Vita outsells 3DS in Japan for the first time ever

For the first time ever, Sony's PlayStation Vita has outsold Nintendo's 3DS. There was some question heading into the week whether the Vita could sustain continued success, but it looks like the recent price drop in Japan is just what the struggling handheld needed.

Last week, we reported the Vita sold 62,543 units in Japan for the week of February 25 through March 3. While the numbers were staggering in comparison to previous weeks, the Vita still failed to outsell the 3DS which sold 77,439 units (standard and LL models combined).

It seems the power is shifting, though. From March 4 to March 10, the Vita sold 63,581 units while combined 3DS sales came in at about 61,000 units. The 2,000 unit difference means the Vita, for the first time ever, was the best-selling system in Japan. Even in its launch week, the Vita failed to outsell the 3DS, so this is quite an accomplishment.

Of course, the Vita still has quite a ways to go if it wants to catch the 3DS. Life-to-date sales of the 3DS in Japan currently exceed 10 million units, while the Vita sits at just over one million. For Sony, the key will be sustained sales. Slow and steady wins the race — and the Vita was definitely off to a slow start. While the price cut has undoubtedly had some effect on the Vita's recent success, this weeks sales were aided by the release of two significant games, Soul Sacrifice and Tales of Hearts R. Those two titles combined to sell over 150,000 units at retail. If Sony wants to continue to sell units, they must continue to provide quality games.

Can the Vita's strong sales push in Japan be sustained? Tune in next week as we continue our coverage of the handheld war!

[Gematsu]