Sony job postings and patents reveal that the company isn't done working on cloud gaming following the death of Stadia. This indicates that Sony is committed to continuing to innovate in the gaming space. And now, rumors are circulating that Sony is developing a new PlayStation handheld device.
When renowned industry leakers started reporting on a new PlayStation handheld last week, the hopes of many disenfranchised Vita fans were reignited. The PlayStation Vita, Sony's last handheld device, was discontinued in 2019 after struggling to compete with mobile gaming and Nintendo's 3DS.
A recent leak suggests Sony is working on a new PlayStation handheld device, but instead of being a truly portable device like the PSP and Vita, it will be more like the upcoming Steam Deck. This means it will be a handheld device that can also be docked and used as a console.
Gaming on the go got a boost last year from a variety of new handheld devices. Now Sony may be looking to give PlayStation fans another option for portable gaming. While the details of the new handheld device are scarce, it's rumored to have a 7-inch display and be powered by a custom AMD APU.
Sony was a dominant force in the handheld console market with its PSP and PS Vita, and it seems the company is looking to get back into the game. However, Sony is taking a risky bet by entering the handheld console market again, following the commercial failure of the PlayStation Vita.
While we're skeptical of new PlayStation handheld rumors, any new Sony handheld console should be more Steam Deck and less 'Vita, but for 2022.' The Steam Deck has generated a lot of buzz in the gaming community and has been praised for its ability to play PC games on the go.
If Sony wants to compete in the handheld console market, it will need to offer something unique and exciting. The Steam Deck's success is proof that there is a market for handheld gaming devices, but Sony will need to differentiate itself from the competition.
Sony has not confirmed the rumors of a new PlayStation handheld device, so it's unclear when or if it will be released. However, if the rumors are true, it will be interesting to see how Sony plans to market and differentiate its new device in a crowded market.
Overall, the gaming community is excited about the possibility of a new PlayStation handheld device. While the PSP and Vita were popular in their time, Sony has been out of the handheld console market for several years now. If Sony can create a device that offers something new and exciting, it could be a major player in the portable gaming market once again.
