PlayStation Portal's Success Sparks Speculation
The unexpected success of the PlayStation Portal may have prompted Sony to reconsider its stance on handheld gaming. After the financial failure of the PS Vita, Sony seemed to have abandoned the idea. However, recent reports suggest that the company is partnering with chip manufacturer AMD to develop a new handheld system.
A Standalone Console Like the PlayStation Vita
This new console, unlike the PS Portal, would be a standalone device similar to the PlayStation Vita. The Vita, which was released in 2012, was PlayStation's last portable console. While there are various rumors about the upcoming handheld, Sony's collaboration with AMD is the most credible information available.
A Potential Shift to Digital-Only Gaming
Speculations are circulating that the new Sony handheld might be digital-only, considering the growing trend of digital marketplaces. Many storefronts are moving away from physical game discs in favor of digital downloads. This shift is driven by the fact that digital game purchases have been on the rise, accounting for up to 95% of all game sales.
Pricing and Lessons Learned
One of the reasons the PS Vita struggled in the Western market was its high price, which exceeded the market average. Additionally, the need for special memory cards, which were as expensive as Nintendo's 3DS console, added to the Vita's financial woes. Hopefully, Sony has learned from these mistakes and will price the new console more competitively, following the success of the PS Portal.
Potential Competition from Xbox
Rumors are also circulating that Xbox is considering the release of a handheld console. This move would complement Microsoft's extensive library of games available on PC. It remains to be seen how this potential competition will unfold.
If you're interested in reading more about PlayStation, check out the games that will be available for free with PS Plus Essential in February.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
