Sony’s Past Handheld Attempts
Sony ventured into the handheld gaming market with the 2005 PSP and the 2011 PlayStation Vita. Both consoles were ambitious efforts, but they didn’t capture the same long-term success as their competitors, particularly Nintendo’s portable systems. However, reports suggest Sony is preparing for a return to handheld gaming, with plans to develop a new PlayStation handheld aimed at competing with the Nintendo Switch 2 and Steam Deck.
A New PlayStation Handheld on the Horizon?
According to a recent report by Bloomberg, based on anonymous sources, Sony is working on an all-new PlayStation handheld. The details remain scarce, but it is rumored that the new console could run PlayStation 5 games natively. However, Bloomberg’s sources caution that this device may still be years away from release, with a potential launch in 2025 looking unlikely.
Sony appears to be taking a cautious approach, similar to Xbox, and is prioritizing careful development rather than rushing a new handheld to market. While fans are eager for new ways to access their gaming libraries on the go, the company may ultimately decide that the investment isn’t worth it.
Sony’s Current Handheld Efforts
Earlier this year, Sony introduced game streaming for its PlayStation Portal remote player, but the feature is limited in scope. At present, users can only stream games available in the PlayStation Plus catalog, excluding many titles that players own. This move represents a shift in Sony’s approach to handheld gaming, as the company explores the potential of streaming technology for mobile gaming experiences.
The Growing Market for Handhelds
Despite Sony’s cautious approach, the handheld gaming market is expanding. OEMs like Lenovo, Asus, MSI, and Acer have already entered the space, creating a competitive environment for both Sony and Microsoft. Earlier this month, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer confirmed that the company is also working on an Xbox handheld. However, Spencer clarified that the device is still in the prototype stage and has years of development ahead.
Nintendo and Valve Set the Standard
Nintendo and Valve have already proven the viability of portable gaming systems. The Nintendo Switch, released in 2017, revolutionized portable gaming, and its successor is expected next year. Valve’s Steam Deck, released in 2022, further revitalized the handheld market by offering a powerful, fully gaming-capable device that can also stream games effectively. Modders have shown that you can scale down a PS5 to work on handheld devices with minimal performance loss, and Sony’s engineers could likely improve upon this.
Sony and Microsoft’s Hesitation
Despite the success of these devices, Sony and Microsoft have been slow to capitalize on the handheld gaming trend. While Nintendo and Valve have shown that there is a market for portable gaming, Sony and Microsoft are only now realizing that gamers are willing to accept lower graphics quality in exchange for the convenience of portability.
Streaming is a potential solution, but it still relies on WiFi, which is not always reliable, especially when traveling. As handheld PCs and gaming devices continue to evolve, both Sony and Microsoft must hope that there will still be demand for their products by the time they finally bring their handhelds to market.
The Future of Handheld Gaming
Sony’s big hardware release for 2024 is the PlayStation 5 Pro, a $700 console designed to enhance gaming performance and graphics. Meanwhile, Microsoft has focused on its Xbox Series X, with some new storage options and a push for Xbox Game Pass, available on various devices like Samsung TVs, laptops, and handhelds such as the Asus ROG Ally. The growing trend of portable gaming devices shows that Sony and Microsoft must move quickly if they want to capture a share of the market in the coming years.
