Report Claims Sony is Developing a New Standalone Portable Console to Compete with Microsoft and Nintendo

Sony is reportedly developing a new handheld gaming console to challenge the likes of Nintendo and Microsoft. This upcoming device will enable players to enjoy PlayStation 5 titles on the move, unlike the PlayStation Portal, which operates as a remote play gadget. However, it seems this standalone console could still be “years away from launch,” giving Sony ample time to reconsider or shift gears on the development front.

Previously, Microsoft CEO Phil Spencer hinted that an Xbox portable might take several more years to materialize, which aligns with Sony’s current trajectory. Nintendo still dominates the portable gaming scene, anticipating the release of its next-gen Switch possibly as early as next year.

Sony has chosen not to divulge any details as of yet.

Portable gaming has seen significant advancements lately, with Valve’s Steam Deck and its OLED iteration making substantial impacts. This wave of innovation has prompted companies like Asus, Lenovo Legion, Logitech, and MSI to explore this burgeoning market. Both Microsoft and Sony have the upper hand with their expansive game libraries and the potential to draw more IPs and developers, whether they’re indie gems or major AAA studios.

Creating a portable device compatible with PlayStation 5 games involves a complex process, requiring specially designed hardware and optimized firmware. With the project in its infancy, there’s still a chance Sony might adjust its objectives or even cancel it.

### The State of Portable Gaming: Then vs. Now

Sony is no stranger to the handheld gaming world, with its history of producing the PlayStation Portable, PSP Vita, and PSP GO. Initially, it was reported by Bloomberg that Sony intended the PlayStation Portal to be a standalone device; instead, it debuted as a remote gaming tool featuring an 8-inch display that streams games via WiFi from a user’s PlayStation 5.

Despite past successes with the PSP, Sony faces a crowded field of competitors today, including cloud gaming services that aren’t tethered to specific devices, led by Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud offerings.

Venturing into the portable arena has significant perks, broadening its reach to audiences who might not game on PCs, through the cloud, or traditional consoles. Should Sony opt out of entering this market, it risks being the sole major gaming company absent from the handheld scene.