Despite the recent success of the PlayStation Vita in Japan after a price cut, Sony continues to deny any sort of similar decrease in the Vita's price here in North America. According to an article on IGN, the reason for slashing the price in Japan was a matter of exchange rates and making the price fair for the Vita in Japan, not as a way to make sales grow.
After the price decrease, however, sales skyrocketed for the device. The following week after the price cut, sales of the Vita went up nearly six times over. Sony's only statement when asked about dropping the price in North America was a simple. "We have nothing to announce at this point in time."
Though there have been many rumors circulating around that the Vita would drop in price, Sony has repeatedly told curious parties that they have absolutely no plans to bring down the price of the system in North America. After all, they currently have no reason to, unlike in Japan. The sharp increase in sales is remarkable, but by no means was it expected by Sony.
Now, after being told again (in the exact same way) that the price will not be dropping here in America, the fresh rumor is that a price drop will be announced during E3. There is, of course, nothing to back up the truth of this rumor, besides the fact that these kind of announcements usually coincide with a major event.
The Vita now costs about $215 in Japan for both 3G and Wi-fi models, compared to $249 for the Wi-fi model and $299 for the 3G model in North America. While everyone can appreciate cheaper prices, it seems it is not in the cards for North Americans right now.