Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. (SIEI) may be quietly developing a successor to the PlayStation Vita, according to rumours kickstarted by a new patent application. Is PS Vita 2 on the way to combat the Nintendo Switch?
The patent was released on the Japanese website Esuteru just recently and specifically outlines a portable device featuring two controller pods on each side of its screen, plus the usual array of PlayStation-related input devices, such as the D-pad, two analogue sticks, and four action buttons. In addition, the pods also feature the twin bumper/trigger arrangement as seen on the PS4.
It’s worth noting the patent is actually from 2015, although it has only just now come to the attention of the public. Given that console production cycles can last years, this wouldn’t seem to make much difference in regards to a release. However, it’s worth noting that Shuhei Yoshida, President of Sony’s Worldwide Studios, has previously indicated that the format holder wouldn’t release a PS Vita 2 as the market was not suitable for a new handheld device.
