Sony hints that it’s done with handheld consoles, ruling out a PS Vita or PSP return

Final nail in the coffin?

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Sonyfiled a patent for a PlayStation game cartridge that sparked speculation that anew handheld console could be on the way. However, it was eventually clarified that these were cartridges for an existing kids' toy in Japan, snubbing out hope that Sony is planning to venture back into portable devices.

And now, it seems, Sony has put the final nail in the portable console coffin.

In an interview withGame Informer, Sony Interactive Entertainment president and CEO, Jim Ryan, seemed to confirm that the company has no plans for developing a successor to thePS VitaandPSP.

“PlayStation Vita was brilliant in many ways, and the actual gaming experience was great, but clearly it’s a business that we’re no longer in now,” Ryan said.

Handheld hope

While this doesn’t necessarily rule out Sony making more handheld consoles in the future, it does seem to suggest that the company isn’t currently developing one right now.

It’s not particularly surprising, as Sony is focused on the upcomingPS5and, if it chose to entire the handheld market once more, it would have to go head-to-head with the mammoth that is theNintendo Switch.

We still live in hope that a new Sony handheld console will come along, even if it’s not right now.

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An award-winning games journalist, with seven years of experience in games journalism and a degree in journalism from City University, London, Vic brings experience from IGN, Eurogamer, The Telegraph, VG247, Dot Esports and more to the TechRadar table. You may have even heard her on the radio or speaking on a panel, as she’s previously appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 5, BBC Radio Ulster and more. Not only is Vic passionate about games, but she’s appeared on both panels and podcasts to discuss mental health awareness. Make sure to follow her on Twitter for more.

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