Retailers praise Vita price

There may be be no word on a release date yet, but games retailers are already excited about PlayStation Vita. Speaking to MCV, online and High Street outlets have praised the platform holder for the device’s announced pricing.

Sony’s Kaz Hirai revealed during E3 that the WiFi-only model of Vita will launch at €249 in Europe. The WiFi/3G SKU will retail for €299.

For the features you’re getting, there’s real value for money,” Play.com’s games buyer Keith Sharpe told MCV. Judging by our customer feedback, Sony ia spot on with the pricing.”

GAME’s Neil Ashurst added: The price is great value and people will be as excited as we are.”

However, some are worried the price isn’t feasible while mobile gaming dominates.

Phones provide gaming experiences at a fraction of the cost. I’m worried Sony have priced themselves out of the market. I hope I’m wrong,” said Gameseek MD Stephen Staley.

Speculation is rife as to when Vita will arrive. Hirai has said the handheld would be available by the end of the year. But even Sony doesn’t seem to know the final date just yet.

It’s unclear whether Hirai referred to a global release or select territories – most likely the US and Japan, so the UK may have to wait until 2012.

Buyers suspect Sony may opt for a December release – possibly even launching after Christmas – and that there’ll be a smaller amount of stock in the channel at launch, ahead of larger shipments in January.

Details are expected to be given at Gamescom in August.