Yoshida Talks Vita Expenses: “It’s a Burden Having 3G”, Likens to PS2 Broadband Functionality
Ever since Sony announced that there would be two different versions of the PS Vita at last year’s E3, the question that has been plaguing gamers’ minds is whether or not the 3G-enabled model is worth the extra $50 and subsequent data fees.
During an interview with Sony boss Shuhei Yoshida at DICE, GameIndustry.biz asked that very question, to which Yoshida responded by confessing that the company initially had its own share of uncertainties with the 3G model.
That’s a question we asked ourselves maybe 200 times over the course of the development.
But from the very outset, in early 2008 when we first started the project, we had a very high level goal. We looked at all the technology we could and the advancements that we could use in a new system. 3G was always in the top five things we wanted to do.
Because of how people are using social networks and how people are connected, we saw the opportunity that games can be enhanced by having 3G and an always-on capability.
Yoshida went on to explain the difficulty in moving forward in this space, pointing out the expenses that come with using such technology.
More so than the cost of goods involved to have 3G capability, it’s a burden having 3G, because 3G it’s not cheap. It’s an investment from consumers and sometimes they have to make a commitment depending on the country. More pre-paid plans are available but it’s still additional money people have to spend on top of the content. We want people to spend more on the content, not on the connectivity, to be honest. There’s a balance.
He went on to liken the 3G functionality to the PS2′s added internet capabilities:
It’s like when we started the PlayStation 2. We didn’t have the broadband capabilities, but we added those features knowing that not all users would have it. We were prepared to put that in the middle so that publishers and developers could start experimenting with online games, so that we can learn from their feedback and prepare for future growth.
That’s the same stage in my mind by introducing the 3G SKU for certain people who have more money and are more interested in trying something new, to choose the 3G version but also at the same time prepare a WiFi version.
If you’re getting a Vita, will you be purchasing a 3G Vita or do you plan to settle for the cheaper, Wi-Fi only model? Let us know in the comments below.
13 Responses to “Yoshida Talks Vita Expenses: “It’s a Burden Having 3G”, Likens to PS2 Broadband Functionality”
I’m getting the 3G version. As I see it, it’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
But then, I’m in the UK where we’re not locked to the selected provider (Vodafone), and we can use a SIM card from whichever provider we choose. So I’ll be putting a giffgaff SIM in mine, which is pay-as-you-go – so I don’t need to pay for any 3G service unless I choose to. Even if I do choose to, the rates are low.
True fact: I had a 3G pre-ordered until DoCoMo described their awful service plan to me. Vita being carrier locked in Japan, I bailed out and got Wi-Fi. =/
3G for me, granted I may not use it all the time since I do have WiFi at home and a mobile WiFi service around town, but it’s nice to know it’s there if I need it for vacations, road trips, out of town, etc. 3G and GPS functionality for $50 more? Sounds good to me.
I bought the 3G model in the FEB. A big reason was out of impatience! Another reason is that I don’t want to miss out if any new features show up for 3G that really convince me I need to use it, you just never know what they might come up with that I will want on all the time and not just when near wi-fi. I realize I may not use it now, apart from activating to get my free game and free month of service so I can give Near a fair shot, but I like being prepared for the future.
I’m getting the WiFi version, because I would never use 3G on it at all.
I got a 3G as well. I don’t want to miss out on any features as well and GPS was a big plus as well. Can’t wait to use Near at it’s fullest potential
3g is garbage speed. hey, i think i just figured out what the “g” stands for.
I’m getting the Wi-Fi only version tomorrow. If I want access to stuff on the go I will tether to my 4G phone via Wi-fi as it has mobile hotspot capabilities. I already pay 20 a month for 2 gig per month of high speed 4G connection/ unlimited data(slower speed) after 2 gig is used. I could not justify paying another 15-30 per month on top of that just for the AT & T 3G plans.
Vanilla Wi-Fi only for me. I don’t want or need 3g, although I do think the combo model might be worth the money in one respect – in six months, when Sony cease production of it, it might become a collectable item.
I got the 3g just to be safe, but the AT&T data plans suck badly. I have not acvtivated mine, was going to do it but the prices are disgusting
I highly doubt they’ll stop making the wifi model. I’m getting the 3G so I can use it when I want , it’s not tied down to a contact s there is no monthly fee.
I had the 3G First Edition bundle on pre-order, until I got an offer I just couldn’t refuse on a Japanese Wifi model. Maybe some day I’ll trade up to the 3G model, when the price drops.
im getting 3g just in case they make some good multi shooters so i can play them anywhere anytime …i wish they wouldve put a dam phone on it and that wouldve solved all r problems