Sony seems to be setting its sights on a new portable gaming console to rival heavyweights like Nintendo and Microsoft, according to recent whispers in the industry. This new handheld aims to let gamers enjoy PlayStation 5 games anytime, anywhere, setting it apart from the current PlayStation Portal, which relies on a constant connection for remote play. However, it’s important to note that this ambitious project could still be a few years from hitting store shelves, giving Sony ample room to tweak or even scrap the idea completely.
Microsoft’s head honcho, Phil Spencer, has previously mentioned that an Xbox portable device would also require some more time for development. It seems both tech giants are taking cautious steps in this direction. Meanwhile, Nintendo continues to dominate the handheld arena, with its eagerly anticipated next-gen Switch slated for release next year.
When asked, a Sony representative chose not to divulge any details about these plans.
The portable gaming landscape has seen seismic shifts recently. Innovations like the Valve Steam Deck, especially its new OLED version, have captured the attention of gamers and prompted competitors like Asus, Lenovo Legion, Logitech, and MSI to leap into this growing market. What Sony and Microsoft have to their advantage, however, is an expansive library of games and the clout to draw in more exclusive and cross-platform titles, enticing both indie creators and major AAA studios.
Creating a portable system that supports full-fledged PlayStation 5 games is no small feat, as it hinges on developing the right hardware and refining the software to run seamlessly. Since this initiative is still in its infancy, there remains a chance that Sony’s creative direction could shift or the concept could be shelved entirely.
Reflecting on the evolution of portable gaming, Sony is no stranger to this domain, having rolled out devices like the PlayStation Portable, PSP Vita, and PSP GO in the past. An earlier report by Bloomberg indicated that the PlayStation Portal was initially envisaged as an independent device, but it ultimately became a streaming gadget, working in tandem with the PlayStation 5 via WiFi with an 8-inch screen.
Despite the legacy of past successes with the PSP, the landscape has changed, and Sony faces stiffer competition, not only from other handheld systems but also from cloud gaming services that offer flexibility across devices. Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud are leading the charge in this space.
Venturing into portable gaming could unlock a new demographic that might not otherwise engage with gaming through traditional PCs, cloud setups, or consoles. However, should Sony opt out of releasing a new handheld console, it may find itself as the only major gaming platform absent from this evolving market.
