GameStop: PS Vita price cut ahead of PS4 release would 'make sense'

GameStop president Tony Bartel believes a PlayStation Vita price cut or the release of a new bundle ahead of the PlayStation 4 launch this holiday would "make sense." Speaking to Forbes, the retail executive said he believes more gamers will be spurred to buy a PS Vita to tap into multi-screen functionality with the PS4.

"With multi-screen gaming continuing to rise in popularity, I think you’ll see more gamers purchase a Vita to take advantage of the enhanced gameplay offered by the PS4," Bartel said. "We’re always happy to see a price cut! Both bundles and price cuts tend to spur additional sales, so this would make sense leading up to launch."

During the PS4 announcement in February, Gaikai CEO David Perry revealed that PS4 has integrated Gaikai technology into the system to allow PS4 titles to be streamed directly to the PS Vita. According to Perry, the PS4 acts as a server and sends video straight to the PS Vita screen, which can then be played remotely on the handheld.

Sony president of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida said last month that a PS Vita price cut for North America was not in the cards. In Japan, the recent price drop for the device led to sales jumping by a factor of four.

The PS Vita currently retails in North America at $250 and $300 for the Wi-Fi and 3G models, respectively.