Sony Blockchain Solutions Labs (SBSL) has officially introduced the mainnet of Soneium, its Ethereum-based layer-2 blockchain solution. This new network is engineered to bridge the gap between traditional web systems and decentralized technologies by offering intuitive design, high scalability, and seamless user interaction.
Built using the Optimism Foundation’s OP Stack, Soneium benefits from Ethereum’s security while achieving greater transaction efficiency and lower costs. The mainnet release follows a testnet phase that began in August 2023, during which the platform demonstrated impressive performance and user adoption.
What Is Soneium?
Soneium is a layer-2 scaling solution built on Ethereum. It uses Optimism’s OP Stack to ensure full compatibility with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), allowing developers to port existing dApps with minimal changes. This design significantly enhances transaction throughput and reduces gas fees, making blockchain more practical for everyday use.
The network is specifically tailored to support both developers and end-users through streamlined onboarding, social logins, and built-in web-based wallets. These features are intended to make blockchain technology more accessible to a broader audience, including those without technical expertise.
Key Features and Achievements
Scalability and Performance
During its testnet phase, Soneium recorded over 14 million user accounts and processed more than 47 million verified transactions. These numbers highlight the network’s capability to support mass adoption while maintaining speed and reliability.
By operating as a layer-2 on Ethereum, Soneium inherits the security of the mainchain while alleviating common pain points like network congestion and high transaction costs.
Developer-Friendly Tools
Soneium Minato serves as the test environment where developers can build, test, and refine applications before deploying them on the mainnet. This sandbox approach reduces development risk and encourages innovation.
The platform also offers extensive documentation, SDKs, and community support to help creators launch functional and scalable decentralized applications.
Upcoming Fan Engagement Platform
In February 2025, Soneium is set to release an NFT-based fan marketing platform in collaboration with SNFT Inc. This initiative aims to transform how creators and businesses interact with their audiences by enabling easy NFT creation and providing analytics on fan engagement.
This platform will allow brands to tokenize content, offer exclusive digital collectibles, and track user interactions in a transparent and efficient manner.
Crypto Asset Accessibility
The integration with the S.BLOX exchange (previously WhaleFin) offers users a straightforward way to purchase and manage cryptocurrency assets directly within the Soneium ecosystem. This simplifies the entry process for new users and supports broader adoption of digital payments.
Cryptocurrencies play a central role in the Soneium environment, serving as the primary medium for transactions, rewards, and platform governance.
Supporting Innovation Through Incubation
The Soneium Spark program, launched in September 2024, selected 32 projects from more than 1,700 applications. These initiatives span various sectors including gaming, supply chain, digital identity, and creative industries.
Participants receive technical support, funding opportunities, and mentorship, emphasizing Soneium’s commitment to nurturing practical and impactful blockchain solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a layer-2 blockchain?
A layer-2 blockchain is a secondary protocol built on top of a base layer like Ethereum. It processes transactions off-chain to improve speed and reduce costs, while still relying on the mainnet for security and finality.
How does Soneium improve upon Ethereum?
Soneium uses Optimism’s rollup technology to batch transactions, drastically lowering fees and increasing throughput without compromising on decentralization or security.
Who can use Soneium?
The network is designed for developers, businesses, and end-users. Its low entry barriers and user-centric features make it suitable for both technical and non-technical audiences looking to explore Web3 applications.
What makes Soneium different from other layer-2 solutions?
Soneium emphasizes user experience through built-in social logins, web wallets, and a strong focus on real-world applications like fan engagement and digital asset management.
Can existing Ethereum dApps migrate to Soneium?
Yes, thanks to EVM equivalence, most Ethereum-based applications can be easily ported to Soneium with minimal code adjustments.
What kind of projects is Soneium Spark supporting?
The incubation program supports a wide range of blockchain initiatives, from NFT marketplaces and gaming platforms to enterprise supply chain solutions and DeFi protocols.
Soneium represents a significant step toward making blockchain technology more scalable, affordable, and user-friendly. With its strong infrastructure, growing ecosystem, and upcoming fan engagement platform, it is positioned to play a key role in the expansion of practical Web3 applications.
For those interested in building on this innovative network, you can 👉 explore developer resources and tools to get started. Whether you are a creator, developer, or enterprise, Soneium offers a compelling environment to innovate and engage global audiences.