Sony Australia confirms Vita restricted to specialist chains at launch
No department store bargains for early Vita adopters; Sony is keeping "focussed" with the handheld's Australian launch.
"For the launch of PlayStation Vita in Australia, with the specific target market being the active gamer we have chosen to launch the console with a focussed retail channel strategy across national specialist game and specialist technology retailers," Sony said in a statement given to Kotaku.
"There is a long term vision for our revolutionary new hand-held platform, in the same way we had a long term vision for PS3, and anticipate that in line with this we will broaden channel distribution in the future."
A casual survey of local retailers suggests Vita sales are largely restricted to gaming chain stores like EB Games, GameTraders and GAME; electronics retailers like JB HiFi, Harvey Norman and Dick Smith; and Vodafone, Sony's preferred 3G provider.
Historically, Australian gamers have been able to secure lower prices and better bundle deals at ardware launch by shopping around chain department stores.
The Vita launches in Australia on February 23. A WiFi -only model goes for AUD$349.95, while a 3G-enabled kit will set you back AUD$419.95.