While there are several handheld consoles available, the Nintendo Switch currently leads the market. The PlayStation Portable has been released however, it requires a PS5 to stream games, in contrast, the Switch features games created specifically for its platform making them not direct competitors.
This situation may soon change as rumours indicate that Sony is developing a handheld device which will run PS5 games natively without relying on streaming from the home console. At this point, there is some limited information and this device may never be released but it is clear that competition in the handheld console space intensifying.
A report by Bloomberg 9 says that a New PlayStation Portable device might be in development and Sony is reportedly in the initial stages of creating this console, suggesting it is likely still in the concept stage. Therefore, it is expected that there will be no updates for a while and the device may not even be launched.
The report also states that the product aims to broaden the presence of Sony and compete with Nintendo in the market of portable gaming according to the sources familiar with the development. Further, it states it would also serve as a response to any forthcoming mobile hardware from Microsoft, which is developing prototypes in the same field.
The concept builds on the PlayStation Portal an 8-inch handled device which was introduced by Sony in 2023 that allows users to play PS5 games through internet streaming, as the report further adds. It also mentions that initially, the Tokyo-based company intended for it to operate as a standalone device which is like Valve Corp’s Steam Deck as per sources.
Xbox also confirmed that a handheld console is under development and it looks like all three leading console manufacturers will be competing for supremacy in the handheld market in the upcoming years.
