Having struggled to find the right fit in my gaming repertoire, I’ve found solace in revisiting a beloved classic from days of yore. Recalling a beloved childhood classic, I recently found myself revisiting fond memories while watching an entertaining Ratchet and Clank speedrun from last summer’s Games Done Quick event, only to come to the realization that this is the title I longed to play again. Despite the passage of time and my repeated attempts to reach the final boss, I never quite managed to overcome the game’s challenges, leaving me with an unfulfilled desire to conquer it once and for all.
Despite owning a PS2 and its unique copy, I still had to personally manage the hassle of setting it up, without the luxury of relaxing features like those on my PS4 or PS5’s rest mode. I had the good fortune to also own the HD collection of the first three video games on my trusty PlayStation Vita – a nostalgic blast from the past. This approach seemed remarkably straightforward. I can simply recline on the couch or carry it to my bed, taking it apart piece by piece as I go, allowing for flexibility in my workspace. It had been some time since I last used my Vita, a purchase that, in hindsight, was likely a misstep in the grand scheme of things. Nevertheless, as I played through Ratchet and Clank, I found myself unable to help but think… Sony should really make another one of these devices.
Despite its underwhelming performance, the device still managed to sell approximately 16 million units over its lifetime, a considerable distance from the PlayStation Portable’s impressive 80 million sales. While the Nintendo Switch may have seemed innovative at its launch, can we truly say it was ahead of its time? Its ability to play demanding console-style games, boast an OLED display, and feature dual analog sticks were all features that, while impressive, didn’t necessarily push the boundaries of what was possible. It was the original Nintendo DS before the Switch, essentially without the, you know, portability aspect. Despite some notable issues, one major challenge was the scarcity of video games available for the console, particularly in the Western market. While there were numerous Japan-exclusive titles that left me wanting more, language barriers prevented me from exploring them fully.
Sony leverages its flagship franchises, including God of War, Spider-Man, and Horizon Zero Dawn, to drive console sales and bolster their marketing efforts. While presenting itself as a diverse collection, the portfolio nonetheless has a distinctively familiar flair, prompting observers to instinctively associate certain elements with the iconic Sony brand, regardless of whether they are officially affiliated or not – an intriguing phenomenon that warrants further exploration. The PlayStation Vita lacked many features. While Sony’s LittleBigPlanet series, Uncharted franchise, and Japan Studio’s Gravity Rush all garnered attention, the lack of major hits prevented the compilation from being an absolute must-have for a broader audience.
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Can you truly assume that this moment is propitious for introducing a new gaming platform? With whispers of a potential PlayStation Portable revival, Sony’s PlayStation Portal experiment raises eyebrows about the company’s renewed interest in handheld gaming. Despite its unconventional premise, the Portal series is undoubtedly a masterclass in game design and storytelling. It is positive. What PlayStation 5’s Remote Play app isn’t is a dedicated handheld console, churning out attention-grabbing, budget-friendly alternatives to popular double-A video games. Instead, it’s a software solution that enables users to stream PS5 gameplay directly onto their smartphones, without the benefits of a smartphone – yes, even on the bathroom floor.
Despite the fact that video game development has become increasingly expensive, the industry appears to be craving a dedicated gaming platform with a more focused range of titles, much like Nintendo’s Switch, which already offers this model albeit not fully utilized by all developers. I’d relish the opportunity to play a fresh, first-party Sony title, like the impending Astro Bot release, on a hypothetical PS Vita 2, allowing me to indulge in simple yet satisfying 3D platforming from the comfort of my living room couch, free from worries about internet connectivity potentially hindering my experience on the Portal. Is that not the dream? Is life truly meant to be effortless and hassle-free?
Even though whispers surrounding a fully-fledged new PlayStation handheld persist, it’s unlikely the final product would be a mere Vita 2, replete with its quirks and idiosyncrasies.
The PlayStation 5 (PS5) integration has the potential to exhibit synergy with its internal components, fostering a cohesive design that capitalistic ideals might have instilled in its creators at some point. Here’s what I truly crave: the freedom to indulge in Ratchet and Clank, regardless of its original release date – be it 2002 or 2021 – on a compact, portable device, allowing me to effortlessly lose myself in the experience and unwind.
