Ben-DutkaThe new portable war is just getting started, but EA believes Sony is in a slightly better position.
In speaking to CVG , EA Games boss Frank Gibeau said that Sony's combination of innovative technology and a strong software lineup gives it the edge over Nintendo's 3DS. The latter unit has already dropped in price. And Gibeau doesn't believe that just because the Vita isn't a cell phone, it'll somehow be less attractive to gamers. Besides, the unit does have plenty of social functions:
"I think [Sony has] got a shot because they have some really unique innovation in the control scheme, the technology and the screen. It's got a lot of social features now so that you can actually communicate with your friends and be social.
You can't ring them up by putting the device up to your ear but in general I think they've got most of the capabilities that you'd find in a smart phone, with some unique capabilities that make them stand out."
Gibeau went on to say that there was "some confusion" over the 3DS and overall, the Vita simply has a better launch slate. There are several hot titles scheduled to be available at the handheld's launch, and that's crucial to success. Said Gibeau:
"I think Vita has a better chance because it has a stronger title slate at launch. PSP's had a great run in Europe as a device, it seems to have reached a much larger audience here than it did in North America. So I think they've got a good shot. We're going to publish a few games on it and see how it develops."
Many have called for Sony to drop the price of the Vita, especially in light of Nintendo's move. But Sony has insisted that Vita's price tag is reasonable and in fact, it's more than agreeable based on the technology. But they also know that it needs games to sell, and that's what they're focusing on.