Ben-DutkaSo the Vita isn't doing so hot. We're all well aware.
Some will blame the unit's relatively high price. Others will say it just doesn't have enough software. And still others will cite the explosion of mobile gaming (smartphones, tablets, etc.) as a major negative influence on Vita sales.
But we're not about to dissect why Sony's slick new portable isn't exactly flying off store shelves. They're not doing the best job convincing gamers to buy the Vita right now, so what would you say to entice a fellow gamer? What would be your argument? Bear in mind that it'll be a tough sell if the person isn't a handheld fan to begin with; as technologically capable as the Vita is, it still qualifies as a handheld device. And some people just aren't interested.
So what would your argument consist of? Would you be pointing out all the great games that really are currently available? Would you point to the most amount of software available for any PlayStation brand launch? Would you mention the sheer technical wizardry and try to explain that it looks a lot like a PS3 in your hands? Would you point toward the future and mention upcoming games that might appeal to them? Would you try to play up the Vita/PS3 connectivity? Would you mention the Cross Buy initiative, which allows people to buy some first-party PS3 games and get the Vita version for free? A chance to save money is always a bonus.
It'd be interesting to hear what some of you say. And remember, "Nah, don't buy that piece of sh**" isn't an argument for buying it. So please, let's not load up the comments with that kind of negativity. 😉
tell them its like a girl with boobs on her front and back 🙂
you mean boobs and asses?
no actually sony is doing a ad campaign i am guessing only in japan with a girl with boobs on her front and back. pretty weird to see it. i will post a link
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2012-11-01-sony-ad-compares-playstation-vita-to-a-woman-with-four-breasts
the price would not have been bad had they not nerfed the storage port like a bunch of assholes, I should be allowed to buy sd or microsd or at least use the original memory stick, this change of theres was unjustified, even the ds uses sd, move on sony!@!!!!
I'd say hey theres Final Fantasy Type-0 and FFX HD… oh wait…
Sony likes to play with their cards really close to their chest. You never know.
Yeah but SE likes to announce titles before they've even been thought up, let alone started. I'm almost convinced their media releases are their way of brainstorming.
Like… we're going to maaaakke….. um…… FFX in HD!! YEAH That's it! We're making FFXHD!
And that's when they begin.
@Underdog15
I think you got a point. It's almost as if SE makes an "official" announcement just to test the crowd's response.
Well, the graphics look really good on Uncharted and WipeOut, and there's– …well, yes, I still play Uncharted and WipeOut on it, even though those were March's launch games, but they still– …well, no, not many games have been released for it, but they're going to make– …yyyyyeah, most of the games that HAVE been released are mediocre, but…. ummm…..
::goes and sulks in the corner, playing Uncharted::
Actually, I think in this case that "actions would truly speak louder than words".
So, I wouldn't say much of anything at first, except to ask what type of games they like, and then hand the Vita to them to try out for themselves for a 1/2 hour to an hour.
Plus I'd add in a few other types of genres into the mix just for good measure.
Once they're done & after they've asked all their questions, then I'd try to fill in any informational gaps.
Everyone that I let play with my Vita absolutely loved it. The problem with them, they're all broke.
I won't.
Well I always thought you'd be the one. Now it seems all hope is lost.
LOL @ tes!
Tes,
"HA"
Why would I recommend someone else to buy it when I don't think they should? The real price of a unit comes down to above $300 when you factor in a 32Gb memory card(which you should if you want serious gaming out of it). On the other hand, a 3DS with a 32GB memory card costs just $200. And there really aren't that many must-have Vita exclusives worth that extra cost. I mean if Vita has x number of good exclusives, then so does 3DS. So, purely from a gamer's point of view, 3DS is simply a better buy.
3DS is only the better buy if the exclusives you want to play are the same tired exclusives you always play on Nintendo hardware. Even then, it's not really the better buy…
$100 is too much a price difference for the performance difference that we get(?) on the Vita.
It dawned on me this week that the Vita (perhaps along with the DS) is the only practical and true, mobile, gaming platform. Phones are limited by interface. Genuine gaming laptops tie you down. And both of these tend to be on par cost-wise or cost more than the vita (or way more in the case of laptops).
And at the end of the day, as on any platform, games sell the system. And from what I'm seeing, there are plenty on their way, and quite a few presently to keep you busy during the short wait.
No, obviously, it will not have the mass appeal handhelds had before, since the phones and tablets have taken up a great chunk of that market, but I'm sure it will still deliver to gamers. At least, I know it has for me.
Well said :). Like BikerSaint says above, you just have to let people play the thing, and they get into it – it's great to use, and the available games so far are a _very_ solid library for a platform less than a year old. The best handheld gaming experiences are on the Vita – if you're into the best handheld gaming has to offer, and don't have a Vita, then you're not actually into the best that handheld gaming has to offer.
If there's one thing that could help it'd be Final Fantasy Type-0 or port the Dissidia series to the VITA.
Uncharted couldn't help, AC is unlikely as well.
Maybe a GOW can help out too.
And how would I convince others?
Still looking for a way, I still haven't bought one yet, mainly because I rarely game outside and when I'm home I have my PS3.
Last edited by Snaaaake on 11/13/2012 5:13:43 AM
While running across rooftops in AC3 Liberation, I couldn't help but feeling like inFamous would be an awesome addition to the Vita's software line.
I would love infamous or a gta on it. I'm hoping there is an infamous in the works though. Just having a portable superhero, open world game in my pocket would be awesome!
I think a new Monster Hunter would work wonders for the Vita too.
I tell ya, that would almost sell me on the vita right there….
The thing is just too damn expensive once you include memory card prices, and none of the bundle packages I've seen have been any good to be honest. A price drop would sure go a long way to sell more vita, but sony seems dead set on its price point.
They have had sales before. People will always say it is expensive no matter what. The target sale they had a couple of weeks ago many didn't even bother going. So again it won't matter because many people are cheap.
Last edited by sawao_yamanaka on 11/13/2012 11:52:36 AM
Well, it's an expensive piece of gear, with very few games, ofcourse many gamers arnt going to touch it.
I think the fickle masses need a very well publicised price drop right now! Xmas present anyone?
Unfortunately, that's just the reality of the situation.
Last edited by Dukemz_UK on 11/13/2012 2:43:28 AM
Not really. People are cheap, that will never change. You can drop the price and they still whine about the cost. You have to show people the value of the thing in a way they can understand, that's more important in the long run.
People may be cheap cause there are poor countries out there, different jobs, people may get payed cheaper than others, than their is love one's to think about.
Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 11/13/2012 3:14:06 PM
No, it doesn't matter if someone is rich or poor, or from a rich country or a pour country. People are cheap. I'm not making a comment on the financial resources that people bring to to the table. This is simply about people tending to be cheap – and in general they are.
I guess I don't know what u mean when u say people are cheap.
Uncharted, Assassins Creed, Little Big Planet, Killzone, Fifa, Gravity Rush, Lumines, PSP games, PSX games, PSN.
All on the run… What more could you possibly want? I love my Vita.
a gun?
tis the only argument i can think of to convince someone to buy it, especially when you could buy so many better things for the same amount of cashola.
its certainly getting better though on the game front at least, theres still crippling missing features and pain in the a$$ restrictions, but eh its a start.
it was encouraging to see $ony announce that GG were actually working on KZ mercenaries, and not cambridge.
thats what the vita needs, not that their smaller studios are not capable, look at uncharted golden abyss which was done by bend, but a big name developer, especially when their the creator of the big bro version, will certainly help enstil confidence.
$ony really needs to start getting ALL their first party devs on the vita, only way its going to be able to stand up against the onslaught of mobile gaming is to show the difference.
they cant rely on quantity, they cant rely on oh it has buttons mobiles dont have those, they need to say well mobile games dont have 100+ staff with a 30+M dollar budget now do they?
the only way the vita is going to survive is to really push the ps3 on the go theme, if there going to continue hiring f*cking nhillistic, one of the worst developers in the industry, to develop big name titles than they might as well stop supporting it!
There is one segment where I might see a small opportunity: Those who today has become avid gamers on the mobile platform. Cause there's plenty of guys now that do a LOT of gaming on their small devices. That is an opportunity.
The challenge in that case would of course be that since most of the mobile games are based on online play in one way or another, shifting to the Vita would mean an entirely different network than what every other friend is on.
But to keep a positive tone (as requested in the article 🙂 ): I would aim my sales attempts directly at those who today has become avid mobile gamers. The success of the smartphones has recruited a *lot* of new gamers, it has expanded the gaming market like nothing else in recent times. That's where it might have a chance, as a niche device for the gadget friendly, entusiastic mobile gamers who want to advance.
As a matter of fact, maybe even a new console could be marketed towards that segment?
"Tired of the small screens and simple games? Time to advance to the *real* deal. Time to get a PS4.".
Last edited by Beamboom on 11/13/2012 4:33:07 AM
Nhilistic seems to have done an good job on Declassified. Check out Metacritics user reviews. Most gamers are extremely surprised by what they purchased compared to the game play demo Activision released that almost killed the game dead right there.
Hilarious, not sure why this posted to your comment. Wasn't my intention. This was in reply to ____________
I'm sorry, I cannot think of a single reason to buy the vita yet. For now I am still content with my PSP. While it is getting titles like Gravity Rush and Tearaway, I just need more. None of the touch screen features interest me, all I would use it for is as a games console and the games have yet to deliver in my opinion.
I think the Vita can play all the games you have for your PSP. It also looks better on the OLED screen. PSVita chat? Anything? No?
The PS Vita cannot play my UMD's. All my PSP games are UMD, so if anything it is more restrictive to me. Sure it can play all my PS1 games, but so can my PSP… I have yet to see an appealing reason to upgrade to a vita.
No, none of that Online content appeals to me, I don't mean to sound like a sour puss, but I simply have no need for it on a portable console as I have my phone phone on me at all times.
If I were to get a portable console it would be about the games. So far none of the Vita games are jumping out at me. Uncharted might be alright, but it is not something I would buy a Vita for.
You sound like a sour puss. Pining for an UMD exchange program is pointless since it's not gonna happen. However as was pointed out, Almost all PSP downloadable titles (of which there are a lot) work flawlessly on Vita and look fabulous on the OLED screen. Actually, that screen is larger, brighter, crisper and all-round better making PSP and PS1 titles played on Vita a far better experience than the same titles on an actual PSP.
So, so thankful the Vita does NOT play UMDs. The Vita is very nearly silent, and there are no gears turning discs inside. Such a pleasant user experience.
A ton of PSP games are available for download on the cheap, you can always get them that way. Or, just hold on to your PSP if you think you'd like to take that particular trip down memory lane at some point.
Wow, telly has a really great point! Never seen the situation that way! I guess the VITA is quieter, huh? Ultimadream, the only way I can convince you to buy a PSVita is by saying, the PSVita is an improvement over any PSP known to man kind. All around.
I know that you commented before the PS blog update, but the sheer quantity and quality of titles coming to Vita through the Plus IGC has given every gamer no excuse to hold off buying one now.
Edit: How did my reply end up here? I was replying to Ultimadream. Sorry Killa Tequilla.
Last edited by JROD0823 on 11/13/2012 2:45:16 PM
He has a point. The Vita can play PSP games, but Ultimadream has the games on UMD, which the Vita does not accept and u have to pay extra just to play on Vita. That right there is not worth it unless if Ultimadream wants to play Vita games.
Last edited by AcHiLLiA on 11/13/2012 3:02:23 PM
I'll just say, "you're a human, this is a gaming device, I don't see how this can end bad?"
But seriously, the PSVita can do so much more that Ps3 can't. It will download your games on the background even if you're on a chat. PSVita is a great device for using the chat functionality while you play your PS3. Especially when you play games like BF3 with your friends or SOCOM Confrontation.
I've seen many peoples comments saying that they bought a PSVita just for Persona 4 Golden. That might work if said friend is into JRPGs?
Ps2 classics are making it to the PSVita store with updated controls like US Navy Seals Fire Team Bravo 2/3. Then there are games like Final Fantasy. Some games are meant to be played on the PSVita that just seem better played on it, for example P4G. Certain titles give you the Vitaa version of the game free if you buy the PSV/Ps3 version of the game via cross-buy promotion.
I recommend anyone a Vita.
It sounds more like you're recommending the Vita to console gamers/owners, more so than "anyone" but I'm just being technical.
Nothing is needed! The price is right, games are great. It just needs time and support. The more games they release on the Vita will convince more and more. This is truly a marathon not a sprint. Haters are going to hate and there are plenty on this site. All I know is that I own a ton of excellent games on the Vita and it has never left my house. I am gamer and love gaming in all different kinds of ways. It's a very intimate connection that the PS3 cannot provide. All I can say is keep your worthless opinions to yourself unless you have actually sat down and played it for 30 minutes or so. Don't knock it until you try it. Imagine how stupid you sound saying it sucks when you haven't even tried it yet!! Hilarious!
Last edited by CrusaderForever on 11/13/2012 9:22:23 AM
It seems a lot of people are already convinced they don't want it, for whatever reason the media or their friends have plugged into their heads.
The best way to 'convince' someone to buy a Vita is to put the damn thing in their hands with a game that appeals to them.
My sister and her husband both said they didn't want one until I went over to visit and let them play mine. She played Rayman, he played Hot Shots. Sold! They went out the next day and bought one each.
This thing will sell itself if people would just give it a chance.