Is a PS Vita 2 on the Way? Here’s What We Think
After the original PS Vita's not-so-great run in 2011, fans hope for a comeback with the PS Vita 2. Rumors heated up at the 2023 PlayStation showcase, hinting at a possible return, even though the first Vita was discontinued in 2019. But hold on, things didn't go exactly as expected.
Sony tried to fill the gap in handheld gaming with the PlayStation Portal, a streaming accessory for the PS5. However, it can't run games on its own. People got excited about it initially, but is it really a match for the Switch or other portable gaming devices like ASUS Rog Ally and Steam Deck? Doubtful. So, is a new PS Vita still in the cards?
Will there be a PS Vita 2?
Sony has always stayed away from handheld consoles, and the PlayStation Portal launch makes it clear they're sticking to streaming instead of a new PS Vita, at least for now. The Portal is a $200 add-on to a $500 console, bringing some versatility to PS5 gaming. But, it's not a dedicated handheld. Sony seems more focused on expanding the PS5 ecosystem, maybe with dreams of surpassing the PS2's sales.
With other handhelds going in new directions, a potential PS Vita 2 would need to be hardcore or find a sweet spot between the Steam Deck and the Switch. While Sony might surprise us, the recent Portal launch suggests a new Vita isn't happening anytime soon.
Why did Sony ditch the Vita?
In 2019, Sony pulled the plug on the PS Vita, selling around 10-15 million units. Sounds decent, right? Well, not compared to the Nintendo DS, which sold a whopping 154 million. The Vita was pricey, making game development tough and resulting in a limited game library. Sony decided to shift focus to its home consoles, leaving the Vita behind without reaching the success of Nintendo DS or other handhelds since.
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