For the first time ever, Sony’s PlayStation Vita narrowly outsold the 3Ds in Japan last week with 63,581 units sold (up slightly from 62K sold in the prior week), compared to 61,008 units for Nintendo’s handheld (down from 77K in the prior week). In addition to finally topping Nintendo, this brings weekly Ps Vita sales almost up to the level that they were briefly at after Sony launched the handheld back in December 2011.

Undoubtedly, the reason behind the recent rise in Ps Vita sales is Sony’s decision to lower the handheld’s price in Japan late last month. However, it should be noted that new software has also played an important part in the recovery, with the Vita posting two debut titles in the top 20 last week; Sony’s Soul Sacrifice at #2 (and a Soul Sacrifice double pack at #10), and Namco Bandi’s Tales of Hearts R at #5. Previously,...