Last week, the Dutch website Tweakers.net posted an article claiming that Sony had stopped selling the PlayStation Vita in the Benelux (an economic union comprising three neighboring countries in Europe, namely Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg). The information seemed credible, as the website contacted two major online retailers in the region, one of which outright confirmed they would not be selling the PlayStation Vita anymore, and the other stating they no longer had the handheld in stock, and would not be getting more in the foreseeable future. The website tried to contact Sony, but only got to hear from a spokesperson that they had “nothing to report” regarding the PlayStation Vita, and that they would not be making any further commentary.
Since then, another Dutch website Entertainment Business also contacted Sony, and were told by a spokesperson that sales for the PlayStation Vita have not been discontinued, and that the handheld is still for sale at various retailers. Nonetheless, the reality is that few retailers in the region still have the PlayStation Vita in stock at this time. So whatever is happening, it’s clear that the stock for the PlayStation Vita is running dry in the Benelux. The question remains if this is only a temporary situation, or if this indeed marks the beginning of the end for the PlayStation Vita in the region.
While the device is still for sale in other major EU countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Germany, this does seem to be worrying news. After all, if Sony does stop selling the PlayStation Vita in parts of Europe, it could impact potential releases of future PS Vita games. In terms of PlayStation Vita games from SEGA, Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X hasn’t been announced for a release in Europe yet. Hopefully, these recent developments don’t end up being the first sign of the PlayStation Vita’s end in Europe. Earlier this year, Sony had already discontinued sales for the PlayStation TV in Japan, America and Europe.