Sony’s quick withdrawal of support for the PS Vita was certainly unexpected, and while gamers wished for longer-lasting backing, the company stands by its belief that the handheld device marked an “evolutionary leap” in the realm of portable gaming. On a webpage commemorating PlayStation’s 30-year journey, Sony expressed that their objective was to deliver a “console-quality” gaming experience within a portable format.
### A Stealthy Statistic: PS Vita’s Sales Figures
Discussions surrounding the PS Vita often circle back to its lackluster impact in the market, but there’s a strong sentiment that the device was simply ahead of its time. In Sony’s view, the Vita introduced pioneering features to handheld gaming and boasted a strong and varied lineup at launch.
Sony pointed out that, “Putting a true console experience into the pockets of gamers worldwide meant innovations on a more compact scale, from how players interacted with game worlds, to building an interconnected ecosystem with home PlayStation consoles.”
One key piece is notably absent from Sony’s celebratory narrative—the specific number of PS Vitas sold over its lifespan. While they openly shared that the PSP sold over 80 million units on the same site, the Vita’s figures remain shrouded in mystery.
Estimates from unofficial sources suggest that sales hover around the 15-16 million mark. Given the tepid response, Sony’s subsequent retreat from the portable gaming scene perhaps isn’t all that surprising.
However, there’s a silver lining for handheld enthusiasts. Credible reports suggest that Sony is contemplating a comeback into the handheld market, buoyed by the success seen with the PS Portal. This unexpected turn has sparked renewed interest and speculation about what the future holds for Sony’s portable offerings.
