Report: Sony Developing New Portable Gaming Console to Compete with Microsoft and Nintendo

Sony seems to be gearing up for a bold move in the gaming world with plans for a new handheld console, at least according to the latest buzz in the industry. This new device is said to enable fans to enjoy PlayStation 5 games on the go, a step up from the PlayStation Portal, which currently requires a stable connection to a PS5 for remote play. Yet, this exciting gadget may not see the light of day for quite some time, giving Sony the chance to rethink or even scrap the project altogether.

Interestingly, this echoes a recent comment from Microsoft’s head honcho, Phil Spencer, who mentioned that a portable Xbox concept is also years from becoming a reality. All eyes are on Nintendo, another heavyweight in the portable gaming scene, which is rumored to launch its next-gen Switch as early as next year.

Sony is staying tight-lipped about these potential plans, with no official word on the horizon. In the meantime, the portable gaming sphere has been stirring with innovation. Valve’s Steam Deck, especially its more vibrant OLED update, has set the stage for a heated competition. Tech giants like Asus, Lenovo, Logitech, and MSI are also jumping into the fray. Sony and Microsoft have a significant advantage, though—an expansive library of games and the influence to attract both exclusive titles and cross-platform creations from top indie and AAA developers.

Integrating PlayStation 5 capabilities into a handheld format is no trivial feat. It requires the right hardware and tailored firmware, and since the project is in the nascent stages, the possibility of a dramatic shift—or even a complete halt—is very real.

Reflecting on the evolution of portable gaming, Sony is no stranger to the field, having once led with the PSP, PS Vita, and PSP GO. A report from Bloomberg hinted that the PlayStation Portal was initially imagined as an independent device. However, it ended up as a tethered experience, streaming games from the PS5 over WiFi with an 8-inch screen at its core.

Despite past glories with the PSP, Sony now faces a crowded market. It isn’t just other dedicated handhelds they need to worry about; cloud gaming services, which are not tied to any specific device, pose a significant threat. Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Microsoft’s cloud gaming efforts have already established a foothold here.

Going portable has clear upsides, broadening access to gaming for those who might not usually engage with PC, cloud, or conventional consoles. Yet, should Sony opt out of launching a new handheld, they would stand conspicuously apart as the lone major gaming company not playing in the portable space.