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

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The tech and entertainment giant Sony is making a bold move into the decentralized future with the development of Soneium, a new Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) blockchain. Spearheaded by Sony Block Solutions Labs—a strategic collaboration between Sony Group and Web3 infrastructure provider Startale—this initiative marks a significant expansion of Sony’s footprint in the blockchain space. Designed to scale Ethereum efficiently, Soneium aims to deliver real-world utility across entertainment, gaming, and digital finance, positioning itself as a potential competitor to established networks like Coinbase’s Base.

The Genesis of Soneium: A Strategic Web3 Play

Soneium emerged in September 2024 as part of a broader mission to contribute to Ethereum’s scalability goals, with ambitions of achieving “internet-level scalability.” Unlike experimental or speculative blockchain ventures, Soneium is being built with a clear focus on practical adoption. By leveraging the OP Stack technology developed by Optimism, Soneium will operate as part of the growing Superchain ecosystem, enabling seamless interoperability, high throughput, and low transaction costs.

This technical foundation allows Soneium to process transactions off the Ethereum mainnet while inheriting its robust security—making it ideal for consumer-facing applications where speed and cost-efficiency are critical.

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Testnet Launch with Astar Network: Building Developer Momentum

To accelerate development and onboarding, Soneium is launching its testnet in partnership with the Astar Network, a leading multi-chain smart contract platform in the Polkadot and Ethereum ecosystems. This collaboration integrates Astar’s zkEVM assets and infrastructure into Soneium’s early environment, providing immediate liquidity and tools for developers.

The synergy between Astar and Soneium isn’t just technical—it’s strategic. Astar Network founder Sota Watanabe, who also serves as CEO of Startale, sees this as a pivotal opportunity to bring Web3 to mainstream audiences. He previously stated that Sony’s blockchain could surpass Coinbase’s Base and become a world-leading project.

“We will establish a joint venture with Sony Network Communications to jointly develop Sony’s blockchain with Sony. As Coinbase’s Base gains momentum, Sony Chain has the potential to surpass it and become a world-leading project.”

Despite the competitive framing, Watanabe emphasizes that Soneium and Base serve different user bases. While Base has gained traction among crypto-native users and DeFi enthusiasts, Soneium is designed for “more general people”—casual gamers, content creators, and everyday consumers who may not yet be familiar with blockchain but interact daily with Sony’s entertainment products.

Core Use Cases: Bridging Web3 with Real-World Applications

Sony’s entry into L2 development isn’t driven by hype—it’s rooted in its vast ecosystem of services and intellectual property. The company plans to integrate Soneium across key verticals:

These applications align with Sony’s recent acquisitions in the crypto space, including the rebranded S.BLOX Co. (formerly WhaleFin), Japan’s licensed crypto exchange, and Amber Japan, a digital asset trading services provider. Together, these moves signal a coordinated strategy to build a full-stack Web3 infrastructure under the Sony umbrella.

Competitive Landscape: How Soneium Stacks Up Against Base

Coinbase’s Base network has rapidly become one of the most prominent Ethereum L2s since its August 2023 launch. According to data from L2Beat, Base ranks second in total value locked (TVL), currently holding $1.537 billion—just behind Arbitrum. Its growth has been fueled by strong backing from Coinbase, seamless integration with the Coinbase wallet, and aggressive incentive programs like the “Base Summer.”

However, Base has faced challenges, including a dip from its July 2024 TVL peak of $1.772 billion due to market volatility and security concerns around meme coins launched on the platform.

In contrast, Soneium enters the scene with a different value proposition: mainstream accessibility through trusted brand integration. Rather than competing directly for DeFi dominance, Soneium aims to onboard users who engage with PlayStation, Sony Music, or Sony Pictures—potentially unlocking hundreds of millions of non-crypto-native users.

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Why This Matters for the Web3 Ecosystem

Sony’s move validates a growing trend: legacy corporations are no longer观望 (observing)—they’re building. By launching its own L2, Sony joins companies like Reddit and Meta in attempting to decentralize digital ownership while retaining control over user experience.

Moreover, Soneium’s use of the OP Stack ensures compatibility with thousands of existing Ethereum dApps, lowering the barrier for developers to deploy on the new chain. This interoperability could catalyze rapid ecosystem growth, especially if Sony integrates Soneium-powered features into its devices and services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Soneium?
A: Soneium is an Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain developed by Sony Block Solutions Labs in collaboration with Startale. It aims to scale Ethereum for mainstream use in gaming, entertainment, and finance.

Q: Is Soneium replacing any existing Sony service?
A: No. Soneium is a new blockchain infrastructure designed to enhance existing Sony products with Web3 capabilities, not replace them.

Q: How does Soneium differ from Coinbase’s Base?
A: While both are OP Stack-based L2s, Base targets crypto-savvy users and DeFi applications. Soneium focuses on integrating blockchain into Sony’s consumer products for broader, non-technical audiences.

Q: When will Soneium launch?
A: The testnet is launching soon in partnership with Astar Network. A mainnet launch date has not yet been announced.

Q: Can developers build on Soneium now?
A: Yes—developer tools and testnet access will be available at launch. The integration with Astar’s zkEVM infrastructure provides early support for dApp deployment.

Q: Will Soneium have its own token?
A: Official details haven’t been released, but given industry standards for L2 blockchains, a native token for gas fees and governance is likely in development.

The Road Ahead: From Testnet to Mainstream Adoption

As Soneium progresses from testnet to mainnet, its success will depend not just on technology—but on adoption. Unlike purely decentralized projects, Soneium benefits from the backing of one of the world’s most recognizable consumer brands. This gives it a unique advantage in driving trust and familiarity among users who might otherwise be skeptical of blockchain.

With strategic partnerships, clear use cases, and alignment with Ethereum’s scaling roadmap, Soneium is well-positioned to become more than just another L2—it could be a gateway for millions into the Web3 era.

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