DS was a bust. So the only other real option for a handheld gaming device is this (don’t you dare say get an iPod Touch).
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:29 PM EDT reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
how much gaming do you do on portables like this? I had a psp and could never really get too excited about it. Play my ps3 when im home and do casual gaming on iphone when I’m out. Isn’t this a paid to carry around? That is why my psp was usually left at home most of the time.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:32 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
It can be, but I find it worth it just because the titles are a lot better then what you’d find on are smartphones. For example, if I know I won’t be out long I’ll leave it home because I have my smartphone with games that’re good for killing a few minutes but if I know I’ll be out for awhile I’d grab this because it’d be much more then a few minutes wasted. Especially with games like Uncharted. It’s great for different uses. Plus you can’t ignore a mobile device with this kind of power and I think they’ll do some interesting things between this and the PS3.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:36 PM EDT reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
How about an ipod touch? :) I know I shouldn’t dare but it’s served as my primary handheld for a good couple years now.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:33 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Do people still use these things? I had one when I was in highschool. I games were fun but you couldnt play them for very long without eye strain and it was pita to carry around. Didn’t smartphones kill handheld gaming for people over 18?
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:29 PM EDT reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
5 inch screen might help with that eye strain.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:06 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
No, smartphones haven’t killed handheld gaming for people over 18.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 8:34 PM EDT reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
I’m in my mid 30s and own an iPhone 4, but I do have a preorder in for the Vita. Games on smartphones only really work when the game can properly utilise a touchscreen and/or tilt sensor, and those games are unfortunately few and far between. Sure, casual games work well enough, but someone buying a Vita is clearly after something more than Angry Birds and Fruit Ninja.
Posted on Nov 02, 2011 | 6:26 AM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I just hope they release a ton of games, how great would it be to have a battlefield or COD game for this thing!
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:31 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
This information is only there to get more people to buy it.
I sure doesn’t hope that Sony rely on these datas.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:37 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I had a PSP (hacked!) and will get a Vita, although not immediately. I’ll wait six months or so.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:37 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Yarn!……..I find it hard to be excited about a dedicated mobile gaming device.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:43 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I’m sort of done with dedicated portable gaming devices. I bought a 3DS just to see if I would use it, and it pretty much just sat in my briefcase. It’s weirdly hypocritical because I don’t want to carry around another device, but I recognize that my phone could use some tactile input for games. I apparently just don’t care enough.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:47 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I think your mistake was buying a 3DS.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 5:34 PM EDT reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
Yeah…I don’t.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:49 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
first I want to know: how it feels, how the software works, and the quality of that thing. Then I might be willing to grab my wallet and search for some euros.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:51 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Well, I have the first PSP laying around somewhere collecting dust…but have no reasons for upgrading, unless it has an vacuum-cleaner app!
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:51 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
IMO Sony’s going to lose their shirts on this one. The PSP lacked content since day one. I don’t see how the Vita is going to be any different. Sony needs to get their house in order and pack the power of the Vita into a kick ass smartphone. That’s really the only way I see them being successful in the mobile gaming market.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 3:58 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
60% sounds a tad unrealistic to be honest, and I can’t see that number being close to applicable when it comes to shelling out 250 dollar for a new piece of hardware. I for one don’t own a PSP myself, and is hoping to buy into the handheld market with the upcoming Vita, as many others probably are as well.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:19 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I’m buying for the sake of buying it
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:21 PM EDT reply Recommend (2) Flag actions
I might get a Vita, depending on whether or not the iPad 3 looks significantly better than the first one.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:26 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Own the PSPgo currently, and I’ll be there day 1 for the Vita. As long as I can grab the Uncharted and the new Super Stardust, I’ll be happy for at least six months. After all, it is a mobile platform, so you’re not sitting down for hours on the thing. Price-tag seems fair. No 3G needed here though, tether FTW.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:34 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I work for a large retailer who sells videogames. (hmmmm wonder who?! lolz) and I have seen ZERO interest in my store for this item. Not having it out for the holidays is going to kill them. February is such a dead zone for a console. Might be able to snag some tax return cash to move it but really this thing is going to struggle until Q4 2012.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:37 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
So 6 people are planning on buying the Vita.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:45 PM EDT reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
i will surely be planning to upgrade from my psp go which i think is the best psp by far now till the vita comes out hope i can trade it in
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:56 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Im definitely looking forward to the vita, but what would really get me excited is if sony actually had a phone as their next handheld, something like the xperia play, but making it be THE console. Already phones and gaming consoles cross on so many points, it seems hardware might be the only thing holding this merger back.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 4:58 PM EDT via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
I owned an original PSP and enjoyed it a lot. I’ve purchased about 12 games for it and another 3-4 UMD movies (when they went on sale of course). Sadly I lost it on a recent plane flight, which left me to contemplate its replacement.
Unsurprisingly, I’m at a different point in my life than I was when I bought it. I barely have time for any gaming at all, but I still enjoy a “traditional” long-format game experience. Angry birds is fun for a few minutes, but I like ……plot. I think I’m done with portable consoles for a while; I’m just gonna focus my time on playing my 360 when I get the opportunity.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 5:25 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
This sounds like a complete lie. I won’t be upgrading after having a PSP.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 5:28 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Dear Sony,
Aurrroouggh?
TT
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 5:38 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I am planning on buying a Playstation Vita however, like people are saying that doesn’t mean I will get it immediately and also it depends on launch titles and other details surround the launch.
It doesn’t mean anything, what people say and what people do are 2 different things.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 5:45 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
And I am part of the 40% who will not upgrade to a Vita
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 5:49 PM EDT reply Recommend (1) Flag actions
Nope. Not sure if I believe this stat. I got a psp years ago when it first came out, and it’s been sitting and collecting dust for ages. Same with my point and shoot camera. The quality of games (and photos) might be a bit higher than those on my iPhone, but it’s just not worth the cost (in both time and convenience) to get expensive games on a second device when I can get them for free/cheap on the app store. If I’m gonna get a “hardcore” game, might as well get it for the 360.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 6:01 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I plan to pick on up. The only question is when, since I will be moving off to school around launch time it might not be the best time to pick one up.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 6:23 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I love my PSP, but thanks to using other platforms more often (ie. iPhone/iPad), I don’t play it as much. For a dedicated gaming system, it works well and I enjoy the games I have on it, but they are all on UMD. Unless those same games are going to be available on the PSVita, I might not want to upgrade, taking into the fact that I don’t play the PSP much.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 6:29 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
i will be getting one …..but not at launch
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 7:17 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
For this to succeed, the games need to be really good. My biggest gripe with the PSP was that many of the games just felt like watered down PS2 and PS3 games.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 7:41 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Just an aside, that new UI to replace the XMB is hideous.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 8:00 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I agree, but when I think “tough friendly UI” the XMB isn’t the first thing that comes to mind.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 10:46 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Sorry, “touch friendly UI”.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 10:47 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Already pre-ordered the first batch Vita, cannot wait.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 8:22 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
i realize i have absolutely no time to play video games, yet i’m addicted to sony’s franchises (also, i need that street fighter game with cole from inFAMOUS). i’ll be buying it once i get some cash…
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 8:43 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Me in 40% not upgrading. I think iOS devices are enough for me. iPad 2, Android both play decent games. Is this necessary? Is a dedicated handheld relevant anymore? Look at the impending death of 3DS.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 9:35 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I completely agree with you StanleyHart. 2 iOS devices takes care of my mobile gaming (iPad & iPhone 4S). The days of dedicated handheld gaming devices are over. If going to the gym with my iPhone was easier I would get rid of my mp3 player.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 10:05 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Super duper velcro strap on for iPhone might work for your gym-ing?
My 1st gen PSP is an ornament more than anything else.
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 10:43 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I’m kinda confused about the 3g… is it free, or do you have to pay a monthly fee?
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 10:32 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
So out of 10 people that own the PSP Go 6 will buy the new one?
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 10:47 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
So they are trying to say it’s a good thing to lose 40% of your customers?
Posted on Nov 01, 2011 | 11:45 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I am sure that I will buy ps vita in someday. I have ipad 2 and using android smartphone, the game that those platforms provides to me isn’t enough to me. For killing time angry birds, and any other mobile game is perfect but, it isn’t enough to play game. Unfortunately I don’t have time to play game so I wouldn’t get one right after launching. But I will have one when I have time to play game
Posted on Nov 02, 2011 | 2:07 AM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Count me in! I’m a PSP Go owner and just love the disk-less way of playing games on this machine, although now feeling a bit underpowered compared to what you can do on the iPhone nowadays..
While being a bit not happy for Sony to still keep disks around, I will get the Vita just to see how powerful portable gaming will go, now that the iPhone4S is pretty much in the league of an Xbox360 powerhouse plus all the functionality that goes with it.
good times ahead ! :)
Posted on Nov 02, 2011 | 5:04 AM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I was going to hold off for one of these but after playing 3-D zelda on a 3DS I made a flash decision and bought that instead. I’m afraid I’ll end up regretting it though if the vita lives up to the hype.
Posted on Nov 02, 2011 | 6:29 AM EDT via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
I can’t wait to get my hands on the vita. As an early adopter of the psp I have been patiently anticipating the release of a new Sony handheld. I just hope that this system isn’t rotten with piracy like the psp was because that was the sole reason developers were disinclined to develop for it.
Posted on Nov 02, 2011 | 7:07 AM EDT via mobile reply Recommend Flag actions
60% huh? Seems high to me. I bought a PSP at midnight when it launched but I never fell in love with it. It was probably about 2 years ago that I sold it on eBay.
Posted on Nov 02, 2011 | 12:27 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
I’m looking forward to getting one of these babies on day 1……still play my psp from time to time.
Posted on Nov 02, 2011 | 12:57 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
My uncle is getting it. Probably me too, but I have to decide whether or not I want to save up for a new laptop or not.
Posted on Nov 03, 2011 | 4:53 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
Had a pre-order in for this as soon after E3 as i could. It looks like a real nice peice of kit. My only worry is sony and how it will support the device.
I feel that the original psp was very under supported and the psp go…………….well what can you say about that really.
Sony needs to form a coherent ecosystem for it’s devices. i don’t think they are and don’t think they will. But here’s hoping.
Posted on Nov 04, 2011 | 12:48 PM EDT reply Recommend Flag actions
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