The concept of a PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita bundle has existed since the beginning of time, but rumour has it that Sony is actually planning to officially introduce the chunky combo later this year. A “well-placed anonymous” source has told Machinima that the platform holder will deploy the starter pack this Christmas in North America for a measly $500. But would you be tempted splurge on the hypothetical bundle, or do you think that it’s a bad proposition?
As already mentioned, the idea of a PlayStation console package has existed for a while, but has always been dismissed on the basis of price. Pre-orders for the PS4 currently cost around $400, while the Vita retails for about $250, excluding promotions. That’s a combined total of $650 – a sum that even Kaz Hirai would chortle at. But if today’s rumour is accurate, it’s possible that Sony may be hoping to use its next generation console as a Trojan horse to get its handheld into homes.
A $500 bundle would certainly be palatable. While it’s undeniably expensive, it’s the same figure that Microsoft’s currently flogging the Xbox One for. As such, it wouldn’t look entirely out of place on store shelves, and may even succeed in making Sony’s system look even more attractive. When you can get two top-of-the-range gaming consoles for the same price as Microsoft’s machine, why would you even plump up for the latter?
It makes sense, too. The Japanese giant has insisted that all third-party developers must support Remote Play on the PS4, allowing you to play your entire library – minus motion controlled titles – on the Vita. It’s a great selling point, but it’s only appealing if you already own the handheld device. By bundling the platforms together, though, Sony would provide tempted consumers with an easy option to access the full experience with a single purchase.
Furthermore, the platform holder has admitted that it needs to work on ways to increase its portable’s install base. While the console is generally quite popular among the few that own it, the organisation has struggled to make it an appealing option outside of the brand’s core fanbase. Bundling the portable with the PS4 would certainly be an easy way of significantly increasing the system’s following – especially if it achieved it for an attractive price.
But how feasible is the proposed package at the aforementioned figure? It certainly flirts with the phrase ‘too good to be true’ – but everyone expected the PS4 itself to retail for a sum much greater than $400. That certainly doesn’t make this rumour any more likely, but considering the aggressive nature of the platform holder at the present, it’s not out of the realm of possibility. The question is: would you be tempted by the $500 bargain bundle if it did turn out to be true?
How much would you pay for a PS4 and Vita bundle? Do you think that Sony would be smart to sell the systems together? Let us know in the comments section and poll below.
Would you buy a $500 PS4 and Vita bundle? (89 votes)
- Yes, I’d sleep outside the store if I had to
- I would, but I actually already own a Vita
- I’m not sure, I’d have to give it more thought
- No, I don’t see the appeal of a package like that
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Comments 63
Definitely!
i already own a vita so =(
Not a bad deal at all for $500
At that price in £ s it would be a steal!
This is a controversial view i have but i honestly think:
The Problem is PS Vita owners did not buy into PS Vita for it to be “companion app” = accessory, i just think its not a feature that should be marketed and supported heavily over something PS Vita owners are asking for.
It does not need to be a accessory to another platform to sell well. PS Vita should be able to be sold and marketed on its own merits (Games, Apps, PS Plus etc etc): not as an accessory to another system.
I’m just saying that if PS Vita is marketed this way, then it just becomes a totally different product. Is it a companion app? Is it a dedicated handheld? Is it a indie handheld? Is It a handheld to play big console quality games?
@legendary-boss I actually pre-ordered and bought my vita to be a companion to my ps3, based on the promise of remote play for PSN games.
I've said before that I think this would be a genius idea at this exact price point, and absolutely annihilate Microsoft. I would upgrade my preorder to this bundle in order to have a second Vita.
I would certainly be tempted if I didn't already have a Vita. If remote play is truly as good as they say, then this combo could be big.
@Squiggle55 same here.
I don't own a Vita so yes I would.
I would buy that bundle in a heartbeat!
The problem is that I already have a PS4 on pre-order. I would by it if I could keep the pre-order and just pay the difference.
@Legendary-boss I agree with you. The thing is, people aren't buying Vita on its own. As owners of the system, we already know how great it is. But Sony's having trouble convincing people that don't own it that it's worth the money. If this is what it takes to make more people realise how good the Vita is, then it could be a smart move.
I totally see where you're coming from, though.
No kidding, if this bundle is sitting next to the Xbox One on store shelves this holiday season for the exact same price, Microsoft would be in big trouble.
@Legendary-boss
Completely agree with you. I would love if Sony already figured out what to do with the Vita.
However I go agree with Sammy that it would be a great way to get the Vita to more people.
On the other hand, I didn't buy my Vita so it would be a "companion app", so I would love that it got some exclusive games that realized its potential.
If I didn't already own a Vita I would absolutely buy this.
I would because of the value inherent in such a package, but not really because I care about remote play or anything, because I don't. But it's all moot because I bought a Vita at launch anyway.
I still need a Vita so I'd be all over this. It would be nice to get a bundle like this at launch.
This would be a fantastic value propisition, you would get two consoles for the price of "One." This would great for Sony with sales I think.
The real question is can they really afford to sell the vita for $100? Would they be able to still make a profit on the bundle?? If not, then it will never happen.
@get2sammyb
I don't deny the value this holds but when Sony start throwing phrases such as "companion app" or "accessory" That doesn't click with me: if i wanted a companion app i would buy one not be fooled into otherwise.
As long as it continued to get it's own games, I have no problem with Sony bundling the Vita with it's little brother. It's even more appealing because of the promise of enhanced remote play functionality.
I already own a vita, but at that price I would pick up the bundle and give the vita to my brother. This would certainly give the vita the kick it needs, but I'm not sure Sony would be willing to take the monetary loss from a $500 bundle.
@hamispink everyone should have a brother like you man!
i would love to buy this
a great premise here. really wonderful idea...i haven't owned a handheld since the GBA a decade ago, and to be blunt the Vita doesn't interest me much on it's own.
But if they were bundling with PS4 for only an extra $100? Yeah, why not!
Remote play is great but I live with one roommate so i wouldn't use it often at all, though it would be nice to have.
And if any gems come out on the Vita I could always grab those too.
That being said I already preordered my PS4 so i'm cool.
If i really feel it necessary I'm sure I could find a used Vita somewhere for $100, if not now maybe in a year or two.
$500 for the best Console and Handheld next Generation is steal.
If that don't sell Vita, then nothing really does.
@Kenshin0104 That's great news... One less person to compete with over the likely limited number of bundles should they go ahead and do this.... Man I will jump all over this... I might even keep the PS4 I already have preordered should this drop.
Would they include a 16gb+ memory card for the vita?
I would be honest. That way would probably be the most likely way of me owning a Vita but my PS4 is payed off already. If the remote play option is something I would like I will pick up a Vita later but honestly just buying the handheld just for remote play seems like a waste to me.
Wouldn't even think it twice
I already own a vita but would buy it anyway. So annoying to reset just to change region when I want to get my US/Japan accounts working.
Would I have paid $150 less? Yes.
I think that the deal is a great idea at $500, especially as that is the price of XBox One. If remote play truly works, then it has the potentially to be a big seller for the Vita and the concept makes sense.
I still say that price is what is stopping the VIta, the games are there, and still coming with titles like Killzone and Batman around the corner. Anything to create some new momentum will be good.
Personally, my Vita arrives today. Excited. EB Games locally did an internet deal which was $100 off retail with Little Big Planet thrown in. Could't say no. I have to point out that it is $189 cheaper than the AU asking price at launch for the 3G version. So they are starting to come down. At the right price Vitas will sell.
@PMasterTy9 that's the real question. I just don't think it's a good move for Sony to sell it so low.
But to get to the question asked I would buy that bundle in a heartbeat. Who wouldn't...
$500 would be a great deal and a bit of a steal. In fact it's almost too good to be true. Sony could have just as easily launched the PS4 for $500 and would have come as no surprise, but at that price to include the Vita it's almost like they're giving it away for free.
Since the Vita and Wii U are both in a similar position maybe Nintendo should bundle the Wii U with the 3DS for $350. That was a joke but I bet it would help move some Wii U's off the shelf.
If I didn't own a Vita, yes, I'd definitely pay $500 for a PS4/Vita bundle.
My answer was "Yes but I already have a Vita." That pretty much sums it up. Would be a steal for people who don't have one yet. The Vita is one of favourite pieces of hardware of all time. It is superb. Resurrect the AAA watchlist as adoption grows with PS4 functionality and this thing could be unstoppable. Only stumble is if playing PS4 works too well they might get complacent, with PSN on the go and PS4 play when a connection is available. That might be enough for consumers, but even still 3rd parties would be sold on the adoption numbers alone.
@get2sammyb And that is because of the lack of games. Indie games are fantastic, but digital titles don't sit on retail shelves and portable versions of big console titles are more or less considered to be "companion" games to a lot of people - unless your Nintendo, of course.
Vita needs AAA exclusive titles that make the system an absolute 'must-have' console. It also needs a lot more third party support, in the likes of exclusive RPGs from Square Enix and other top companies. Sony, on the other hand, needs to put Gran Turismo on the console real quick like.
Actually, if they make this bundle, I think I might see if I can sell my Vita for $150-200 and then get a Vita again for just $100 lol. Espcially if it comes with a memory card bigger than GB.
@Slapshot I don't disagree, but if the install base isn't there, then no one (except Sony) is going to support it. If bundling the handheld with the PS4 helps them to increase those numbers and generate more interest in the Vita in general, perhaps it will solve the chicken-and-egg issue that's currently plaguing the platform.
I don't really see this as a solution, to be honest — but at least it seems like a viable means of getting the console in consumer hands. As we all can all probably attest, opinions start to change once you actually show people what the Vita is capable of.
I already have my PS4 pre-ordered and paid for, so the bundle is a no go for me. I would love to see a fair price drop on the Vita though, because I really want one.
Will we ever see the various coloured Vita models over this side of the ocean?
Hellz ya I would, but I already own one so thats out. By the way, anybody who has a Vita, add me "NeoForceExtreme" and we'll get ready for Mercenaries!!!
I couldn't care less about portable gaming. So no.
@ajaychitown - Ild pay $400 for a WiiU and 3DS XL. Though Nintendo would probably charge $500 for it. (Though it makes no sense either way as I can't think of a single connection between them. Maybe when Smash Brothers comes out, though they may not connect either.)
$500 for a PS4 and Vita combo seems too good to be true though. Sony took out the Eye to save $60.
I don't own a Vita and am currently unimpressed with it for its pricepoint. The 3DS and DS are killing the Vita. This is a great idea and would definitely tempt me into owning one. Remote play, if as good as they say would sell the Bundle. But is the Bundle only a Black Friday to Christmas deal? I think it would sell well past that but I hope to wait until spring to purchase PS4. More time for games to release and system updates and patches to release. I purchased a Black Friday Wii U last year and feel like I got burned bad on that.. I feel it is better to wait a little (especially for a tax return) and let the system settle in some.
@get2sammyb Sorry, I actually meant to completely agree with you talking point too! I do think that bundling it with the PS4 would be a sure fire way to get this handheld's install base climbing in the right direction.
As for the install base of the Vita, that does fall on Sony to fix, in my opinion. It has poorly supported the console, outside of a very few "great" games and has left it barren first party wise for far too long. Sure, Killzone is on the way, as well as Tearaway, but two or three games doesn't equate to a full turn around - one only has to turn an eye to the Wii U to see this.
Vita is an amazing handheld. It is a dang shame that Sony produced such an incredible device only to leave it dry for so long now. I'm very disappointed in Sony on this front.
A bundle like that would have the folks over at Microsoft scratching their heads even harder.
@ Daryusp
I think they'd all go bald by then!
I would absolutely love this bundle. I'm in the market for a vita at a good price...
If I didn't own a vita I would jump on this deal faster then it takes Obama to make his slogan "change" reality..hold on that would be an eternity, I'd Preorder that bundle on sight!!!!!!
If they make it clear that things like remote-play and cross-play are a big part of the two and the PS4/Vita bundle has everything you need to get started, I think it could work well. They just need to make sure they're clear that the Vita is a stand-alone device, not a companion to the PS4.
I'm more interested in the Vita right now but being able to get both for $250 each is still pretty tempting, especially since the wifi Vita is that much by itself.
I don't see it happening. The loss Sony would take just makes no sense. $600 for both I could see, not $500. Plus, any time an anonymous source is involved, I am a little weary.
I'd jump at the chance to buy a bundle like that. My and my mates are all excited for the PS4 and we are all holding off purchasing a Vita until the PS4 comes out, also Gamescon could hold a price drop so its pointless buying a Vita now.
Don't see the appeal really. Vita is alright I suppose, but I don't find it appealing as something to buy right now. PS4 on the other hand = GIMME.
if i didn't already own a Vita then yes i would because that's a bargain
No, I don't see this happening. I do, however, see them bundling the PS4, Vita, and Eye for $600. I believe this for 2 reasons: First of all, there isn't yet a package that contains the Eye, and I firmly believe they will offer a package which does. Second of all, $100 extra for a Vita is too big a pill to swallow for Sony; however, $150 extra for a Vita, coupled with $50 extra for the Eye, could make sense.
While I would regret seeing the Vita be reduced to nothing more than a PS4 peripheral, which really undermines the Vita as a standalone console that should receive its own games, perhaps it would be good for the Vita. I mean, bundling it would serve as a means to get the handheld into as many hands as possible, and perhaps that will help bring more support and games.
Same price as an Xbone? Even MS fanboys would have a hard time picking up their beloved machine if this bundle was sitting next to it.
Lets see, a Vita or Kinect 2.0? Two game machines in one package or one overhyped DVR that does NOT focus on games...
If Sony did this, MS wouldn't stand a chance!
I have to say that I got Lair working using remote play on my recently acquired Vita the other day. It wasn't seamless, the graphics certainly took a hit and there were a few frame-rate issues, but all-in-all it was still pretty awesome. The game was absolutely playable.
Even better was perhaps accessing PlayTV on Remote Play, so that the main TV was watching 1 channel and I was watching another on the PS in a different room. The TV quality was actually very good. I haven't tried the other PS apps and video streaming etc yet, but I assume it works just as well.
Assuming that remote play works for virtually all games and if the experience is slightly improved on the PS4, then the concept will definitely help sell both systems. It is brilliant!
I would if I didn't buy one last weekend! I have a feeling it is at a bad time too, just before a suspected price drop and possible bundle with PS4! facepalm
Not this year, I probably would during 2014 if the PS4 is successful.
@Scorpio73 me too same situation. I already have it payed off so I will probably buy a vita and a playstation eye or new camera later.
Yeah, it looks like Sony would be giving the Vita for free, which would (probably) make for a huge loss for them and could give the impression that the Vita is not that interesting to own by itself. Still, that is only a rumour.
I don't have a Vita and I don't intend to upgrade to the PS4 anytime soon, but if this happened, I would get this bundle whenever I would get a PS4.
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