Key Takeaways
- Sony is reportedly developing a new handheld game that uses PlayStation games.
- PlayStation is looking to compete with the Switch 2, Steam Deck, and possible Xbox handheld games.
- A new PlayStation handheld will likely be years away, and Sony may eventually decide not to bring it to market.
Sony launched PlayStation Portal just over a year ago, allowing users to play games remotely from their PlayStation 5, and soon, the cloud. But now it seems that Sony is looking to take its portable console efforts to the next level.
According to Bloomberg, Sony is reportedly working on developing a new handheld console that could compete with the Nintendo Switch, and replace it, the Switch 2. The new PlayStation handheld will allow you to play PlayStation 5 games natively on the device, rather than relying on a remote. . play or cloud like PlayStation Portal. However, the future of the device is still up in the air.
“Sony’s portable device is likely years away from launch and the company could decide not to enter the market, the people said, asking not to be identified and discussing private plans,” Bloomberg said in its report.
PlayStation Portal
Size14 x 3.88 x 6 inches
Weight2.6 Kilograms
ShowLCD
Output adjustment1080p
Related
This incredibly powerful mobile game is even better than Steam Deck
The ROG Ally X is the best portable gaming device on the market, but it’s totally worth its high price tag.
Sony is looking at its competitors
Switch 2 is coming soon and Valve’s Steam Deck is out
The news that Sony is reportedly working on a new handheld game comes as no surprise given where their competitors are. Nintendo is hard at work on the Switch 2, the long-awaited successor to the Nintendo Switch, which is expected to be released sometime next year. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently said that Xbox is experimenting with its own handheld device. Valve’s Steam Deck is already on the market, and it’s a powerful handheld device that allows users to play hundreds of Steam games on the go.
Given where their competitors are at, it would be foolish of Sony not to consider re-entering the handheld space. While the PlayStation Portal is technically a handheld gaming device, it only plays games remotely (or from the cloud, but that’s in beta), and doesn’t run games natively on the device. The success of the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck is proof that portable gaming devices can be successful, if done right.
Sony has a history with handheld gaming consoles, namely the PSP and PSVita. The PSP was my go-to handheld gaming device back in the day, and I’d love to see Sony make a big comeback in the handheld space. If Sony could make a handheld game that matches the quality of the Steam Deck, playing PlayStation 5 games natively, it could have a real game changer on its hands — and a fierce competitor to the Switch 2.
Related
I’m upgrading to a PS5 Pro, and maybe you should too
As a standalone device, PlayStation has my wallet on hold over the PS5 Pro.
