Is the PS Vita a confirmed failure in Japan without Monster Hunter?

So, it's pretty much confirmed for now- Monster Hunter has gone 3DS exclusive, at least for the time being. With Monster Hunter Tri G coming to the system this December, right before the Vita launches, and it getting a massive marketing push, as well as a system bundle- in addition to the next mainline game in the series, Monster Hunter 4, being exclusive to the 3DS for the time being- it seems that the PS Vita has launched its only big name franchise that could have given it a fighting chance.

The importance of Monster Hunter for the PSP, and therefore, by extension the PS Vita, cannot be understated. You are all, of course, fully aware that Monster Hunter was almost single handedly responsible for the PSP's resurgence in Japan, the only market where the PSP ever made a dent. This led to the PSP getting a new lease of life, renewed third party support, and pushed its install base to 71 million, which makes it one of the highest selling systems of all time.

The PSP had four million sellers in Japan- all of them were Monster Hunter games. By comparision, the DS had thirty three million selling games.Unlike the PSP, which only had Monster Hunter as a big seller, the DS had support from several major franchises, including Mario, Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, Professor Layton, Pokemon, Nintendogs and Brain Age, all of which it still exclusively retains, in addition to getting Monster Hunter as well. Will this make the PS Vita stillborn in Japan?

An argument that can be made is that, knowing Capcom's history, Monster Hunter might eventually make its way to the PS Vita. However, in this case, there would be two things to consider:

• Monster Hunter, as a series, has traditionally stayed exclusive. Sure, there are minor Monster Hunter spin offs on the iPhone, Xbox 360 and PC, but the main series has always been exclusive- first to the PS2, then to the PSP, then briefly to the Wii, and then back to the PSP. There is no reason to sugest that it will all of a sudden become multiplatform, especially given that Monster Hunter thrives on multiplayer, and that cross platform play between PS Vita and 3DS is not possible
• Assuming that itdoesgo to the Vita eventually- say Monster Hunter 4 launches on the Vita six months after it did on the 3DS- it will make no difference. People who want to buy it will already have bought it on the 3DS. Sure, those who own the Vita will probably buy it as a worthy addition to their library for the system, and some core diehards might want to buy the Vita version as well (presumably because Capcom might add some extra content), but itwon't sell any systems.

In conclusion, then, Sony seem to have lost their only system selling franchise- Monster Hunter- whereas Nintendo, in a dramatic coup, seem to have gained one more, in additon to the multiple ones they already have. Seriously, with Mario, Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, Dragon Quest, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy and now, Monster Hunter, all on the 3DS, Japan,the biggest handheld market,will all flock to the 3DS. The effect of this can already be seen in the weekly Media Create numbers, where the 3DS has secured the number one spot permanently, it seems.

What do you guys think? Does Monster Hunter migrating to the 3DS pretty much kill the Vita's chances? Discuss!

Sources will be provided on request.

EDIT: Just to make it clear, since I think I did a poor job of that, I am asking if Monster Hunter's move damage the Vita's chances. I have no doubt it will find a market for itself- my question is if said market will be any smaller because of Monster Hunter's migration.

if it was never to show up on vita yes but it probaly will as a 3rd party developer

if it was never to show up on vita yes but it probaly will as a 3rd party developer

p4s2p0

I was wondering when the charizard thread on the new MH 3DS bundle would show up :P

Yeah it was a bummer but the HD version can still be played on Vita using the PSN compatibility, i don't think Vita will sell anywhere as much as MH would have brought but it won't suddenly die on arrival either, too many juicy games coming out for that plus the japanese loyalty always brings Sony some cheese.JohnF111

I was wondering when the charizard thread on the new MH 3DS bundle would show up :P

catfishmoon23

So, it's pretty much confirmed for now- Monster Hunter has gone 3DS exclusive, at least for the time being.

charizard1605

More aptly, the correct statement is that for the time being, it's not on the PSV.

I dunno about OP but just looking at that "thing" makes me think of failure.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"]

So, it's pretty much confirmed for now- Monster Hunter has gone 3DS exclusive, at least for the time being.

shinrabanshou

More aptly, the correct statement is that for the time being, it's not on the PSV.

I dunno about OP but just looking at that "thing" makes me think of failure.

Sollet

I dunno about OP but just looking at that "thing" makes me think of failure.

Sollet

I dunno about OP but just looking at that "thing" makes me think of failure.

Sollet

I kid but couldn't resist.

[QUOTE="Sollet"]

I dunno about OP but just looking at that "thing" makes me think of failure.

charizard1605

[QUOTE="Sollet"]

I dunno about OP but just looking at that "thing" makes me think of failure.

charizard1605

Lack of Monster Hunter in its release year will cripple the Vita in Japan. If MH makes it to the handheld before the second year is over, it will make a comeback. Otherwise, it'll just sink deeper into the abyss of consumer memory.

[QUOTE="shinrabanshou"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"]

So, it's pretty much confirmed for now- Monster Hunter has gone 3DS exclusive, at least for the time being.

charizard1605

More aptly, the correct statement is that for the time being, it's not on the PSV.

Japan is a smaller market either way, so its not like it will hurt sales that much, sure they will make something they like on vita like they always do.

I am SO importing that 2nd slide pad addon.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"]

[QUOTE="Sollet"]

I dunno about OP but just looking at that "thing" makes me think of failure.

Sollet

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="shinrabanshou"]Monster Hunter isn't a 3DS exclusive. It is the quintessential multiplat, on every console currently on the market, even the 360.

More aptly, the correct statement is that for the time being, it's not on the PSV.

shinrabanshou

Japan is a smaller market either way, so its not like it will hurt sales that much, sure they will make something they like on vita like they always do.

p4s2p0

Don't forget the AA batteries......you will need them.Couldn't resist.....lolAtariKidX

This is true. Monster Hunter as a franchise came out of nowhere, and no one could have predicted that it would become the phenomenon it is. One could therefore argue that a similar new system selling franchise might appear on the Vita, but such a premise would be flawed, because one can equally argue that a new system selling franchise would appear on he 3DS instead.charizard1605

Your query is whether Vita will be stillborn.

The response is, there will be software on the Vita that people will want to buy and therefore people will buy the Vita.

It may not surpass the 3DS, and I doubt anybody will expect it to. But in, Nippon, the land of handhelds, it will find a market.

Don't forget the AA batteries......you will need them.Couldn't resist.....lolAtariKidX

[QUOTE="Sollet"]

I dunno about OP but just looking at that "thing" makes me think of failure.

JohnF111

I kid but couldn't resist.

finally upgradeable handheld gaming :D

anyway firts 3 month is pretty heavy for game like persona 4 and gravity daze

then qqafter it laounch we will get new annocement of new game every month :P

did the PSP sell well even before Monster Hunter was created? yes,

there's your answer.

3DS is crappy system

If they don't release the 2nd analog stick region free version soon 3DS is doomed

[QUOTE="charizard1605"]This is true. Monster Hunter as a franchise came out of nowhere, and no one could have predicted that it would become the phenomenon it is. One could therefore argue that a similar new system selling franchise might appear on the Vita, but such a premise would be flawed, because one can equally argue that a new system selling franchise would appear on he 3DS instead.shinrabanshou

Your query is whether Vita will be stillborn.

The response is, there will be software on the Vita that people will want to buy and therefore people will buy the Vita.

It may not surpass the 3DS, and I doubt anybody will expect it to. But in, Nippon, the land of handhelds, it will find a market.

did the PSP sell well even before Monster Hunter was created? yes,

there's your answer.

rumbalumba

[QUOTE="rumbalumba"]

did the PSP sell well even before Monster Hunter was created? yes,

there's your answer.

charizard1605

it did, smartpants.

Oh yes, I have no doubts the Vita will do well (the slightly provocative topic title is to attract more to read it :P) However, my question is if the Vita's chances have been hurt and damaged by Monster Hunter's migration. What is your opinion on this?charizard1605

Even moreso because the 3DS is getting, not one, but two MonHun games. It establishes to the consumer-base that the 3DS is a safe bet for MonHun games.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="rumbalumba"]

did the PSP sell well even before Monster Hunter was created? yes,

there's your answer.

rumbalumba

it did, smartpants.

[QUOTE="rumbalumba"]

did the PSP sell well even before Monster Hunter was created? yes,

there's your answer.

charizard1605

[QUOTE="JohnF111"]

[QUOTE="Sollet"]

I dunno about OP but just looking at that "thing" makes me think of failure.

r12qi

I kid but couldn't resist.

finally upgradeable handheld gaming :D

anyway firts 3 month is pretty heavy for game like persona 4 and gravity daze

then qqafter it laounch we will get new annocement of new game every month :P

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="rumbalumba"]

did the PSP sell well even before Monster Hunter was created? yes,

there's your answer.

AtariKidX

[QUOTE="charizard1605"]Oh yes, I have no doubts the Vita will do well (the slightly provocative topic title is to attract more to read it :P) However, my question is if the Vita's chances have been hurt and damaged by Monster Hunter's migration. What is your opinion on this?shinrabanshou

Even moreso because the 3DS is getting, not one, but two MonHun games. It establishes to the consumer-base that the 3DS is a safe bet for MonHun games.

[QUOTE="r12qi"]

[QUOTE="JohnF111"] "Build your own handheld, part one only $19.99!" :lol:

I kid but couldn't resist.

charizard1605

finally upgradeable handheld gaming :D

anyway firts 3 month is pretty heavy for game like persona 4 and gravity daze

then qqafter it laounch we will get new annocement of new game every month :P

mhtrig is also a port...

also consider the hype of anime safely predict it will be 300.000. not bad for first 5 month :P

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="r12qi"]

finally upgradeable handheld gaming :D

anyway firts 3 month is pretty heavy for game like persona 4 and gravity daze

then qqafter it laounch we will get new annocement of new game every month :P

r12qi

mhtrig is also a port...

also consider the hype of anime safely predict it will be 300.000. not bad for first 5 month :P

[QUOTE="r12qi"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"]Persona 4 is a port, and Gravity Daze is not even going to be a 500,000 seller. The Vita lacks system selling software in Japan.charizard1605

mhtrig is also a port...

also consider the hype of anime safely predict it will be 300.000. not bad for first 5 month :P

of course it will hurt it but the vita will have its own things to sell it

[QUOTE="r12qi"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"]Persona 4 is a port, and Gravity Daze is not even going to be a 500,000 seller. The Vita lacks system selling software in Japan.charizard1605

mhtrig is also a port...

also consider the hype of anime safely predict it will be 300.000. not bad for first 5 month :P

also having 300.000 seller of firts three month is good for a system more over we will have MGS&ZOE collection, FFx so far. pretty sure we will have better annoucement after vita is released just like 3DS :P

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="r12qi"]

mhtrig is also a port...

also consider the hype of anime safely predict it will be 300.000. not bad for first 5 month :P

Sollet

See, historically, handhelds have had their big name franchises independent from console franchises Dragon Quest and Mario being the only exceptions). The PS Vita needs a new handheld exclusive system selling franchise, like Pokemon or Monster Hunter, only made by Sony so that exclusivity can NEVER be lost.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"][QUOTE="r12qi"]

mhtrig is also a port...

also consider the hype of anime safely predict it will be 300.000. not bad for first 5 month :P

r12qi

also having 300.000 seller of firts three month is good for a system more over we will have MGS&ZOE collection, FFx so far. pretty sure we will have better annoucement after vita is released just like 3DS :P

[QUOTE="Sollet"][QUOTE="charizard1605"] True. However, quite like Pokemon, Monster Hunter is safe from re-releases and ports. It will sell 1.5-2 million regardless of its port status, simply because it is Monster Hunter. The Persona series has historically had a strong fanbase in Japan, but it does not sell anywhere near the 'top league,' and it is certainly not a system selling franchise.charizard1605

See, historically, handhelds have had their big name franchises independent from console franchises Dragon Quest and Mario being the only exceptions). The PS Vita needs a new handheld exclusive system selling franchise, like Pokemon or Monster Hunter, only made by Sony so that exclusivity can NEVER be lost.

[QUOTE="charizard1605"]

[QUOTE="Sollet"] Then PSVita needs a GT-installment. Which it might get.Sollet

See, historically, handhelds have had their big name franchises independent from console franchises Dragon Quest and Mario being the only exceptions). The PS Vita needs a new handheld exclusive system selling franchise, like Pokemon or Monster Hunter, only made by Sony so that exclusivity can NEVER be lost.

[QUOTE="r12qi"]

[QUOTE="charizard1605"] True. However, quite like Pokemon, Monster Hunter is safe from re-releases and ports. It will sell 1.5-2 million regardless of its port status, simply because it is Monster Hunter. The Persona series has historically had a strong fanbase in Japan, but it does not sell anywhere near the 'top league,' and it is certainly not a system selling franchise.charizard1605

also having 300.000 seller of firts three month is good for a system more over we will have MGS&ZOE collection, FFx so far. pretty sure we will have better annoucement after vita is released just like 3DS :P

fun fact MH originally a port :P

in japan handheld version tend to have better sell than console counter part. both of them will have nice +100.000 sales. i am predicting that ZOE MGSwill be first 5 month which make it Vita easily grab-ed 1-2 m sales. rumored that ffx will remake usng ff13 engine which give them solid 500.000 sales.

also no need paniking about psp loss franchise. miku which annouced for 3ds also rumored to have another one for vita

http://andriasang.com/comyfp/

also considering third party tend to have better relationship with sony. i am sure they will cover it