According to recent reports, Sony is in the process of developing a handheld gaming console designed to rival Nintendo and Microsoft. This new device will enable gamers to enjoy PlayStation 5 titles no matter where they are, distinguishing itself from the PlayStation Portal’s remote play capability that relies on connectivity. However, it seems that this standalone gadget could take several years before hitting the market, providing Sony with ample opportunity to modify or even shelve the project entirely.
Previously, Microsoft’s head honcho, Phil Spencer, alluded to the fact that creating a portable Xbox would also require several more years, a timeline that now mirrors Sony’s journey. Meanwhile, Nintendo remains a dominant force in handheld gaming, with expectations for a new generation Switch to launch next year.
A representative from Sony declined to comment on any upcoming initiatives.
Portable gaming has drastically transformed over the years, with innovations like Valve’s Steam Deck and its OLED upgrade causing quite a stir. This shift has inspired companies such as Asus, Lenovo Legion, Logitech, and MSI to enter this competitive arena. Microsoft and Sony, however, hold an advantage due to their expansive game libraries, which allow them to allure more intellectual properties and developers to their platforms with either exclusive or cross-platform offerings from indie and AAA developers.
Creating a device compatible with PlayStation 5 games is a complex task, requiring appropriate hardware and tailored firmware optimization. Given that Sony’s project is still in the early design stages, there’s a significant possibility of them altering their plan or discontinuing it altogether.
Reflecting on the evolution of portable gaming, Sony isn’t a stranger to this market. It previously launched the PlayStation Portable, PSP Vita, and PSP GO several years back. A Bloomberg report previously suggested the PlayStation Portal was intended to be a separate gadget, but ultimately, Sony chose a model that relies on WiFi to stream games directly from a PlayStation 5 to an 8-inch screen.
Despite the success of the PSP in the past, Sony now faces stiff competition from other players. Additionally, cloud gaming services offering device flexibility, like Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Microsoft’s Xbox cloud gaming, present formidable challenges.
Venturing into the portable domain comes with perks, such as attracting a broader audience that may shy away from gaming on PC, cloud services, or traditional consoles. Should Sony decide to forgo launching a new handheld device, it risks being the only major gaming platform absent from this growing segment of the market.
