Earlier today a story surfaced claiming that Sega would be launching a "PSP beater" in 2009 by the name of the Sega Vision.
We were more than a little skeptical about this story, so we decided to get in touch with representatives at Sega USA to check if the rumor is true, and if the Sega Vision is intended as a re-entry into the handheld videogames sector.
Sega's response was clear and concise - "The Sega Vision is a real device, a spokesperson said, "But it is not intended as a re-entry to the gaming hardware market or a rival to Sony or Nintendo's systems."
"Sega is committed to remaining a software third party in the videogames industry, but also has several non-games products in the market. The Vision is primarily an MP4 video player with some basic games functionality, and not a new handheld gaming machine.
That clears that up, then. Sega seems quite content with the business they're currently doing in the videogames software sector, and at this minute has no interest in becoming a contender in hardware once again.
Further investigation on our part finds the Sega Vision isn't actually a Sega-developed device at all, and in fact a cheap Chinese iPod-style alternative, rebranded with the name of the fallen hardware company. The 'games' functionality that is referred to is actually Java games, like those on a mobile phone.
The Sega Vision is not a PSP beater. It's not even a dedicated gaming device. F
