When Sony launched the PlayStation Portal in 2023, it was hugely criticized for not being able to natively play games except stream games from the PS5. Although Sony has announced that the next update will allow the Portal to stream select games online, a new report alleged that the company is working on a Playstation handheld gaming device.
“Sony’s portable device is likely years away from launch and the company could still decide against bringing it to market, the people said, asking not to be named discussing private plans,” read the report.
According to a Bloomberg report, the portable PlayStation handheld console will allow gamers to play their PlayStation 5 games while on the go. It is believed the PlayStation handheld development is in the “early stages” and still years away from potential release.
“The product is aimed at expanding Sony’s reach and contending with Nintendo for the portable gaming market, according to people familiar with its development,” said the report.
According to Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming, the development of the PlayStation handheld was inspired by the successful launch of the PlayStation Portal, which exceeded the company’s expectations.
The handheld gaming market is shaping up for a huge competition with Nintendo’s Switch successor expected in 2025 and Microsoft also allegedly working on a handheld Xbox, according to Xbox boss Phil Spencer.
Speaking to Bloomberg earlier this month, Spencer said Microsoft is working on prototypes. He said he had asked his hardware team to analyze the market and “develop its vision based on what it learns”.
Are you excited by the potential release of a PlayStation and Xbox handheld gaming consoles? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
