Xperia Play 2 is real! Prototype image found

A prototype image has recently surfaced, causing quite a buzz among Sony fans.

As we dive into Sony's latest developments, particularly the Xperia 5 II, it's clear that this model is heavily geared towards gamers. With features like 240Hz motion blur reduction, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 240Hz touch sampling rate, it sets a new standard for mobile gaming.

This year’s release of the PlayStation 5 has elevated expectations for gaming-centric smartphones. Consequently, rumors about a potential successor to the Xperia Play have been rampant.

In a surprising turn of events, a prototype resembling the Xperia Play 2 has been discovered. Initially posted on Reddit, the prototype was found for sale on a Chinese personal trading app. This discovery showcases the nostalgic Sony Ericsson logo, bringing back memories for long-time fans.

For context, here’s an image of the original Xperia Play, which was released back in 2011. While the new prototype's design is somewhat more modern, it still retains a vintage charm.

To give some background, Sony Ericsson was rebranded as Sony Mobile in 2012 after becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony. If Sony Ericsson had continued as it was, the Xperia Play 2 would likely have been released around 2012 or 2013.

Interestingly, the Xperia Play series might have continued as a regular lineup, similar to the Z and ZX series, if not for the merger with Ericsson. The last Xperia released in Japan under the Sony Ericsson name was the XPERIA acro HD, which shares a similar design aesthetic on the back.

This discovery of the Xperia Play 2 prototype offers a fascinating glimpse into what could have been a continuing legacy of gaming smartphones from Sony.