Overview of the PS Vita’s Struggles
- Ex-PlayStation head Shuhei Yoshida highlights several technical missteps that plagued the PS Vita.
- The prioritization of PS4 development over handheld projects adversely affected PS Vita’s market presence.
- Recent speculation hints at Sony’s possible return to the handheld console market.
Shuhei Yoshida, former head of PlayStation, recently provided insights into the PS Vita, which failed to achieve the success of its predecessor, the PSP. Launched in 2011, the PS Vita struggled throughout its lifespan and was officially discontinued in 2019.
Following in the footsteps of the successful PSP, which debuted in 2004, the PS Vita entered a competitive market with high expectations. Despite the initial momentum, the device fell short, managing to sell a mere 16 million units over nine years. This starkly contrasts with the PSP’s impressive total of over 80 million units in 11 years. Nevertheless, a dedicated fanbase emerged, drawn to the PS Vita’s impressive library of games. Recently, Yoshida shared his perspectives on the reasons behind the undervalued handheld’s performance.
Yoshida’s Insights on PS Vita’s Challenges
In a recent interview with Kinda Funny Games, Yoshida reflected on the multifaceted reasons for the PS Vita’s lack of market penetration. He identified critical missteps such as the necessity of using proprietary memory cards, which he deemed a significant consumer error, and indicated that the rear touchpad was an unnecessary addition that inflated manufacturing costs. This hardware decision led to the removal of a valuable video-out port from the PS Vita development kit, further complicating its appeal.
Yoshida emphasized that the “biggest reason”for the PS Vita’s dismal sales was the timing of its release, which occurred during a transition from the PS3 to the PS4. This timing made it difficult for Sony to allocate adequate resources and talent to both platforms—ultimately leading to the decision to focus primarily on the PS4, which stunted the growth of many handheld projects.
Looking Ahead: Sony’s Future in Handheld Gaming
Despite these historical challenges, Yoshida expressed curiosity about the current landscape of handheld gaming, particularly the emergence of handheld PCs. He praised brands like GPD and Ayaneo for their innovative offerings in the handheld segment.
While Yoshida believes managing two platforms may not be an ideal strategy, new leadership at Sony appears to hold a different view. Recent rumors indicate that Sony might be considering a return to the handheld console market. The intro of the streaming-centric PS Portal may be an early sign of this renewed interest, suggesting that gamers may soon be treated to an announcement regarding a fully-fledged handheld console from Sony.
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