PS Vita hardware sales are less than a third of where the PSP was at the same stage in its life cycle, official Gfk Chart-Track data has revealed.

Based on UK sales for the first 10 weeks, Sony's PS Vita handheld has, according to a well-placed industry source, shifted just over 100,000 units since its launch on February 22nd 2012.

Although Chart-Track declined to reveal the precise sell-through figure, the company's business group director Dorian Bloch confirmed the PSP had sold 3.5 times as many units as PS Vita achieved after 10 weeks on sale.

Bloch urged caution on making direct comparisons between the two systems.

"[PS Vita] was launched at a traditionally quiet time, and [PSP] was launched in the build-up to Q4," he told PocketGamer.

Bloch also noted that PS Vita costs an average of £54 more than the PSP, at £232 versus £178.

PSP was tough act to follow

By way of comparison, the Chart-Track stat guru pointed out that the PSP holds the UK record for the fastest-selling console in week one, as well as the record for the least number of weeks to achieve a one million user-base in the UK, at just 24 weeks.

Assuming the PS Vita takes 3.5 times longer to reach the magic one million mark, it will be late next year before Sony can expect to celebrate that milestone.

According to Sony's latest earnings call, worldwide sales figures for its latest handheld reached 1.8 million as of March 31st 2012 – meaning 600,000 units sold across the world during March.

For the financial year ending March 31st 2013, Sony expects to sell a total of 10 million PS Vita units worldwide – an ambitious estimate based on its early performance.

Quality software to come

Sony CEO Kaz Hirai says that the quality of the PS Vita's games will dictate its success.

"A game platform, like Vita – the software is the key to success, how good the software is. We have to reinforce the software area in order to improve the business, that is the basic line," he said.

On that note, Sony has a few first party aces up its sleeve in the shape of system exclusive Resistance: Burning Skies (out June 1st) and Gravity Rush (15th June), with LittleBigPlanet and Killzone following later in 2012.

Third party muscle is also likely to prove crucial for the system, with the all-important Call Of Duty coming this Autumn, alongside the likes of Metal Gear Solid HD Collection, Streetfighter X Tekken, Dust 514 Companion, and Lego Batman 2.

In terms of the system's most popular games to date in the UK, Sony has confirmed that Uncharted: Golden Abyss leads the way, followed by FIFA Football, Rayman Origins, WipEout 2048, and Unit 13.