Sony’s Next Big Move: A Native PlayStation Handheld Gaming Console

Following the recent launch of the PlayStation 5 Pro on November 7th, Sony is setting its sights on a new frontier. According to recent reports from Bloomberg, the tech giant is exploring a groundbreaking portable console that could potentially rival the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.

What Do We Know?

Native Game Playback

• Will run PlayStation 5 games directly on the device, not just a streaming device like the PlayStation Portal.
• Games can be downloaded or potentially played via physical media (speculative)

Functionality

• Potential TV docking functionality (similar to Nintendo Switch)
• Possible Wi-Fi and potentially 5G connectivity

Design

• Likely to build on PlayStation Portal’s design
• Anticipated to have a screen integrated with controller layout
• Comfortable grip design to prevent hand fatigue during extended gaming

Technical Specifications

• Potentially using a custom RDNA2 graphics system, which is used in PS5, Xbox series X/S and Steam Deck
• Compatible with PlayStation 5 hardware architecture
• Might share technological similarities with Steam Deck

The recent reports align with those from YouTuber and hardware leaker Moore’s Law is Dead (MLID), who stated back in February that Sony is in the process of developing a PS Vita 2 handheld in collaboration with AMD. He also suggested that it would offer backward compatibility with digital PS4 titles and native support for scaled-down PS5 games, as Bloomberg is now reporting.

However, MLID claims that the project is currently in the ‘high-level design’ phase and could potentially be released before the PS6. Meanwhile, sources from Bloomberg report that the device is still in the early stages of development and may take years to reach the market.

Why Now?

Timing is crucial as gamers have been craving for more portable gaming experiences in recent years. While the Switch is the market leader, the Steam Deck, Asus, Lenovo, and other gaming hardware have carved their unique spaces among gamers. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global console and handheld gaming software market is projected to grow from $57 billion in 2024 to $80 billion by 2029, indicating substantial market potential.

With competitors like Nintendo set to launch their next-generation Switch and Microsoft exploring portable prototypes, Sony’s entry could be well-timed.

Sony is not new to portable gaming either. The company has previously launched successful devices such as the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PS Vita, which cultivated dedicated fan bases. However, these devices were ultimately discontinued. This new project represents a potential comeback in the handheld market.

Earlier this week, Sony announced that a PlayStation Portal will allow PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers to stream their games – even if they don’t have a PlayStation 5.