While things were looking rosy for a Q4 worldwide launch, it turns out that the PS Vita will skip this Christmas in US and Europe. The handheld may hit Japan near this year’s end, but overseas markets won’t get it until 2012.

At E3 2011 this year, Sony promised a “phased global rollout,” suggesting that it would reach all major markets by Q4 despite earlier reports to the contrary.

Sony executive VP Kazuo Hirai isn’t calling the 2012 launch a delay. Rather, Sony wants to ensure a “solid game software ” lineup is available on day one.

On the 3DS price cut, Hirai told AP that the company feels no pressure to respond in a similar manner, pointing to the strong value proposition of Vita hardware.

“We packed so much into the device and made it very affordable. There is no need to lower the price just because somebody else that happens to be in the video game business decided that they were going to lower their price.”

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Read more: Sony Aims for At Least 500K PS Vita Unit Sales In First Three Weeks,  Kaz Hirai Says Vita Is Off to a Good Start, Software Necessary,  Sony To Take ‘More Tailored Approach’ Towards PS Vita Software Pricing,  Crytek: PS Vita Faces A ‘Hard Time’ Against Smartphones,  EA: Vita Stands A ‘Better Chance’ Than 3DS