The Beginning of the End for the PlayStation Vita
According to a new report, Sony is ending production on physical PlayStation Vita game cards. While Vita games will still be readily available for download from PSN, ending production on Vita game cards is probably a good indicator that Sony is slowly and silently putting the Vita to bed.
The report, which comes from Kotaku, has revealed that an internal message sent to developers from Sony’s America and European branches states that the company will “plan to end all Vita GameCard production by close of fiscal year 2018.” Sony’s fiscal year ends on March 31st, 2019.
The message also asks that all Vita product code requests are submitted by June 28th, 2018 and that final purchase orders be entered by February 15th, 2019. For game developers still keen on publishing physical cards for their games, it appears that time is running out to do so.
The PlayStation Vita was released over six years ago and competed primarily with the Nintendo 3DS. It promised console gaming on the go but failed to really capitalize on that message. While there were certainly excellent console-like experiences crafted for the portable — Uncharted: Golden Abyss and Killzone: Mercenary spring to mind — it has since transitioned into a niche handheld with a robust library of indie games and JRPG’s.
While it wasn’t a huge success for Sony, the Vita definitely has its hardcore fans. There has been a slight resurgence for the Vita in the last year thanks to the success of the Nintendo Switch and the recent release of Stardew Valley, but it’s safe to say that the end of Vita’s life cycle is closer than ever.
What are your thoughts on Sony ending Vita game card production? Share your thoughts down below.