US Sony store sales hint at Vita price cut

Many US Sony stores have significantly lowered the price of the 3G-enabled PlayStation Vita model, with some retailers claiming that the model is being phased out.

The 3G model, which comes with an 8GB memory card and a voucher for a free game if you sign up for data coverage, is now available for $199.97, down from its original price of $299.99. For reference, the model without 3G is selling for $249.99 and is not on sale, indicating that Sony is likely to discontinue the 3G model. Joystiq called every Sony store in the US to confirm the sale. An employee at the Denver location said the sale was indefinite, suggesting that the model was being discontinued.

The New Jersey and Las Vegas locations also confirmed that the model was being discontinued. However, an employee at the Seattle store said the offer would only last until Sunday.

Not all stores are participating in the sale, and the online price has been reduced to $249.99, the same as the model without 3G, which does not include the 8GB memory card or game voucher.

To see if a store near you is offering the sale, Joystiq has a complete list.

We have contacted Sony US and Europe to get to the bottom of this and are awaiting a response.