While Nintendo’s DS handheld absolutely trounced Sony’s PSP rival, EA exec Frank Gibeau sees a reversal of fortune in the next battle between the two companies.
Gibeau, EA Labels president, said in an interview with CVG at last week’s Gamescom trade show that the Playstation Vita has a good chance of toppling the Nintendo 3DS.
Factors involved include an innovative, new design for the Vita, stronger software support, and more powerful technology.
While the 3DS’s glasses-free 3D is very innovative, many players have complained of getting headaches while using it. In addition, Nintendo launched the device with what many see as bottom-of-the-barrel games. A lot of gamers simply see no reason to buy a 3DS right now.
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has even gone on record as saying the system’s launch was riddled with problems.
The Vita, on the other hand, is poised to release with a strong line-up of launch titles, and the unique features will be intriguing enough for consumers to want to buy on day one.
“I think [Sony has] got a shot because they have some really unique innovation in the control scheme, the technology and the screen. It’s got a lot of social features now so that you can actually communicate with your friends and be social,” said Gibeau.
He contrasted Nintendo by saying Sony is not “quite in the same boat as the 3DS. The 3DS was a really interesting piece of technology but I think there was some confusion over it and the title slate was a little different. I think Vita has a better chance because it has a stronger title slate at launch.”
Of course Nintendo is not giving up. The company is rumored to be launching a refreshed version of the 3DS next year, and by the end of 2011 there will be brand new titles featuring the company’s heralded franchises like Mario.
