Sony is reportedly working on a new handheld gaming console designed to allow users to play PlayStation 5 games on the go, according to a report by Bloomberg. The project, which aims to position Sony as a serious competitor in the burgeoning portable gaming market, is still in its early stages and might be years from launch, assuming it receives the green light for production.
Competing in a Growing Market
The move comes as Sony seeks to rival major players like Nintendo and Microsoft in the handheld gaming space. Nintendo has maintained a dominant presence in this category with its highly successful Switch console, which is expected to see a next-generation update in 2024. Meanwhile, Microsoft is also exploring portable gaming solutions, with a prototype handheld Xbox under development. However, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has cautioned that their device is still “a few years out.”
Additionally, the handheld gaming market has expanded significantly through new entries from the PC platform. Devices like Valve’s Steam Deck and Asus’ ROG Ally lineup have broadened the category by catering to gamers who prefer portable alternatives for high-performance gaming.
Sony’s Strategy and Legacy
Sony’s latest effort in handheld gaming could be an evolution of its PlayStation Portal, an eight-inch device released last year that streams PlayStation 5 games wirelessly via the cloud. According to the Bloomberg report, the Portal was originally envisioned as a standalone device. A new handheld console capable of running games natively rather than over Wi-Fi would mark a significant shift, potentially expanding Sony’s reach and offering gamers more flexibility in accessing PlayStation titles.
This isn’t Sony’s first foray into portable gaming. The company previously released the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the PlayStation Vita, which garnered significant attention but were eventually discontinued due to market challenges and stiff competition.
Broader Implications
Should Sony proceed with this new device, it could redefine the company’s role in the handheld gaming sector, placing it on more competitive footing against industry leaders. By leveraging its PS5 ecosystem and advancing past the limitations of cloud-based streaming, Sony may carve out a significant share in the increasingly crowded portable gaming market.
