It's been a while since we've seen a portable gaming console from Sony, which is both understandable and a little disappointing—the PS Vita was an excellent console that, sadly, never got the attention and support it deserved.

The gaming scene has changed drastically since 2012 (the Vita's launch year) and that prompts the question: should Sony release a new handheld console? Let's look at why it should and why it shouldn't.

Sony Should Release a New Handheld Console Because...

There's not an unreasonable case as to why Sony should release a new handheld, and there are three standout points in favor of this.

1. The PSP Shows That Sony Can Release a Well-Received Handheld Console

A Sony PSP in black

Sony has met success with a handheld console before—the PSP (PlayStation Portable). Despite being its first attempt at a handheld console, Sony released a fantastic device that garnered over 80 million sales throughout its lifetime, with the PSP even outselling many consoles in Japan.

Sony knows how to make and sell handheld consoles; the PSP is an example of that. With the right planning and design, Sony could both meet and exceed this success.

2. Sony Knows How to Make a Fantastic Handheld Console: the PS Vita

The PS Vita is a bit of a sad story for Sony: despite releasing a brilliant console, the Vita fell woefully short of Sony's sales expectations, failing to meet mainstream success and become a household name.

Despite its commercial performance, however, the PS Vita was an excellently designed console, sporting features today that even the Nintendo Switch (OLED Model) doesn't have.

Related: Was the PS Vita Better Than the New Switch (OLED)?

3. The Nintendo Switch Has Shown That There Is a Market for Handheld Consoles

A key reason that the PlayStation Vita failed was due to the rise of mobile gaming. Alongside Nintendo's 3DS, which was released earlier that year, the Vita launched to a market that had no place for it.

Nowadays, that isn't as much the case. Though mobile gaming is still incredibly popular, the staggering success of the Nintendo Switch has shown that it is possible to release a handheld console and meet both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Sony Shouldn't Release a New Handheld Console Because...

A person playing a Nintendo Switch

While a new handheld offering from Sony would excite gamers, there are some notable reasons it might not be the right move. Let's look at why this might be the case.

Nintendo Is Still Standing in the Battle of the Handhelds

In a battle of handhelds between Sony and Nintendo, the latter is still standing. Simply put, Nintendo knows how to make handheld consoles: it's experienced, got a successful track record, and understands the market.

There are many examples that prove Nintendo’s dominance in the handheld market. Most significantly, Nintendo released the Switch during the PS Vita's life-cycle; whilst the Switch succeeded, the Vita did not.

Perhaps it's best to leave handheld console gaming to Nintendo.

Mobile Gaming, the Switch, the Steam Deck—Is the Market Over Saturated?

Valve's just revealed the Steam Deck, and recently, Nintendo revealed the Switch (OLED Model).

With the Steam Deck, multiple versions of the Switch, and mobile gaming, maybe Sony's chance to jump back into the handheld console market has gone for now. In this current climate, a new Sony handheld might run into the same problem its predecessor found itself in: lost amongst a sea of voices.

Sony Already Has Enough on Its Plate With the PS5

A DualSense controller resting on a PS5

Earlier this year, Sony said that it has 25 titles in development, with a load of original titles in the works. We're also still at the beginning of the PS5's generation.

With this in mind, Sony doesn't seem likely to drop focused support for the PS5 and all its ongoing titles to launch another handheld console, which could be a waste of time and resources if this handheld doesn't perform that well.

A Future Sony Handheld Could Be Incredible

Taking both sides of the argument into account, should Sony release a new handheld console? Yes, it should.

Though Sony's strength lies in traditional console gaming, it has shown it can both create and sell handheld consoles. Yes, Nintendo still reigns supreme in handheld consoles. Yes, mobile gaming is still as present as ever. And yes, Sony probably has its hands full at the moment.

However, with the correct planning and design, there could absolutely be a place for a new Sony handheld console that more complements the Switch rather than rivals it. Just because both would be handheld consoles, doesn't mean that they would offer the exact same experience.

The idea of a successful Sony handheld console is exciting, given Sony's game library and its skill in developing consoles. It's just a matter of getting the timing, marketing, and console's identity correct.

Despite Being a Decade Old, the PlayStation Vita Still Holds Up

A PlayStation Vita running Downwell

Though we may not see it anytime soon, it would be incredible if Sony releases a new handheld console. In the meantime, we have the Nintendo Switch and Valve's upcoming Steam Deck in the current handheld console market.

But, if neither of those consoles interests you, then it's worth seeing why the Vita was an underappreciated gem and why it still holds up, even after a decade.