If Sony Does Ever Make a PS Vita 2, It'll Probably Need Replaceable Batteries | Push Square

pushsquare.com:

If Sony ever were to release a hypothetical Vita successor (not likely, and yet still we dare to dream), it would need to feature replaceable batteries, at least in order to comply with new regulations laid down by the Council of the Europen Union. The decree aims to «regulate the entire life cycle of batteries» and ensure they remain «safe, sustainable and competitive.»

If the phrase "replaceable batteries" dredges up long-submerged and deeply traumatic episodes from the 90s, don't worry. The idea here seems to be simply that the end user (we, as the consumer) need to be given the option to remove or replace batteries from 2027 onwards. The announcement now gives this «important provision for consumers» enough runway and «sufficient time for operators to adapt the design of their products to this requirement».

While the document itself doesn't specifically mention handheld gaming consoles, this was confirmed later to Overkill (thanks, Eurogamer). The move seems great, frankly, as high-powered handhelds like the Steam Deck do feel like ticking time bombs with a finite shelf life. That said, our 2012 launch OLED Vita is in immaculate condition, with no apparent signs of slowing down, so it's not like what came before wasn't made to last, either.

Do you hope the Council of the European Union's regulations are picked up in other regions? Should we finally give up our dreams of a Vita successor? Get a reality check in the comments section below.

Khayl Adam is the second best video game journalist Australia has ever produced, and his ambitions of world domination have (thus far) been curbed by the twin siren songs of strategy games and CRPGs. He has always felt an affinity for the noble dachshund, the best kind of dog.