Sony Embarks on the Journey Back to Handheld Consoles: A PS5 Portable in the Works?
It seems that Sony is taking a significant leap back into the realm of handheld gaming devices. Enthusiasts who were let down by the PlayStation Portal’s limitations might find solace in this development, as Sony is reportedly working on a handheld console that promises to offer a full-fledged gaming experience.
While the excitement builds, it’s important to keep expectations in check. This anticipated release appears to be several years away, making it unlikely for the new handheld to grace the shelves by next Christmas. Early reports suggest that Sony’s new handheld console is still in its initial stages of development. However, the very idea of such a venture is enough to capture the attention of gamers everywhere, especially since it is rumored to have the capability to run PlayStation 5 games.
If true, this would imply that the new device will need to exhibit substantial power, potentially surpassing current-generation handheld contenders like the Steam Deck. As technology advances and the original PlayStation hardware ages, the prospect of translating its performance to a portable format seems increasingly feasible.
This move by Sony might appear as a reaction to recent discussions about Xbox handheld devices, which are also reportedly under consideration but are not expected to materialize any time soon. Some factions within Sony were initially keen on making the Portal a fully operational handheld. Currently, the Portal is limited to streaming PlayStation 5 games from a host console, with a processor level comparable to lower-end smartphones. It can certainly handle simpler game emulation, but playing PS5 games natively remains out of reach. However, the Portal hasn’t been entirely dismissed by critics, praised for its affordable cost and impressive display quality.
Reflecting on Sony’s history in the handheld market, the PS Vita emerges as the company’s last significant effort. Released at the end of 2011 in Japan, the PS Vita, despite being an outstanding piece of technology, did not meet commercial success, with approximately 15 million units sold. In contrast, its predecessor, the PlayStation Portable (PSP), saw much greater success, amassing over 80 million units in sales.
In parallel, the handheld console marketplace remains vibrant, with the Nintendo Switch 2 as the next high-profile release. Although Nintendo has taken its time with this unveiling, engaging audiences with alternative endeavors like apps and accessories, the Switch 2 is expected to make its debut by March 2025. Critical to its strategy, the new Switch is anticipated to maintain backward compatibility with existing Switch titles, an essential feature to avoid pitfalls similar to those experienced with the Wii U. The Wii U struggled to find its footing, selling just over 13.5 million consoles in stark contrast to its predecessor’s 101 million units.
As more details about Sony’s upcoming handheld emerge, it will be intriguing to see how it positions itself within the evolving landscape of portable gaming. Despite the challenges and competition in the handheld sector, Sony’s re-entry could inject new excitement and innovation into the market.
Gamers around the world will undoubtedly watch closely as this journey unfolds, eager to see what Sony brings to the evolving world of handheld consoles.
