Analyst believes Sony needs to build "consumer excitement" around PlayStation brand in 2012

DFC Intelligence's David Cole believes the PlayStation has lost a bit of shine over the years, which to Cole is unfortunate due to the PS3 being "an incredibly robust system with a great content library."

"Unfortunately for Sony, not all consumers seem to have gotten the word," Cole told IndustryGamers. "The Vita also looks like a strong potential contender as it has a reasonable price point now in the time of expensive tablet systems. However, features like a 3G option may only confuse consumers.

"Of course, once again initial content will be limited so there will not be much incentive for consumers to rush and get the device before prices drop and the library builds."

Cole believes it will take Sony a while "to build momentum around the Vita," and the biggest challenge for the firm in 2012 will be to build "consumer excitement around the Sony and PlayStation brand."

Vita will release in Europe and the US on February 22.