Ben-DutkaRemember when we said Sony might want to consider giving interested consumers a PS3/Vita bundle package ?
Sometimes I think I've got ESP.
PlayStation UK boss Fergal Gara was asked about the possibility of this very thing during a new CVG interview , and he said they have "nothing against" the idea and in fact, they could do it this holiday season if they chose. Said Gara:
"We'd have nothing against that whatsoever. And it's not out of the question that we would do that this Christmas if we wanted to. We put together packages for retail, and there's no reason why we shouldn't create a 'Vita plus PS3' bundle, which could feature games that use cross-play, as well as include a PlayStation Plus subscription that both devices could use.
There is really a story there of the two consoles building a partnership. 'Better together', as I say. If we want to continue to promote the partnership between PS3 and Vita, we have to look at ways in which we can show that. "
Gara adds that he isn't sure if this dual-console bundle is a good solution at this point in time, but it certainly has potential. With the cross-play feature and new Cross Buy option (buy the PS3 version of a game, get the Vita version free ), it does sound like the perfect idea, though, doesn't it?
An intriguing idea, but I'm REALLY interested to see what their plans are for Vita with PS4. I've read speculation that PS4 is being designed from the ground up to interact easily and effectively with Vita, and if that's true, that would REALLY be a match in heaven.
It'd be great if they could fix some minor things with the Vita first. I love my Vita but did you know you can't backup Vita save game files individually?
Did not — I'm getting the ACIII Vita bundle as a late birthday present at the end of the month, so haven't really had hands on time with the system yet. I'm a huge sony fan and there's plenty I'll enjoy with it, but the tech issues the system has faced so far are really discouraging. I'm still hopeful they'll sort this stuff out sooner than later.
You will be able to back up your Vita digital saves come November if you are a PS+ member. Vita PS+ starts and you get an additional separate 1GB of storage. Also, if you buy retail and not digital your saved games are on the SD game card.
If they do it would cost a friggin ton so it might not be that popular.
I think this could work in the EU market (and NA too), if it's the Flash based PS3 with the wifi Vita and a 4 or 8GB memory card for the Vita.
The flash based PS3 has no HDD and the bundles currently on sale are priced in a way that suggests the actual cost of the PS3 is closer to $200. Vita is a year old and with a 4GB memory device the Wifi version could sell at a $200 price mark.
If you throw in 3 months of Plus, and 1 cross play enabled game and price the entire bundle at $399, Sony might take a small loss per bundle unit sold, but they'd sell. That same bundle would do well in NA too. Though for that to happen the Flash based PS3 would have to become a reality here as well. Given how easy it is to put a HDD in a PS3, that should not be a barrier. Any 2.5 inch SATA laptop drive should work with it, leaving iot to the consumer to decide how much they want to spend on storage. Sony could even put out a 'official' HDD upgrade for the Flash model, say 250GB already in the carriage ready to install, priced around $50.
But, I do think a $399 price on a Vita/PS3 bundle is not out of the question, and with a cross play game (Wipeout?) and 3 months of Plus, the value of the bundle would be undeniable.
If this comes to fruition it could deal quite a blow to the WiiU if strategically marketed. You CAN NOT leave your home with the WiiU tablet thing. It is a CONTROLLER versus the VITA being a full blown console.
I still don't understand exactly *who* this bundle would be for?
Like Sony confirmed in an interview I read recently, the overwhelming majority of Vita buyers are already PS3 owners. Hence, the Vita appeals first and foremost to the Sony Playstation fans. No big surprise.
But how many Playstation fans doesn't already own a working PS3? I know some are looking to get a new PS3, but how many of them again would want a Vita too? Is that group really large enough to warrant a bundle like this? I just don't see how this is a great idea!
It would be a bundle to stack against the WiiU, not for folks who already have a PS3.
So up until now the Vita has only sold within the Playstation community but once bundled, instead of buying Nintendos spanking new WiiU people would choose… A console about to be replaced and a portable? But why? Why is that an alternative?
I'm sorry but I fail to see the logic in that!
Last edited by Beamboom on 10/1/2012 3:38:51 PM
Nintendo's brand spanking new WiiU does nothing except being Wii to the HD generation, it's simply catch up. But the point of the bundle is that it not only points out that the WiiU tablet controller is not an exclusive feature, but also that the WiiU tablet controller is inferior because the Vita is a game console in it's own right.
Given the game library the PS3 has, and Vita's growing library, are you honestly saying that you don't understand why a Vita/PS3 bundle might be attractive to buyers along side the WiiU? The value of Vita + PS3 with their combined gaming library surely has to be seen as a weapon to use against the WiiU.
Are you really unable to see that? I mean, really?
Enough people want a vita but complain about it's price. Simple, bundle them together and it will sell!
@Beamboom
Come on, even you who is obviously not in the Vita camp can see this as positive for the PS brand. Not hating at all, and I really enjoy your posts, but why so negative in the Vita topics?
Whether we believe it or not Sony is competing wit Nintendo both in the handheld and console market. The Wii U Tablet Controller cannot be used without the Wii U. This is a major advantage for Sony if they come up with the right bundle at the right price.
Guys, I simply try to see this from the target consumers perspective. No love or hate in either direction.
Please join me as I now try to place ourselves in the shoes of these customers:
We already know that the Vita so far has mainly appealed to the Playstation fans. Therefore, in this mind experiment the Vita is in itself not that interesting to you.
Now, let's further assume that the WiiU *is* interesting. Yeah, I know it's getting harder now ;), but are you still following me? Good. The new Nintendo console is now all of a sudden something you are in the market of considering buying.
But *why* do you want a WiiU? It must have something to do with the software that has followed their consoles? You know, the Nintendo franchises, the workout stuff, the casual things. The general Nintendo hype for that matter.
The Playstation 3 has already been on the market for what – seven years? Seven years without you wanting to buy it, regardless of all the bundles and deals so far. Seven years – not interested. See where I am going with this?
So from THIS perspective, if you are able to put yourself in that situation, would you then find this bundle to be relevant to you? After seven years and at the very end of the lifespan of this console – why would you want one *now*? Because you can use the Vita as a remote control/controller?!
Even if there was no difference, identical games, features etc, there is a psychological element playing a role here:
Do you want a console that is spanking new on the market, or something that's been on the market for seven years?… It's not that hard to imagine why your average Joe would pick the new over the old.
So I gotta say I'm not convinced, guys. And please note, there's no hate towards the Vita or the PS3 to be found here. Only an objective attempt to see this from the perspective of this segment of the market.
Last edited by Beamboom on 10/2/2012 9:52:48 AM
Beamboom, your posting history suggests at very least a tendency to take the negative point of view regarding various PlayStation topics. So, color me unsurprised that you don't see why a Vita PS3 bundle might be useful competing against the WiiU. I do note that you are significantly more positive in tone about Nintendo. You'll say you're being neutral, but my impression of your comments is that your comments regarding PS3/Vita are negative when compared to your remarks regarding Nintendo. That may not be what you are trying to project, but that is what is coming across. It doesn't feel like objectivity or neutrality, it feels like slight bias.
I think you read my comment too fast, Highlander. I am merely trying to see this from *others* perspective, not mine. The perspective of someone who might consider buying a WiiU.
As for me personally, I'm completely uninterested in the WiiU. Could not care less. You could throw a WiiU after me, I'd not even try to catch it. Never seen the point in getting me a Wii or 3DS either. But that's not really relevant here.
The big question here is, why would someone who might buy a WiiU consider this bundle instead? It's from that perspective I ask that you read the rest of my comment above.
Last edited by Beamboom on 10/2/2012 11:12:46 AM
This is a fantastic idea and makes a lot of sense. I can see this going to the following:
1. Gamers that were on the fence in regards to the Sony Playstation brand.
2. X360 gamers that are bored
3. New gamers just getting started
4. PS3 hardcore gamers who were looking to buy another PS3 anyways.
5. PS3 gamers with a recently deceased/YLOD PS3
This bundle will have to be $399 to be successful. They will have to include a cross-play game and 8GB memory card. Some times you have to take a hit to make a buck later on down the road. Software sales would make up for the loss.
Can you imagine if Sony came out with the following bundle on 11/18/12!!!!
$399
PS3 Super Slim 12GB
HDMI
VGA cable
Power cord
Dual Shock 3
Vita Wifi
8GB Memory Card
Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale
LPB2 (Free right now with PS+ IGC) with Cross-Controller advertising
3 month subscription to PS+ and Vita PS+ advertising on package
Nintendo would be like HOLY SH*T! I know it wouldn't hurt the Wii U launch that much but it may sway some away from the Wii U for the time being to get hooked on the Sony Playstation brand. There would need to CONSIDERABLE advertising on all media outlets to get the word out. I know PSABR doesn't release until 11/20/12 but they could easily move the release day up a few days.
Exactly!
I think something like this will definitely hurt the WiiU but only if it is implemented ASAP! The real issue to address is keeping the WiiU from establishing a foothold on as the go to console for tablet controller functionality. Sony needs to get in on that Mind Share immediately. With consumers and most of all DEVELOPERS.
Last edited by FatherSun on 10/1/2012 4:32:15 PM
HDMI cable :thumbs up:
A VGA cable…whaaat?!!
If SONY wishes to capitalize on this opportunity I suggest they do so like yesterday. This can take some wind from the WiiU sales and may actually convince developers that Sony is committed to the PS3/VITA relationship. Like mentored above. Bundle with some 1st party games and Assassins Creed bundle can show how 3rd party is supported as well. I would consider it a coup if Sony accomplished this somehow. Show some aggression Sony. I know you respect Nintendo but this can cause a tremendous uptick in sales. Especially this Holiday season.
Last edited by FatherSun on 10/1/2012 3:57:19 PM
Throw in a Sony Tablet S and call it the Family Bundle with Qriocity and the Amazing Spiderman 3D bluray for a total of $749 and it'd be the Christmas gift topping the list in a few households. Gives everyone a proper tablet too. Or maybe that's a bit much.