TOKYO (AP) — Sony’s next-generation portable game machine, the PlayStation Vita, won’t be available in the U.S. or Europe in time for Christmas — a crucial sales period for game console makers.
Expectations had been high the machine would be ready worldwide for the year-end holiday shopping season. Sony earlier promised a “phased global rollout” starting late this year.
Sony Executive Deputy President Kazuo Hirai said Thursday the PlayStation Vita will go on sale by the end of the year in Japan, and early next year in the U.S. and Europe.
Hirai did not characterize the timing as a delay, but said Sony wants to be prepared with solid game software offerings timed with the hardware launches.
He did not give specific dates, meaning that it was still unclear whether the gadget — a touch-interface and motion-sensitive handheld that outdoes Sony’s PlayStation Portable — would be ready for Christmas even in Japan.
He was far more clear in flatly denying that any price cut for the PlayStation Vita was in the works. The PlayStation Vita will cost $249 in the U.S. for its Wi-Fi-only version, and $299 for the version that will also have cellphone service.
