Statistically Speaking

First-edition bundles of Sony’s PlayStation Vita portable gaming console are shipping to eager gamers this week, while next Wednesday will mark the device’s official U.S. launch. But with cheap casual gaming apps easily available on customers’ smartphones, some are wondering if Sony’s ambitious pricing will scare potential buyers away. Here are a few numbers to put things into perspective:

$249.99: Cost of the PlayStation Vita, Wi-fi edition

78%: Percentage drop in sales two weeks after the device's December launch in Japan

$49.99: Cost of Uncharted: Golden Abyss, a premium Vita launch title

58%: Percentage of early 2012 mobile gaming market share owned by iOS and Android combined

Sources: techcrunch.com, pcworld.com, and 148apps.biz