Report: Sony Developing Independent Handheld Gaming Console to Compete with Microsoft and Nintendo

Rumors are swirling that Sony is developing a new portable gaming console to take on the likes of Nintendo and Microsoft. Unlike the PlayStation Portal, which relies on remote connectivity, this new device is intended to allow gamers the freedom to play PlayStation 5 titles from any location. However, it’s still in the early stages and could be “years away from launch,” giving Sony ample time to either tweak its plans or pull the plug on the project entirely.

Microsoft’s CEO, Phil Spencer, previously mentioned that their portable Xbox device is also years off, a situation now mirrored by Sony. As for Nintendo, they’re a powerhouse in the portable gaming sector, with anticipation building for a next-generation Switch possibly arriving next year.

Sony is keeping mum about their plans, with a spokesperson declining to comment on the project. In the last few years, the portable gaming industry has undergone significant changes. Valve’s Steam Deck, especially its OLED version, has been making waves, spurring tech giants like Asus, Lenovo, Logitech, and MSI to jump into the fray. Both Microsoft and Sony have a huge advantage with their extensive game libraries, drawing in more developers—be it indie or big-name studios—to create exclusive or cross-platform titles.

Creating a portable device capable of playing PS5 games isn’t a simple task. It demands specific hardware and optimized software, and since Sony is still in the preliminary stages, there’s a real chance they might shift direction or even scrap the idea altogether.

Reflecting on the evolution of portable gaming, Sony has some history here, having launched devices like the PlayStation Portable, PSP Vita, and PSP GO in years gone by. Bloomberg reported that the PlayStation Portal originally aimed to be its own standalone thing. In the end, though, Sony opted for a remote gaming device with an 8-inch screen that bootstraps PS5 games over WiFi.

While Sony had early success in the portable gaming market, today the landscape is far more competitive. They’re up against not just other portable consoles but also cloud gaming services. Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming are leading the charge in this device-neutral frontier.

Going portable could drastically widen Sony’s reach, attracting players who might not typically engage with consoles, PCs, or cloud gaming. If they decide not to dive into handheld gaming, Sony will be the only major platform sitting this evolution out.