We already knew that this day was coming, but an article from Gematsu has confirmed that the PS Vita console is now in its very last days.
Gematsu noticed that, on the Japanese PlayStation website, Sony has stated that “shipments are scheduled to end soon” on the Aqua Blue and Black versions of the Vita. And, given that those were the last two types of Vita in production, and that Japan was the last place you could buy them, this is effectively the death knell for this handheld device.
This statement from Sony about shipping has been taken by several outlets as a confirmation that manufacturing on these final two versions of the PS Vita will end soon. However, this statement could also be interpreted as suggesting that production has actually already ceased. Either way, the message is essentially the same: the Vita isn’t long for this world.
Back in September, heralding this sad day for Vita fans, Sony’s Hiroyuki Oda said this in an interview with Famitsu (via Gematsu):
“In Japan, we will manufacture PlayStation Vita until 2019. From there, shipping will end. Currently, we do not have any plans regarding a new handheld device.”
The fact that Sony is done producing the Vita isn’t too surprising, since the device proved to be a tough sell. But the idea that Sony isn’t interested in producing another handheld device is a little more fascinating.
After all, the success of the Nintendo Switch led some to believe that Sony and Microsoft might release similar devices, but it seems that Sony has had enough of the handheld gaming scene.
So, should you buy a PS Vita if you end up finding one at a reduced price? Our answer to that would be a strong “maybe.” If you really fancy some of the device’s exclusives, it might just be worth snagging one for cheap. However, you could easily argue that any money you spend on one would be better off going towards the purchase of a Switch if you’re not particularly enamored with the Vita’s library.
Regardless, the Vita was a well-made, much-loved system, and it’s going to be missed.