By many counts, the launch of the 3DS was considered lackluster. Nintendo’s latest portable machine has since bounced back and is selling like hotcakes with titles like Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7, and Monster Hunter 4 boosting sales in the States and overseas. Sony is hoping for the same success with PlayStation Vita, but if the Japanese launch is any indication, they’ve got an uphill climb. Still, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president Jim Ryan is encouraged by the 3DS’  success, and believes it’s telling of a place for portables in today’s market. Speaking to MCV, Ryan had this to say on the matter:

One of the encouraging things about 3DS’ sales performance at Christmas is that it is confounding the naysayers who say that there is no room in the market for a dedicated handheld gaming device. And to that extent we were encouraged by how 3DS did over the last month . . . There are two distinct markets. The quality, the immersiveness, the richness of the experience that we believe we are going to offer on Vita, way exceeds anything that we believe to be available on any smartphone.

There may be room in the market for dedicated portables, but are PlayStation Vita and 3DS really non-competitors? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and stay tuned to Vivid Gamer for all things Vita.

[Source: MCV]