Sony's New Handheld: Playstation Portal 2 to Rival Switch

Sony is reportedly in the early stages of developing a new portable console aimed at re-entering the mobile handheld market. Dive deeper to learn more about their ambitious plans!

Sony Reportedly Working On Handheld Console

Back Into The Portable Gaming Market

Tech giant Sony is said to be crafting a new portable handheld console that will allow players to enjoy PlayStation 5 games on the go, according to a Bloomberg article dated November 25th. This move is part of Sony's strategy to expand its market reach and directly compete with industry giants Nintendo and Microsoft. Nintendo has long dominated the handheld gaming scene, from the iconic GameBoy to the current powerhouse, the Nintendo Switch. Meanwhile, Microsoft has also shown interest in this market, with prototypes already in development.

The new handheld is expected to evolve from the PlayStation Portal, a device Sony launched last year that streams PS5 games over the internet. The Portal received mixed reviews, but Sony aims to enhance this technology to create a device capable of natively running PS5 games. This upgrade could significantly boost the appeal and accessibility of Sony's products, especially in light of the recent 20% price increase of the PS5 due to inflation.

Sony is no stranger to the portable gaming arena. The PlayStation Portable (PSP) and its successor, the PS Vita, both enjoyed considerable success. However, they couldn't dethrone Nintendo's dominance in the handheld market. With the PlayStation console taking precedence, Sony's handheld efforts took a backseat. Now, with the gaming landscape evolving, Sony is poised to make a strong comeback in the portable gaming sector.

Sony has yet to officially comment on these reports.

The Rise Of Mobile And Handheld Gaming

In today's fast-paced world, where people are constantly on the move, mobile gaming has surged in popularity, contributing significantly to the gaming industry's revenue. The convenience and accessibility of smartphones, which serve not only as communication and productivity tools but also as gaming platforms, have driven this trend. However, smartphones have limitations when it comes to running more demanding games, which is where dedicated handheld consoles shine. Nintendo has been a leader in this space with the Nintendo Switch.

With both Nintendo and Microsoft focusing on this lucrative segment, especially with Nintendo planning to release the Switch's successor in 2025, it's understandable that Sony is eager to reclaim its position in the handheld gaming market.