PGC NEWS

Sony Electronics has launched a new line of gaming peripherals called Inzone, specifically designed for PC gamers. The initial offerings include two 27-inch monitors and three variations of gaming headsets.

The Inzone project, conceived in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, arose from Sony executives observing significant growth in the gaming and esports industries. Kazuo Kii, President of Sony’s Home Entertainment and Sound Products division, explained the motivation behind the new brand:

“We are entering the gaming gear industry with monitors and headsets, as gaming and esports have become increasingly popular in recent years. We are leveraging Sony’s high-quality audio and display technologies to provide products that allow players to immerse themselves in their game worlds.”

Kii also revealed that the brand name, Inzone, refers to the immersive feeling gamers experience when they are “in the zone.”

Acknowledging their status as a “latecomer” to the PC gaming market, Sony plans to attract players with competitively priced products.

Sony Inzone monitors and headsets

This summer, Sony will release a 4K resolution monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate priced at $899. Later this year, they will launch a 1080p monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate for $529.

The Japanese corporation hopes PC gamers, especially those who play first-person shooters, will give Inzone a chance and not automatically associate Sony primarily with consoles.

Targeting PC Gamers, but Not Forgetting PlayStation 5 Users

Kazuo Kii expressed his hope that Sony can catch up with market leaders by engaging top professional gamers and influencers to use and promote Inzone products to their audiences:

“We’re not saying we will neglect PS5 users. But because we are latecomers with monitors and headsets for the gaming segment, we believe we have a chance to catch up. I believe if top gamers mention, ‘Oh, Sony’s Inzone is great,’ we can catch up.”

While focusing on attracting PC gamers, Sony hasn’t abandoned PlayStation 5 users. Aesthetically, the monitors and headsets are designed to complement the PS5 console.

When connected to a PS5, the two monitors will optimize display colors. They also feature a convenient switching function, allowing users to connect a keyboard, mouse, and headset to both a PC and PS5 simultaneously, easily toggling between the two.

Sony Inzone Headsets: Options for Every Gamer

Sony’s approach to gaming headsets involves offering options to suit a wide range of consumer preferences. A $299 wireless headset with noise cancellation and synthetic leather will be available, along with a more affordable wireless headset (without leather or noise cancellation) for around $229, and a wired option for $99.

Kii confirmed that all three headsets will feature spatial sound capabilities, enabling gamers to perceive the distance and location of opponents based on audio cues.

Sony Inzone: A Strategic Move into PC Gaming

Sony’s launch of Inzone marks a strategic move into the competitive PC gaming peripherals market. By leveraging their expertise in audio and display technology, offering competitive pricing, and targeting a broad audience with diverse headset options, Sony aims to establish a strong presence in this growing sector. While acknowledging their late entry, the company’s focus on performance and user experience suggests a serious commitment to capturing a significant share of the PC gaming market.