Despite launching at the same price the 3DS launched at, the PlayStation Vita is being pressured by pundits and analysts to lower its price. Sony's Kaz Hirai stated last week that the Vita would retain its $250 price point, but for some, that isn't good enough.

"Gamers are increasingly anticipating Sony to lower prices, especially after the 3DS cut," said Ace Securities analyst Hideki Yasuda. "Sony is under major pressure to cut the price of the Vita or risk a major failure."

Analysts Piers Harding-Rolls and Koki Shiraishi have stated that the rise of mobile gaming is a significant threat, arguing that "the market opportunity for specialist devices is shrinking rather than growing" and "the environment for portable game players has become more difficult because of smartphones."

Bloomberg interviewed a Japanese gamer, who said it was "quite expensive" and that he won't "be one of those people rushing to buy it on the release date."

It's funny how, before the 3DS dropped its price, a $250 Vita looked damn reasonable. It still does to me, but the wider market likely won't agree. After all, their phone plays Angry Birds and has The Facebooks. That's hard to compete with.

3DS price cut puts pressure on Sony [GI.biz]