PlayStation games could be coming to smartphones

Sony will re-enter the mobile gaming market with five smartphone games based on existing and classic PlayStation titles, according to a report by Nikkei.

Following in the footsteps of the wildly popular release of Pokemon Go, which has been downloaded more than 500 million times since launching in July, some of PlayStation's biggest titles may be spun off for Android and iOS devices.

Sony announced its plans for a fresh push into the mobile gaming market earlier this year, revealing that new division ForwardWorks would be tasked with producing games based on established PlayStation franchises.

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Nikkei's report puts a timescale on it all, claiming the first titles for your phone will arrive in March 2018.

The games will be Sony's second bite at the mobile cherry after the PlayStation Mobile platform was pulled in 2015 for failing to generate enough interest.

According to The Guardian, the fact that rival Nintendo has recently embraced smartphone gaming could be a motivating factor. Nintendo is planning mobile versions of Animal Crossing and Fire Emblem, as well as a new Super Mario game exclusively for iPhones.

There's no word on which games Sony will choose to take to the mobile gaming market, or if the titles will be re-released classics or all-new versions. But the Guardian says iconic franchises such as Crash Bandicoot, Gran Turismo, and Uncharted are all candidates.