Sony Reportedly Working On PS5 Handheld Console

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Sony Reportedly Working On PS5 Handheld Console

Key Takeaways

  • Sony could be developing a handheld console to rival Nintendo and Microsoft in portable gaming.
  • The planned Sony handheld device is set to introduce a new option for playing PS5 games on the go.
  • This isn’t Sony’s first attempt at the portable gaming market, with experiences like the PSP and Vita.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must admit that the news of Sony potentially re-entering the portable gaming market has me both excited and a tad skeptical. Having fond memories of the PSP and Vita, and even dabbling in the PlayStation Portable, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia at the prospect of another handheld PlayStation device.

Just last week, Microsoft Xbox division boss Phil Spencer confirmed they were working on a portable gaming device, though it likely won’t be available until after a few more years, which will see the software giant go up against Nintendo, who has ruled over the portable gaming sector for decades now. It seems it’s not just Microsoft who has set their eyes on Nintendo’s throne, as Sony is now reportedly also working on a handheld console of their own.

According to the newest information by Bloomberg, Sony appears to be at the initial phase of designing a compact gadget capable of running PS5 video games.

Sony Keen To Enter The Portable Gaming Sector Once Again

Sony Reportedly Working On PS5 Handheld Console

The upcoming handheld gaming gadget, as indicated by anonymous sources, is expected to extend Sony’s influence in the market and challenge Nintendo for dominance in the portable gaming sector. Moreover, it aims to combat any portable gaming hardware that Microsoft might launch.

Similar to Microsoft’s device, there are reports indicating that Sony’s portable device might not be available for several years. It is also possible that Sony may decide not to release this product. The PlayStation portable device in development is said to expand on the concept of the PlayStation Portal, which was launched in 2023 and received positive commercial reception. Unlike its final version, which streams PS5 games over the internet, initial plans for the Portal envisioned it as a standalone device similar to Valve’s Steam Deck, according to unnamed sources.

As of press time, Sony declined to comment on the rumor.

Should this rumor prove true at some stage, it signifies that Sony is embarking on its third venture (disregarding hardware updates) in the mobile gaming market. In March 2005, Sony introduced the PlayStation Portable (PSP), which utilized the Universal Media Disc (UMD) as its main format for playing games. Despite not dethroning the Nintendo DS as the portable gaming leader at that time, the PSP did achieve decent sales figures.

Approximately six years after its initial release, Sony unveiled an updated version of their console, known as the PlayStation Vita. This was first available in Japan towards the end of 2011, with a global rollout following in February 2012. The technology within this device was advanced, boasting an OLED multi-touch screen, rear touchpad, and gyroscopic controls. However, it faced criticism from the gaming community due to Sony’s persistent focus on expensive memory cards as the sole storage option for the console. Regrettably, this strategy contributed to the Vita’s decline, although it continues to have a vibrant homebrew community to this day.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d like to mention that the recent buzz is merely a rumor at this point, so it’s best to approach it with a bit of skepticism. However, Bloomberg has built a reputation for reliable leaks in the past, making these latest reports somewhat more credible. So, fingers crossed!

I’d be thrilled if Sony developed a portable, standalone PlayStation device, but I hope they’ve taken lessons from past errors. The technology needs to be advanced, but it also needs to be affordable and user-friendly for consumers. It’s exciting to imagine having access to my games and trophy collection anywhere, and the ability to continue playing where I left off no matter my location. However, the PlayStation Portal currently offers this functionality, but relies on a stable internet connection not just to the device, but also at home.

The most recent gossip concerning the PlayStation label is part of a series of major announcements, given that only last week, it was verified that Sony expressed interest in acquiring Kadokawa Corporation, the overarching organization behind Elden Ring’s developer FromSoftware, through a letter of intent.

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2024-11-25 10:08