Gamers have shown a strong appetite for high-end portable gaming machines, and Sony may be ready to join the race. With devices like Valve’s Steam Deck proving that portable gaming isn’t just for Nintendo fans, new rumours suggest Sony might revisit the handheld market with a portable version of the PlayStation 5.
Sony’s potential return to handheld gaming
Sony hasn’t explored portable gaming since the PlayStation Vita, released over a decade ago. Sources suggest the company is planning something much more ambitious—a handheld PlayStation 5. Unlike the PlayStation Portal, Sony’s current streaming device, this new system could function as a fully portable console capable of running PS5 games natively.
The rumoured device would also offer the flexibility to connect to a TV, echoing the versatility of the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck. This approach might signal Sony’s intent to carve a niche in the growing market for premium handheld gaming, where players value high-end performance over budget-friendly options.
The PlayStation Portal, launched recently with streaming functionality, hasn’t delighted fans seeking a standalone portable console. However, the lessons learned from developing the Portal could shape this new product. The PS5’s custom RDNA2 graphics system, similar to technology in devices like the Steam Deck, suggests the hardware could support a portable version without needing a complete overhaul.
Extending the PS5’s lifespan
Sony’s potential portable PS5 could also serve a strategic purpose. With the PlayStation 5 now over five years old and the PlayStation 5 Pro struggling to generate buzz, a handheld variant might reinvigorate interest in the platform. The idea of a portable PS5 aligns with trends in other sectors, where handheld gaming has found new life among adult players willing to invest in high-performance devices.
Valve’s success with the Steam Deck highlights a growing demand for portable gaming beyond Nintendo’s dominance. Though the Deck’s sales numbers can’t compete with the Nintendo Switch, it has proven a market for premium gaming experiences on the go. Sony may see this as an opportunity to extend the PS5’s relevance while capturing an audience that values portability and power.
Microsoft and others eye the market
Sony isn’t alone in exploring the potential of handheld gaming. Microsoft has also shown interest in the space, though the company seems more focused on enabling portable PC gaming through partnerships with hardware makers like Asus and Lenovo.
Since Nintendo launched the Game Boy in 1989, competitors have yet to be able to match its dominance in portable gaming. However, devices like the Steam Deck showroom for innovation, particularly for gamers seeking a higher-end experience.
As exciting as these rumours sound, it’s worth remembering that nothing is confirmed. Sony hasn’t announced plans for a portable PS5; until they do, this remains speculation. However, the signs suggest that the portable gaming market is becoming increasingly competitive, and Sony might just be ready to make its move.
