It looks like handheld gaming is set for a resurgence, with whispers that Sony is diving into the creation of a standalone portable console. This wouldn’t be a cloud-dependent device like their recent outings but something you can carry around freely.
The pattern is almost predictable—where Nintendo strides, others often follow. Remember the saga of Nintendo and Sony’s early attempts to collaborate on a gaming console? That particular partnership never saw the light of day, but it set a precedent. Eventually, Sony ventured into the handheld arena with the PSP after Nintendo had already solidified its dominance. While the PSP did okay, the PS Vita didn’t quite hit the mark, prompting Sony to step back from the portable scene until they unveiled the PS Portal last year. Unfortunately, this device leaned heavily on cloud connectivity, demanding a sturdy internet link. However, reports from Bloomberg suggest Sony is plotting a true handheld solution that could let you enjoy PS5 games on the go.
From what insiders are saying, Sony’s ambition is to reclaim some of Nintendo’s territory in the handheld market while also bracing for potential competition from Xbox—news of a Microsoft portable device is already on the grapevine, especially after Phil Spencer’s comments. But before anyone gets too excited, it’s important to note that this console is still in the conceptual phase. A release is likely years down the road, and there’s always the chance Sony could change course and not launch it at all.
Interestingly, Bloomberg’s insiders pointed out that the PS Portal originally aimed to function more like Valve’s Steam Deck. It was envisioned as a self-contained gaming device, capable of running games offline. However, the reasoning behind its shift to a cloud-based model was not disclosed.
We’ve been hearing murmurs about a dedicated Sony handheld for a while, which isn’t too shocking given the runaway success of the Switch. If Sony is indeed going after the ability to play PS5 titles portably, a download-only model akin to the Steam Deck seems probable. Plus, Sony’s digital-only strategy is becoming more apparent—take note that the base PS5 Pro omits a disc drive. It’s a sign of where things might be heading, so gamers might want to get comfortable with the digital evolution.
