Sony is reportedly working on a new handheld gaming console designed to compete with industry giants Nintendo and Microsoft. According to sources, the device will be capable of playing PlayStation 5 games natively, without the need for an active internet connection.
This move marks a potential return to the handheld gaming market for Sony, which previously found success with the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PlayStation Vita. However, both devices were eventually discontinued, leaving Sony absent from the portable gaming scene for several years.
The new handheld console is said to be in its early stages of development, with a release potentially years away. It is believed to be an evolution of the PlayStation Portal, a remote play device launched last year that allows users to stream PS5 games over Wi-Fi. Initial plans for the PlayStation Portal reportedly envisioned a standalone device, but those plans were ultimately shelved.
With this new console, Sony aims to challenge Nintendo’s dominance in the handheld market, particularly as the highly anticipated successor to the Nintendo Switch is expected to arrive next year. Microsoft is also developing its own handheld Xbox prototype, further intensifying the competition in this space.
The handheld gaming landscape has experienced a resurgence in recent years, thanks to the success of devices like Valve’s Steam Deck and Asus’ ROG Ally. Sony’s entry into this market could significantly shake things up, offering gamers another option for playing their favorite titles on the go.
