Handheld games consoles are every bit popular every bit ever, with the Nintendo Switch, mobile gaming, and the contempo announcement of Valve's Steam Deck all pushing handheld gaming as a practical nonetheless 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 accept a wait.

What Should Sony Accept Learned From the PSP and PS Vita?

Sony's two handheld offerings, so far, have come in the grade of the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the PlayStation Vita (PS Vita). Looking at those two handheld consoles, permit'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, sometime 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 footing equally Sony'due south first venture into the handheld gaming market place. Despite competing with the Nintendo DS, the PSP was both a disquisitional 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 some other 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 conspicuously information technology'due south a concern that we're no longer in now."

Whilst existence 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 ascent of mobile gaming and the Nintendo 3DS—and later, Nintendo Switch—overshadowing it.

With Vita'due south fate in heed and the annotate past Jim Ryan, the idea of Sony releasing a handheld console at all, let alone shortly, seems very unlikely.

A 5G PSP? The Rumors Are Rife...

A Sony PSP in black

Looking at current times, what data is in that location regarding an upcoming Sony handheld? From Sony? Null so far. Merely 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 chiefly, when Sony might denote information technology.

People accept besides been quick to mention that the timeframe fits: Sony released the PSP in 2004/five and the Vita in 2011/2. So, information technology could exist the right time to see Sony announce a new handheld console. But, if we're looking at a seven-yr pattern between releases, then Sony is a few years late.

There's e'er some buzz regarding whether Sony volition release a handheld panel, but in terms of objective, concrete evidence, there isn't much to go by.

5G or Not, Will We Run across a New Sony Handheld Anytime Soon?

A blue screen displaying the words Play Has No Limits

So, volition we run across a successor to the PS Vita in the adjacent few years? The answer is probable not. Even so, 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 panel who'd likely dear to see—and buy—a new handheld PlayStation, should Sony release 1. And, despite Jim Ryan's comment back in 2019, near successful businesses, such as Sony, never say never.

There'south a expert chance that if the opportunity presents itself, Sony will venture back into the handheld panel market. The gaming mural evolves far as well much to make any definite decisions.

The PSP was an instance that Sony could achieve commercial success with a handheld panel, the Vita an instance 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 marketplace. However, you probably won't encounter it in the side by side few years.

If Yous're Looking for a Sony Handheld Feel, the PS Vita Is the Way to Get

It'southward non looking probable that Sony will release a handheld console soon, simply that doesn't mean it won't ever release some other 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 exist ready just nevertheless to dive back into information technology, after the lackluster response to the PS Vita.

It could be a while till we run into a new Sony handheld console, if at all. In the meantime, the PS Vita is notwithstanding an excellent device that's worth your fourth dimension.