Report: Samsung Manufacturing PlayStation Vita Chips

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The makers of the iPhone and 3DS chipsets are apparently pitching in with the Vita hardware too.

Though Sony built its own chipsets for the PlayStation 3 and PSP, the company is looking for some outside help for the Vita. According to the The Semiconductor Industry News, Samsung is developing the quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 chip for Sony's new handheld. The chip is being built using the 45 nanometer process, which has become popular in recent years due to its low electrica leakage. Other devices using semiconductors made via this technological process include the PlayStation 3 Slim, Xbox 360 S, iPhone, and 3DS.

The decision to bring on Samsung was likely fueled by Sony's wish to keep the development costs down; developing your own chipset is expensive. These savings may come in handy considering that after yesterday's 3DS price drop the Vita will cost $80 more than its competition when it launches this holiday season. If the Vita is met with resistance by consumers, Sony may need to drop the price earlier than it wants.

[via Adriasang]