The massive push by wireless carriers to provide 3G and 4G networks has been the primary focus of mobile phone manufacturers for some time now. Gaming has shied away from the idea of 3G networking in favor of alternative measures, like local WiFi. That appears to be changing as Japanese wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo has stated that they have been talking with Nintendo and Sony to provide 3G capabilities to next generation of handheld devices.
Sony and Nintendo both declined to comment on NTT’s claims, but a Wall Street Journal article has revealed that Sony is developing a new handheld device that will utilize 3G capability while focusing on gaming.
“Sony is developing a portable device that shares characteristics of handheld game machines, e-book readers and netbook computers, according to people familiar with the matter. Some Sony e-book readers already come with 3G connections but it is not clear if a new wireless gadget will use carrier networks,” the article stated.
Talks of a carrier partnership between mobile carriers and gaming manufacturers are a sign that the pressure is on from smartphones and similar devices. “The distinction between gaming devices and mobile communications devices, like smartphones, are blurring. And it may eventually disappear,” said Yusuke Tsunoda, an analyst with Tokai Tokyo Research Center.
There is no word on whether the new device is of the PSP brand, but the focus could be targeting the rapidly growing 3G marketplace in the iPhone and iPad.
1 Comments
July 7, 2010
Sony really should just stop while they're (embarrassingly) behind. they've got enough to worry about having placed all their eggs in the 3-D basket.