Sony Rumored To Develop New Native Gaming Handheld

Sony is reportedly developing a new portable gaming console that will support native gameplay without requiring a PlayStation 5. According to unnamed sources, the upcoming device would diverge from Sony’s existing handheld offerings by allowing users to play games directly on the console.

Currently, Sony’s portable lineup includes the PlayStation Portal, a $200 device launched in November 2023. Unlike earlier handhelds like the PlayStation Portable (PSP) or PS Vita, the Portal is designed solely for streaming games from a connected PlayStation 5. While initial reviews criticized its finicky performance and inconsistent visual quality, some users and editors have warmed to its functionality over time, particularly with recent enhancements.

Last week, Sony introduced cloud streaming for PlayStation Plus Premium members on the Portal, significantly improving its reliability and expanding its library to over 120 PS5 titles. This update has bolstered the device’s appeal for some, but it remains a less versatile option compared to previous handhelds.

If the rumored console becomes a reality, it would mark Sony’s return to native portable gaming, a domain they last explored with the PS Vita. This shift could potentially position Sony to compete more directly with popular devices like the Nintendo Switch and other handheld gaming platforms.

Sony’s PS Vita, the last handheld console released by Sony.

Details on the project, including launch timelines or hardware specifics, remain unclear, leaving fans speculating on what this development could mean for Sony’s gaming strategy. Sony has not confirmed these reports or provided further details.

Filed in Gaming >Rumors. Read more about Sony.