Could Sony Make a Comeback in the Handheld Market?

When discussing the different approaches Sony and Microsoft have taken to this generation of console hardware, it's often pointed out that Microsoft views Xbox as a software and services platform, while Sony sees consoles as a more traditional, monolithic platform. However, this oversimplifies the situation, as Sony views each PlayStation as the central component in a broader network of products, including software, services, and hardware. This concept has its roots in the early days of the PlayStation line and is deeply connected to the nature of Sony's broader business. Successful companies evolve over time, but their original DNA persists in their decision-making and values. Nintendo, founded as a card and toy company, views its consoles as advanced toys, making it easier for the company to take risks on new hardware launches. Microsoft, which originated as a software and operating systems company, approaches the games market by focusing on building a competitive advantage through operating systems. Sony, on the other hand, is a consumer hardware company, and its efforts to create a unified hardware and software ecosystem date back decades. The company has explored various ideas, including the PSX, a device that combined a PS2 with a DVR, and the PlayStation TV, a short-lived device that allowed for game and media streaming. The PS3 was also initially announced with features like a built-in network switch, highlighting Sony's ambitions for the console to act as a home media server. The company's handheld consoles, such as the PSP and Vita, were designed to carry this vision forward, with the PSP being envisioned as a portable media device and the Vita featuring non-gaming media and communications features. However, these ecosystem ambitions never quite materialized as Sony had hoped. Despite this, the company continues to explore new hardware ideas, including VR headsets and potentially another handheld console. The idea of Sony re-entering the handheld market has sparked interest, with reports emerging about a new handheld device in the pipeline. While the commercial case for such a device is tough to make, it's possible that Sony is at least experimenting with handheld prototypes internally. The company's history in the handheld space is marked by both successes and failures, including the PSP and Vita. The Vita's failure was particularly notable, and it's unclear whether Sony can recapture the handheld market it once had. The market for handhelds is now more competitive, with the Switch being a major player and smartphones and tablets offering high-quality gaming experiences. Launching a dedicated gaming handheld would require a strong business case, and it's unclear whether Sony can improve dramatically on what's already available on smartphones. The idea of a handheld that streams games from a PS5 is not particularly compelling, as it doesn't offer anything that a smartphone can't do. However, it's possible that Sony is exploring other ideas for a handheld device that could potentially recapture the market. Ultimately, while a real handheld push from Sony would be difficult, it's not impossible, and the company may still have the capacity to surprise us all.