Release
The system was released in Japan on November 14, 2013. The device on its own sold for 9,954 yen tax inclusive (about US$100), whilst a bundle version with an 8 GB memory card and DualShock 3 controller retailed for 14,994 yen (about US$150).[24]
Andrew House, CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment, explained that Sony hoped to use the PS Vita TV to penetrate the Chinese gaming market, where video game consoles have previously been prohibited.[25] The PS Vita TV was released in five other Southeast Asian countries and the special region of Hong Kong on January 16, 2014.[10] At E3 2014, the system was announced for North America and Europe, under the name PlayStation TV, for release in Q3 2014.[26] Final release dates for the western release were announced at Gamescom 2014.[2]
System software update 3.15 was released on April 30, 2014, which enabled PS4 remote play functionality for the PS Vita TV. In October 2014, the system was updated so that it could be used with PlayStation Network accounts originating from outside the original launch territories of Japan and Asia following the release of system software firmware version 3.30 update, which also renames the PS Vita TV system to PS TV within the system menus.
Open beta trials for PlayStation Now functionality on the PS TV began on October 14, 2014, in North America,[27] the same day that PS TV was released there. By the end of March, in Europe, Sony has dropped the price of PlayStation TV by 40% with the new price of €59.99. That same week the sales had increased by 1272%.[28]
On February 28, 2016, Engadget reported that Sony had stopped shipping the PlayStation TV in Japan.[16] Sony confirmed shipments were discontinued in Americas and Europe at the end of 2015, however they would continue in Asia contrary to reports.[15]
