Sony Eyes Return to Handheld Gaming Market

                Sony is reportedly considering re-entering the mobile console market
                Longtime readers and gamers will remember devices like the PlayStation Portable and Vita
                And while it may be early days yet, the potential does seem to be there
            

According to tentative reports from Bloomberg (via Gamedeveloper) we may soon see Sony returning to the portable gaming console market. Well, possibly, let's dig in. The news is essentially that Sony has a portable console in early development, intended to compete with Nintendo and their Switch (and potential successor console).

Of course, there's always the old chestnut of this being from those "familiar with the matter", or development in this case. But that doesn't mean the news is meritless, only that this is most likely very early doors for a potential PsP or Vita follow-up, and Bloomberg themselves note that Sony could very well choose not to bring the console to market.

Very longtime readers may remember the heyday of portable consoles like the PS Vita, when we even covered them on the site. However, the dominance of mobile is not just down to its own strong merits, but also the gradual abandonment of portable gaming by many companies with the exception of Nintendo. Despite the popularity of the Vita, it seems Sony and others watching them saw no point in trying to compete with smartphones.

Of course, in recent years we've not only seen a resurgence with devices like the Steam Deck and homegrown derivatives from other companies, and the continued success of the Switch, but also an improvement in the fidelity and technical capabilities of mobile devices.

While you'd believe this would deter any potential re-entry into the market, I'd argue it could also help convince companies like Sony that yes, there is indeed a viable market for gaming on the go. And maybe, just maybe, a paying clientele that would purchase a console for that niche.

But enough reminiscing. Why not look at what's currently popular with our list of the best mobile games of 2024 (so far) for some excellent releases to play on your smartphone right now?