PS Vita launch titles better for western market, lack of Monster Hunter hurt Japanese sales

If you have been tracking the PlayStation Vita's launch performance with us, then you have probably seen the declining sales numbers since its launch in Japan.  Last week, the PS Vita sales fell to 15,000 units sold, an all-time low for the new handheld.

Despite what many perceive as a poor performance, Sony expressed optimism.

"The sales can appear disappointing, but they are not," said CEO of PlayStation France Philippe Cordon. When speaking to Le Point, Cordon emphasized Sony must "put things in perspective and stay calm" with the Vita.  Of course, that is easier said than done, especially when you admit that a lot rests on the Vita.

Sony isn't ready to throw in the towel just yet though.  In fact, they are waiting until the Vita's worldwide release in February before they push the panic button.  In fact, many at Sony, including Philippe Cordon, believe the PlayStation Vita will fare much better in western markets like the United States and Europe.  That's because the Vita's launch lineup better serves the western demographic.

Cordon said that the games available for the Vita at launch in Japan do not appeal to the Japanese public.  Cordon pointed out that the lineup lacked on particular game, Monster Hunter, which he says would've changed the early outcome of the Vita's sales.  According to Cordon, if Monster Hunter had launched in Japan at the same time as the Vita, the sales numbers would've been much different – in a good way.

Cordon emphasized that the PlayStation Vita will perform much better in Europe than it did in Japan, thanks, in part, to the western appeal of many of the Vita's launch games like Uncharted: Golden Abyss.