Reports are buzzing with the news that Sony is putting effort into crafting a new portable gaming console, one that aims to go head-to-head with heavyweights like Nintendo and Microsoft. Unlike the existing PlayStation Portal, which serves as more of a remote play device tethered to your PlayStation 5, this new gadget promises to let you enjoy your PS5 titles on the go, no matter where you are. However, there’s a catch: it might be a while before we see it in stores, as it’s reportedly still “years away from launch.” This lengthy timeline leaves room for Sony to tweak their plans—or even scrap the project entirely.
Interestingly, Microsoft has also hinted at similar timelines for their own portable Xbox device. Recently, CEO Phil Spencer mentioned that the development of such a device is still a few years off, hinting that both tech giants might be on parallel tracks. Meanwhile, Nintendo’s firmly rooted in the handheld market, with their new-gen Switch anticipated early next year.
When pressed for details, a Sony spokesperson chose to remain silent about any plans for the new console.
The landscape of portable gaming has experienced a seismic shift recently, thanks in part to products like Valve’s Steam Deck and its updated OLED model. Their success has prompted newcomers like Asus, Lenovo Legion, Logitech, and MSI to jump into the fray. Sony and Microsoft have an ace up their sleeves, though: their extensive libraries of games and the clout to draw in more intellectual properties and developer talent from both indie and AAA studios, whether through exclusives or cross-platform titles.
If Sony is serious about developing a portable device that harmonizes with PS5 games, there’s a lot to think about. It will require beefy hardware coupled with tailor-made firmware to function seamlessly. This journey is still in the initial stages, and it’s highly conceivable that Sony might rethink their approach or even shelve the project altogether.
Sony’s no stranger to handheld gaming. Think back to the PlayStation Portable, PSP Vita, and PSP GO, all of which have left their mark on the industry. Bloomberg noted earlier that the PlayStation Portal was initially intended to be a standalone device. However, Sony opted for a remote play device with an 8-inch screen streaming games from the user’s PS5 over WiFi.
Despite past triumphs with devices like the PSP, Sony faces fierce competition now, not just from traditional handhelds but also from cloud services like Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Microsoft’s Xbox cloud gaming, both of which are device-agnostic.
Venturing into the portable domain offers significant perks, like drawing in a bigger audience of gamers who might shy away from PC, cloud, or home console gaming. But, should Sony decide to refrain from launching another portable, they could end up as the sole major gaming brand not represented in the burgeoning handheld market.
