Handheld gaming devices are experiencing a significant resurgence, with reports suggesting that Sony is now developing a new portable console that doesn’t rely on cloud-based gaming.
It seems like a classic narrative: wherever Nintendo leads, others soon follow. This trend dates back to the time when Nintendo and Sony initially teamed up for a console project that never quite came to fruition as a joint effort. Sony eventually ventured into the handheld arena with the PSP, following Nintendo’s longstanding success in this segment. Despite its initial success, the PS Vita missed the mark, prompting Sony to step away from the handheld market until the PS Portal was introduced last year. However, the PS Portal depends on cloud connectivity, requiring a stable internet connection for gameplay. Now, according to a Bloomberg report, Sony is allegedly developing a brand new handheld that offers true portability, allowing you to play your PS5 games just about anywhere.
The article suggests that Sony aims to broaden its market reach and challenge Nintendo’s dominance in the portable gaming sector. This move seems particularly strategic considering Microsoft’s potential entry into the handheld market, a project recently confirmed by Phil Spencer. However, fans might need to exercise patience as this new device is reportedly still years away from being launched, and there’s always a chance Sony might shelve the project altogether.
Bloomberg’s insights also reveal an interesting backstory: the PS Portal was initially envisioned to function similarly to Valve’s Steam Deck, enabling independent gameplay without needing an internet connection. Yet, there’s no clear explanation provided for why Sony opted to go the cloud-based route with it instead.
For a while now, there have been whispers about Sony crafting a dedicated handheld, a move that’s hardly surprising given the breakout success of the Nintendo Switch. If the new device is indeed tailored to run PS5 titles, it stands to reason that it could be a digital-only console, much like the Steam Deck. This aligns with Sony’s broader digital-only strategy, as evidenced by the PS5 Pro lacking a disc drive. As such, it might be worth mentally bracing for this digital transformation in gaming.
