NEWS  Games  February 2, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Speculations are emerging about Sony's reentry into the standalone handheld console market. The last handheld device from Sony, the PlayStation Vita, was discontinued in 2019, leaving a void in the portable gaming space. The latest rumors suggest that Sony is in the early stages of developing a new handheld console, tentatively dubbed the "Vita 2".

According to information from the reputable leaker Moore's Law Is Dead, Sony is working on a new handheld console equipped with a custom AMD APU. The AMD APU, currently in the "High Level Design" phase, hints at a potential release at least two years away. Additionally, rumors suggest that Sony has enlisted AMD for the development of the silicon for the upcoming PlayStation 6, sparking speculation that the handheld might be released alongside the next-gen console.

The speculated features of the "Vita 2" include an 18 Compute Unit GPU to ensure backward compatibility with PS4 games, with the possibility of running PS5 titles after developers release a "pro-like patch" for the handheld. However, it's crucial to note that these specifications are speculative, and details such as CU count and clock frequency remain unconfirmed.

One of the key reasons for the PS Vita's downfall was the lack of compelling games and diminished developer support. Sony must prioritize building a diverse and appealing game library for any future handheld, learning from the shortcomings of its predecessor. Affordability is another critical factor, as the PS Vita's relatively high price point contributed to its market struggles. Furthermore, the cumbersome requirement for expensive proprietary memory cards hindered the PS Vita's success. Sony must address such issues, ensuring that any potential "PS Vita 2" comes with user-friendly storage solutions.

As the gaming industry witnesses a resurgence in portable gaming systems with the launch of devices like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion Go, Sony has an opportunity to make a strong comeback in the handheld market. If these rumors hold true, gamers can anticipate Sony's strategic approach in creating a handheld console that combines innovation with the lessons learned from past experiences.

 COVER IMAGE BY ZLATKO PLAMENOV ON FREEPIK / REVIEW SPACE | PRODUCT IMAGE: SONY