Sony’s PS Vita TV has already debuted in Japan but a release schedule for other markets is yet to be confirmed by the company. However, Eurogamer has been talking to Andrew House about the device and the reasons it is already available in Japan, but not elsewhere.
The main reason, House explains, is that Japan’s streaming market is in its infancy compared to established ones already present in North America and Europe, so Sony wanted to get a foothold in Japan first to give streaming more exposure.
“We felt there was therefore an opportunity to leverage the strengths of PlayStation Vita, which as you know is quite strong in Japan in terms of game line-up, but combine that with the features of a media streaming box, and offer something packaged newly for the Japanese consumer and possibly be at the forefront of creating a new market via that device.”
House also confirmed that due to the breadth of streaming services and devices present in markets outside Japan means Sony have to consider how to bring the device to these places.
“So we see strong market potential elsewhere in the world, but it will be a different road to market for the US and Europe than has been the case in Japan.”
Vita TV isn’t just about playing Vita games on big screens but also being able to stream content from Sony’s other consoles onto it. PS4 streaming is already properly implemented but doing so with PS3 titles may require waiting for Gaikai to launch. The Vita TV could launch over here before the streaming service goes live, getting it in a later update.
Source: Eurogamer
cam_manutd
Shame it is region locked-would have been all over this.
transbaconist (formerly bacon_nuts)
I’d assumed they got it because we got the PS4, so they got that to keep them slightly satisfied, then we (hopefully) could get it when they get the PS4, or a little after.
I really hope they make it over here, I’m desperate.
Broonba
I hope it’s a success and Sony happily bring it to the US and European regions soon.
Vallon
I remember reading it supporting ds3 controllers but do we know if it supports ds4 controllers?
If it does then I’ll defo get one for upstairs so I can play my PS4 in bed :D
lambchop
I`m pretty sure I saw that you can use DS4 too. That will be needed for streaming PS4 games
AddictedAndy
Ditto everything above! It would be a lovely complement to my PS4/Vita.
SONY my money is ready!!
lambchop
I can defo see myself getting one of these. I’ve stream a few ps4 games to my vita while in bed, but would prefer to have it on my 24″ bedroom tv