Sony considering 3D tech for ‘small screens’

Sony is not ruling out the use of 3D technology for PlayStation small-screen devices such as NGP, the company has said.

Yet the firm told Develop that its current strategy for the PSP successor is to build a “pure gaming device”.

Mick Hocking, the director of Sony WorldWide Studios’ 3D team, told Develop that small-screen 3D technology is “rapidly improving”.

“The amount of new 3D mobile devices at this year’s CES show is evidence of that,” he said.

“As small screen 3D improves we may be able to deliver these high quality 3D experiences on smaller screens,” he added.

“But our focus at the moment is on delivering the highest quality 3D games viewing experiences, and currently this is best done on HD 3D TVs.”

The NGP, currently rumoured to be officially named PS Vita, is Sony’s answer to a rapidly shifting mobile gaming market.

“It’s a very, very competitive market out there,” Hocking said.

“It’s a very different world from when we first launched the PSP.”

The NGP’s focus appears to be on the core consumer, at least for now while the tech’s costs will push up retail prices.

The device was widely applauded when first unveiled from developers and the specialist press.

[NGP: The full list of engines and tools]
In January, Epic Games founder Tim Sweeney gave the NGP a ringing endorsement by describing it as a significant technological leap into the next generation.

“Sony’s multi-core GPU is roughly 4x as powerful as any portable we’ve previously seen," Sweeney said.

It is believed, though not confirmed, that the system has halved its RAM capacity from 512MB to 256MB.

Sony has declined to comment on the matter.

“I’m delighted that with NGP we’ve pushed on quality and usability, with a massive screen, dual-analogues, a unique dual-touch interface and the power to deliver very PS3-like experiences,” Hocking said.

“I think that’s why a lot of people were pleased with it, because that focus is actually unique in that it can be a pure gaming device.”