There's been some confusion around the internet concerning the recent Vita sales numbers in Japan. Some have said that sales already took a boost without the price drop, and that the system would have outsold the Wii-U without its newfound affordability. This is not so.
While the price cut officially begins on the 28th, many video game shops around Japan began selling Vita hardware at reduced prices at least a few days early, if not immediately after Sony's announcement. A lot of shops figured, hey, why wait around and slog through a(nother) week of no one buying Vita? Why not be the first to make that sweet PSV money? Nationwide chains like Yamada Denki and Tsutaya waited until today, I assume because there'd be a bunch of corporate red tape to go through with any price changing decisions. I assume, but I don't know. Me telling you that is what separates me from most game journalists. Revolution, B. You can't see it, but I'm holding up a gang sign. It means I am in a gang, but I am not in a gang. I am lying to you. Me telling you that is what separates me from most game journalists.
Back to not lying. Sony's announcement was 10 days ago, I noticed more shops knocking Vita to its new price as time went by. Making my rounds today, they of course all had it down to the new 20,000 price tag. This, plus the launches of Phantasy Star Online 2 and Senran Kagura Shinovi Versus should lead to a big jump in Vita sales on next week's charts. The releases of Tales of Hearts-R, Soul Sacrifice, Dead or Alive 5 Plus, One Piece Pirate Warriors 2, and a portable Atelier Meruru should keep the system's performance respectable all month long. All according to keikaku.
