Sony is in the early stages of developing a new handheld device that will support native PS5 gaming, distinct from the existing PlayStation Portal, which currently functions solely as a remote player. This move is seen as a strategic effort to compete with the popular Nintendo Switch, which has dominated the portable gaming market.
Development of New Handheld
According to a report from Bloomberg, Sony has begun initial development on this portable gaming device. The company’s goal is to broaden its product lineup and directly challenge Nintendo in the handheld gaming arena. This new console aims to provide the capability to play PS5 games on the go, a feature that the current PlayStation Portal lacks.
The forthcoming Sony handheld would also position itself against potential competition from Microsoft, which has shown interest in creating an Xbox handheld device. Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, has indicated that the company is considering entering the handheld market, especially following the launch of multiple Windows-based gaming devices this past year. These devices support the Xbox app, allowing users access to their Xbox and Game Pass libraries.
In a recent discussion with Bloomberg, Spencer stated that there is an expectation for Microsoft to explore opportunities in the handheld category, though he noted that any such device is still a few years away from fruition. Microsoft is reportedly exploring prototypes and various concepts for a handheld gaming option.
Similarly, Sony’s new handheld is anticipated to take years before it hits the market, according to sources familiar with the company’s strategy. There is also the possibility that these plans may evolve, and the device may not ultimately be released.
About PlayStation Portal
If Sony’s new handheld is brought to market, it will enhance the company’s portfolio in gaming hardware. The PlayStation Portal, which launched in November 2023, enables portable gameplay but does so only by connecting to a PS5 console. This device relies on a high-speed Wi-Fi connection to stream games from the PS5, which must remain in rest mode for remote play to occur.
Recently, Sony updated the PlayStation Portal to include cloud streaming support for select PS5 games. Currently in beta, this feature will be available to subscribers of the PlayStation Plus Deluxe and Premium tiers. With cloud streaming capabilities, users will have the option to stream over 120 PS5 games directly from Sony’s servers, eliminating the need for a physical PS5 console.
