Sony is set to introduce new “gaming gear,” but it’s not the Xperia Play sequel we’ve been waiting for.
There’s never been a better moment to be an Android gamer, with Call of Duty Mobile, Fortnite, Apex Legends, and complete AAA titles on Stadia and GeForce Now. Android-based gaming phones have existed for years, but they’re becoming more popular.
Sony posted a teaser video for a new Xperia gaming phone today. The 15-second teaser depicts an eSports participant playing on a smartphone. This new gadget is “designed for pro gamers and streamers,” the business states.
Some, including my colleague Ben Schoon, hope Sony will introduce an Xperia Play replacement in 2011. This ahead-of-its-time phone could slide up to display PlayStation-themed gaming controls.
Whatever Sony plans, it will likely be different from the original Xperia Play and its prototype follow-up. The brief look here suggests a shoulder-trigger button input, though its implementation is unclear. Others have remarked that the silhouette resembles Sony’s teased handheld cooling accessory. We don’t know if that will appear with the gaming phone, but it shows the company’s interest in the area.
Will Sony release hardware like the ASUS ROG Phone 6D or Nubia RedMagic 6S Pro Ghost? We predict either a revamped gamer-y design of a current Xperia model or altogether new hardware.
Given how Sony has priced its latest Xperia phones, a four-figure price tag is not out of character. Next week should bring more release details.