Handheld games consoles are as popular as ever, with the Nintendo Switch, mobile gaming, and the recent announcement of Valve's Steam Deck all pushing handheld gaming as a practical yet enjoyable gaming outlet.
So, with all this buzz in the world of handheld gaming, is now the right time for Sony to dip back in with a console of its own? Let's take a look.
What Should Sony Have Learned From the PSP and PS Vita?
Sony's two handheld offerings, so far, have come in the form of the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the PlayStation Vita (PS Vita). Looking at those two handheld consoles, let's explore whether each one supports or refutes if an upcoming Sony handheld console is likely.
The PSP
In a 2019 Game Informer article looking at 25 years of PlayStation Consoles, former President and CEO of SIE (Sony Interactive Entertainment), Andrew House, claimed that the PSP "had some really good success... especially in the Japanese market".
The PSP broke ground as Sony's first venture into the handheld gaming market. Despite competing with the Nintendo DS, the PSP was both a critical and commercial success, selling over 80 million units since its launch and even outselling some consoles in Japan.
The success in both the design and sales of the PSP supports the idea that another Sony handheld could thrive despite the competition we see in the handheld gaming market today.
The PS Vita
In the same Game Informer Piece, Sony's current President and CEO, Jim Ryan, said of the PS Vita: "PlayStation Vita was brilliant in many ways, and the actual gaming experience was great, but clearly it’s a business that we’re no longer in now.”
Whilst being a technical marvel, the PS Vita failed to perform commercially. The PS Vita lacked support from Sony and interest from the public throughout its lifespan, with the rise of mobile gaming and the Nintendo 3DS—and later, Nintendo Switch—overshadowing it.
With Vita's fate in mind and the comment by Jim Ryan, the idea of Sony releasing a handheld console at all, let alone soon, seems very unlikely.
A 5G PSP? The Rumors Are Rife...
Looking at current times, what information is there regarding an upcoming Sony handheld? From Sony? Nothing so far. But that hasn't stopped rumors of a new PSP from circulating over the years.
That Sony is working on an upgraded PSP that focuses on 5G technology is the prime rumor, with various outlets speculating how a 5G PSP would look, function, and, most importantly, when Sony might announce it.
People have also been quick to mention that the timeframe fits: Sony released the PSP in 2004/5 and the Vita in 2011/2. So, it could be the right time to see Sony announce a new handheld console. But, if we're looking at a seven-year pattern between releases, then Sony is a few years late.
There's always some buzz regarding whether Sony will release a handheld console, but in terms of objective, concrete evidence, there isn't much to go by.
5G or Not, Will We See a New Sony Handheld Anytime Soon?
So, will we see a successor to the PS Vita in the next few years? The answer is likely not. However, could we see a Sony handheld in the future? Absolutely.
Despite the poor performance of the PS Vita, there is a dedicated fan base for the console who'd likely love to see—and buy—a new handheld PlayStation, should Sony release one. And, despite Jim Ryan's comment back in 2019, most successful businesses, such as Sony, never say never.
There's a good chance that if the opportunity presents itself, Sony will venture back into the handheld console market. The gaming landscape evolves far too much to make any definite decisions.
The PSP was an example that Sony could achieve commercial success with a handheld console, the Vita an example of the tech giant's future-proof design. There's no reason Sony couldn't combine the positives of its previous consoles to create a new product that thrives in the handheld market. However, you probably won't see it in the next few years.
If You're Looking for a Sony Handheld Experience, the PS Vita Is the Way to Go
It's not looking likely that Sony will release a handheld console soon, but that doesn't mean it won't ever release another in the future.
The Nintendo Switch and Valve's upcoming Steam Deck show that there is a handheld console market to be tapped into. Though, Sony might not be ready just yet to dive back into it, after the lackluster response to the PS Vita.
It could be a while till we see a new Sony handheld console, if at all. In the meantime, the PS Vita is still an excellent device that's worth your time.
