Handheld gaming systems are making a strong comeback, and it seems even Sony is gearing up to join the trend with a new portable console that’s not reliant on cloud streaming.
Historically, where Nintendo leads, others tend to follow. This has been evident since the days when Nintendo and Sony partnered up on a console project that ultimately didn’t pan out in the way they’d planned. Sony eventually ventured into handheld gaming with the PSP after watching Nintendo’s success, but the follow-up, the PS Vita, didn’t fare so well. This led Sony to step away from the portable gaming scene until the launch of the PS Portal last year. However, the PS Portal requires a stable internet connection since it operates via cloud streaming. Now, according to Bloomberg, Sony is reportedly working on a new handheld device that could potentially let you take your favorite PS5 games on the go.
The buzz suggests Sony is aiming to expand its influence and take on Nintendo’s dominance in the handheld market. This move also seems to be a preemptive strike against a rumored Xbox portable device currently being developed by Microsoft, which was confirmed by Microsoft’s Phil Spencer. However, don’t hold your breath for this new gadget’s release, as it’s still several years from hitting the shelves, and there remains a chance it might not see the light of day at all.
Bloomberg’s report also touches on the development intentions for the PS Portal, indicating it was originally imagined as a standalone device, much like Valve’s Steam Deck, which can run games independently of an internet connection. However, the team ultimately opted for a cloud-based approach, though no clear explanation was provided for this shift in strategy.
The gaming community has been buzzing about the possibility of Sony’s new handheld for a while, which isn’t shocking given the tremendous success of the Nintendo Switch. If this device is capable of running PS5 titles, it naturally points to a digital-only setup, similar to the Steam Deck. This aligns with Sony’s broader strategy of pushing towards digital media, as seen with the PS5 Pro’s lack of a disc drive. So, gamers might want to start embracing this digital future.
