Rumor: PlayStation Paying ‘Very Close Attention’ to Handhelds

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Rumor: PlayStation Paying 'Very Close Attention' to Handhelds

Key Takeaways

  • A credible insider suggests Sony is closely eyeing the handheld gaming console market, made popular in recent years by the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
  • The PlayStation Portal’s unexpected success is apparently the reason behind Sony potentially considering a new PlayStation handheld again.
  • Rumors earlier in the year alluded to a new PlayStation handheld that can run PS4 games and cloud streaming, but they remain unconfirmed.

As a seasoned gamer who has witnessed the evolution of gaming consoles since the days of the original PlayStation, I must say I am thrilled by the prospect of a new portable PlayStation console. The success of the PlayStation Portal has proven that there is still a significant demand for portable gaming devices from Sony, and it seems they are taking notice.

A trusted insider hints at Sony keeping a close eye on the present portable gaming console sector, potentially planning to launch a new handheld PlayStation device down the line. After ending production of the financially disappointing PlayStation Vita in 2019, Sony has avoided the dedicated handheld console market for several years, but this trend might shift soon.

1. The portable gaming industry is thriving more than ever thanks to the popularity of devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. Other manufacturers such as Asus, MSI, Lenovo, and others have also entered this market, with rumors suggesting even Xbox might be developing a handheld console. Interestingly, Sony, traditionally a significant player in the handheld gaming sector, has remained relatively quiet during this growth spurt. They did launch the PlayStation Portal in 2023, but it functions only as a remote accessory for the PS5, not as a standalone device.

Despite its modest capabilities, the PlayStation Portal surprisingly became highly popular, demonstrating that there remains a significant untapped desire for PlayStation portable devices. Notably, reliable industry analyst Tom Henderson suggested in a recent tweet that Sony is closely monitoring the current handheld console market, possibly hinting at their renewed focus on this sector following the unexpected success of the PlayStation Portal. While this doesn’t guarantee a new PlayStation handheld, the company’s renewed interest could bring exciting news for fans who have longed for a new portable device since the Vita was discontinued more than five years ago.

The PlayStation Portal’s Success May Encourage Sony to Release a New Handheld

As a devoted PlayStation fan, I can’t help but get excited about the murmurs of a potential new handheld console in the works! According to whispers around the gaming community, this device could magically bring PS4 games to life without any need for additional tweaks, and some even suggest it might run selected PS5 titles through updates. On top of that, it’s rumored to offer cloud streaming support for PlayStation Plus Premium members. However, with these tantalizing stories yet to be substantiated by reliable sources, fellow enthusiasts and I should keep our expectations in check.

It’s plausible that Sony’s research teams might be experimenting with advanced portable console concepts behind the scenes. A patent for cloud gaming they released recently seems to suggest a potential new PlayStation handheld device, potentially supporting earlier rumors. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that not every patent leads to consumer products and not all rumors prove accurate. So until Sony officially announces plans for a PlayStation handheld, it would be wise to approach such speculations with caution.

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2024-08-26 11:23