Andrew Li's Blog

In an attempt to reclaim a stake hold in the handheld gaming market, Sony recently introduced a successor to their PlayStation Portable, named “Next Generation Portable” or NGP. The new device features a 5 inch LED touch screen, motion sensors, two cameras and 3G network access. Sony’s main competitor, Nintendo is also set to release a next generation handheld gaming device, the 3DS which features 3D graphics without the need to wear 3D glasses.

Sony Playstation and Nintendo were and still are two giants in the handheld gaming market. However, due to changing technological trends, there is now increasing competition created by multiple Android smartphone devices and Apple’s iPhone in the market.  Although smartphones cannot offer the same gaming experience as do the 3DS or the NGP, smartphones like the iPhone offer convenience and multifunctional capabilities such as text messaging, internet browsing, social networking, push email, and several multimedia functions on top of casual gaming all in one cellular device. For many casual gamers, multifunctional smartphones usually suffice for handheld entertainment.

In realising these consumer trends, Sony Ericsson previewed on Engadget, a new addition to their Xperia line named the Xperia Play. This device features what you would commonly see on an Android smartphone, 4-inch touch screen, HD camera, and internet capabilities.   But instead of a common slide-out QWERTY keyboard, the Xperia Play deploys a slide-out control pad.  Much like the original PlayStation controller, the control pad features two touch sensitive analog pads and two button pads for the avid gamer.  It also features an Adreno 205 graphics chip, which will allow for significant improvement in gaming experience compared to other smartphone devices.  Coupled with the multi-functionality of the best available Android smartphones , this device is set to make for interesting competition.