Sony's Layer-2 Blockchain Soneium to Rival Coinbase’s Base Network

·

Sony is making a bold leap into the future of decentralized technology with the upcoming launch of Soneium, a new Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) blockchain developed through Sony Block Solutions Labs—a strategic collaboration between Sony Group and Web3 infrastructure provider Startale. This initiative marks Sony’s most significant move yet into the blockchain space, aiming to integrate decentralized systems into mainstream entertainment, gaming, and financial applications.

Unlike experimental or speculative blockchain ventures, Soneium is being built with real-world utility in mind. The project leverages Sony’s global reach in digital content and consumer electronics, positioning it as a potential challenger to established L2 networks like Coinbase’s Base.

Building on Ethereum’s OP Stack for Scalability

Soneium is being developed using Optimism’s OP Stack, the same modular framework powering Ethereum’s growing Superchain ecosystem. This technology enables high-throughput, low-cost transactions by processing them off the main Ethereum chain while maintaining Ethereum’s security guarantees.

By adopting the OP Stack, Soneium ensures compatibility with existing Ethereum tools, wallets, and dApps—lowering the barrier to entry for developers and users alike. The long-term vision is to achieve “internet-level scalability”, supporting millions of users across Sony’s vast digital ecosystem.

“This is a HUGE move which aims to integrate blockchain technology into Sony products and beyond,” said Bitcoin veteran Kyle Chasse.

With this foundation, Soneium isn’t just another blockchain experiment—it’s a scalable infrastructure designed for mass adoption.

👉 Discover how leading blockchains are shaping the future of digital ownership and user empowerment.

Strategic Testnet Launch with Astar Network

Before its mainnet debut, Soneium will roll out on a testnet in partnership with Astar Network (ASTR), a prominent player in multi-chain Web3 infrastructure. This collaboration brings immediate benefits:

Sota Watanabe, founder of Astar Network and CEO of Startale, emphasized that this partnership is a strategic step toward bringing Web3 to mainstream audiences. The market has already responded positively—since the announcement, ASTR’s token price rose nearly 5%, reflecting growing investor confidence.

This synergy between Sony’s brand power and Astar’s technical expertise creates a strong launchpad for Soneium’s ecosystem development.

Targeting Real-World Applications in Entertainment & Finance

What sets Soneium apart from other L2s is its clear focus on practical use cases. Rather than chasing DeFi speculation or NFT trends, the blockchain is being tailored for:

This utility-driven approach aligns with Sony’s broader strategy following its acquisition of WhaleFin, a Japanese crypto exchange now rebranded as S.BLOX Co. The company further strengthened its position by acquiring Amber Japan, a digital asset trading services provider.

“Going forward, as a member of the Sony Group, we will work to create new added value in cryptocurrency trading services by collaborating with the group’s diverse businesses.”

These moves signal Sony’s intent to build a vertically integrated Web3 ecosystem—where blockchain isn’t an add-on, but a core component of its digital services.

Soneium vs. Base: A Competitive Landscape

When Soneium was first announced in September 2024, it was positioned as a potential rival to Coinbase’s Base network—one of the fastest-growing L2s in the Ethereum ecosystem.

Base has achieved impressive traction since its August 2023 launch, reaching a **Total Value Locked (TVL) of $1.537 billion** and ranking second only to Arbitrum among L2 networks. However, its growth has slowed recently, with TVL dipping from a July peak of $1.772 billion due to market volatility and concerns over meme coin risks.

Despite this competition, Sota Watanabe maintains that Soneium and Base will serve different audiences:

“Web3 is still very early and too small a market to compete. Soneium will target more general people—not just crypto natives.”

This distinction is key. While Base appeals largely to DeFi-savvy users and developers within the U.S., Soneium aims for global mainstream adoption, especially in Asia, where Sony already has deep cultural and technological influence.

👉 See how next-gen blockchains are unlocking new opportunities for creators and enterprises.

Core Keywords Driving Adoption

To ensure visibility and relevance in search results, the following core keywords have been naturally integrated throughout this article:

These terms reflect both user search intent and the technological focus of Sony’s new venture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Soneium?

Soneium is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs in partnership with Startale. Built on Optimism’s OP Stack, it aims to support scalable, secure applications in gaming, entertainment, and finance.

Is Soneium replacing any existing Sony service?

No. Soneium is not replacing any current service but is being developed as a new infrastructure layer to enhance Sony’s digital offerings with blockchain capabilities—such as asset ownership, identity verification, and secure transactions.

How does Soneium differ from Coinbase’s Base?

While both are OP Stack-based L2s, Soneium focuses on mainstream consumer applications—especially in entertainment and gaming—whereas Base has primarily attracted DeFi and NFT developers in North America. Soneium also benefits from Sony’s global brand and existing user base.

Will PlayStation integrate with Soneium?

While no official integration has been announced yet, Sony’s emphasis on gaming and digital ownership makes PlayStation a likely candidate for future Soneium-powered features—such as tradable in-game items or player identity systems.

When will Soneium launch?

Soneium is currently preparing for a testnet launch in partnership with Astar Network. A mainnet release date has not been confirmed, but industry observers expect it in late 2025.

Can developers build on Soneium now?

Developers can begin exploring tools and infrastructure via the Astar Network integration during the testnet phase. Full SDKs and documentation are expected ahead of mainnet.

👉 Get early access to tools and resources for building on scalable Ethereum L2 blockchains.

The Road Ahead: Mainstream Web3 Adoption

Sony’s entry into the blockchain space isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about shaping the next era of digital interaction. With Soneium, the company has the potential to bring blockchain technology to hundreds of millions of users who may not even realize they’re using it.

By focusing on seamless integration, real-world utility, and global accessibility, Soneium could become one of the first L2s to achieve true mainstream adoption—bridging the gap between Web2 convenience and Web3 ownership.

As the lines between entertainment, finance, and identity continue to blur, projects like Soneium represent a new frontier: where trusted brands meet decentralized innovation.