Rumorong: Sega not releasing portable game hardware

by Justin McElroy { Oct 6th 2008 at 10:30AM }

Despite what you may have heard from Register Hardware or various and sundry other media outlets over the weekend, Sega isn't getting back into the hardware business. Yes, the company's releasing a portable device that can "play games," in addition to playing music and movies as well as serving as a digital camera. But those games are Java-based, just like the ones you're playing on your cell phone right now. Well, not right now. But you get the idea.

To really drive home the point, Sega told Unofficial RPG Site, "The Vision is primarily an MP4 video player with some basic games functionality, and not a new handheld gaming machine" (emphasis RPG Site). RPG Site goes on to add, "the Sega Vision isn't actually a Sega-developed device at all, and in fact a cheap Chinese iPod-style alternative."

We know, we know. We're upset too.

Source -- Sega to launch PSP beater in Japan [Register Hardware]
Source -- SEGA: "Vision" is real, not a PSP rival [Unofficial RPG Site]

[Thanks to everyone who tipped us to this!]

Tags: sega, sega-vision

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Travis @ Oct 6th 2008 10:33AM

bring back Sega Channel, thx

VaultICEE @ Oct 6th 2008 8:41PM

With what new games? :P

But hey, I would like it if this Sega Vision thing could have a retro Sega Channel. I'd never get tired of Sonic 3 and Columns on the road.

Comet @ Oct 6th 2008 10:53AM

Im crushed.

gameplayFanBoy @ Oct 6th 2008 11:04AM

Sega is too busy developing Shenmue 3 to roll out a portable.

Mr Khan @ Oct 6th 2008 11:19AM

The shape SegaSammy's in? It wouldn't have happened.

Part of my heart wishes that the Wii/DS model of building a first-party-oriented, profit-leader console could've gotten SEGA back into the game, since they are still one of the more diverse publishers out there (moreso than Nintendo in some cases, since SEGA isn't afraid of M-ratings) and could thrive in this environment