What Was the Codename for the PS Vita Slim Model

This article explores the development history and naming conventions of the PlayStation Vita, specifically addressing the codename for the revised Slim model. While the original handheld was famously known during development as the NGP, the Slim version is primarily identified by its model number, PCH-2000, with internal documents simply referring to it as the PS Vita Slim. Readers will learn the distinctions between the two hardware revisions and why the Slim lacked a unique public codename like its predecessor.

The Original NGP Legacy

When Sony first announced the successor to the PlayStation Portable, it was not immediately called the PlayStation Vita. During its development and initial reveal at E3 2011, the device carried the codename NGP, which stood for Next Generation Portable. This moniker generated significant buzz within the gaming community and established a precedent for expecting a secret project name for Sony’s handheld consoles. The NGP branding was used consistently until the official name, PlayStation Vita, was unveiled later that year.

The Release of the Revised Model

In 2013, Sony released a revised version of the handheld console designed to reduce costs and improve battery life. This model featured an LCD screen instead of the original OLED panel, had a slightly thinner profile, and included a micro USB port. Gamers and collectors quickly dubbed this unit the PS Vita Slim. Unlike the original launch, there was no major marketing campaign centered around a new development codename for this hardware revision.

Identifying the Slim Model

The most accurate identifier for the PS Vita Slim is its model number, PCH-2000. In internal hardware documentation and within the homebrew community, the device is often distinguished from the original PCH-1000 series using this number. While some internal development files referred to the unit simply as the Vita Slim, it never received a distinct alphanumeric codename similar to the NGP. Consequently, when discussing the specific identity of the Slim model, the PCH-2000 designation remains the standard technical reference.

Conclusion

The search for a secret codename for the PS Vita Slim often leads to confusion due to the fame of the original NGP title. In reality, the Slim model was developed under the straightforward designation of PS Vita Slim and is officially recognized by the model number PCH-2000. This shift in naming strategy reflected the device’s status as a hardware revision rather than a completely new platform launch.