Handheld gaming devices are making quite a comeback, and now it seems like even Sony is jumping on the bandwagon with plans for a new portable console that doesn’t rely on cloud technology.
It’s a classic industry trend: wherever Nintendo leads, others follow suit. This story goes back as far as the failed Nintendo-Sony collaboration, which aimed at creating a console that never saw the light of day as a joint project. Eventually, Sony ventured into the handheld market with the PSP, following Nintendo’s extended success in the field. While the PSP had a decent run, its successor, the PS Vita, didn’t quite hit the mark, prompting Sony to step back from portable gaming until the PS Portal came out last year. However, the Portal required a solid internet connection as it functioned exclusively through cloud gaming. Now, according to a Bloomberg report, Sony is busy developing a new handheld device that promises greater freedom, letting you play PS5 games on the go without being tethered to the Internet.
Insiders acquainted with Sony’s new venture mentioned that the company aims to challenge Nintendo’s dominance in portable gaming while also preempting Microsoft, which has its own Xbox handheld in the pipeline, as confirmed by Xbox’s Phil Spencer. But don’t expect to get your hands on Sony’s gadget in the near future, as the launch is likely a few years off and there’s a chance it might not even see the light of day.
The Bloomberg report also hinted that the PS Portal was initially conceived to function like Valve’s Steam Deck as a standalone gaming unit. However, it ultimately became cloud-dependent, though the reasons for this pivot remain unclear.
Speculation about Sony’s dedicated handheld device isn’t new, especially given the runaway success of the Nintendo Switch. If this new Sony product aims to support PS5 games, it might echo the digital-only nature of the Steam Deck. Given that the base PS5 Pro doesn’t include a disc drive, it seems Sony is steering towards a digital-first strategy, so prepare for that industry shift.
