Move Over PlayStation Portal: Sony’s Allegedly Developing a Handheld for PS5 Gaming On-the-Go

Handheld gaming is making a striking comeback, and now it seems Sony is about to join the movement with a new portable console that doesn’t rely on cloud gaming.

It’s a classic scenario: Nintendo sets the pace, and others follow suit. Remember the time when Nintendo and Sony collaborated on a console that never quite came to fruition? That story eventually led to Sony crafting the PSP, after Nintendo had already solidified its success in the handheld domain. While the PSP made waves, the PS Vita didn’t fare as well, prompting Sony to step away from portable gaming until the PS Portal launched last year. However, that device is cloud-dependent, necessitating a stable internet connection for gameplay. According to a recent Bloomberg report, Sony is now developing a fresh handheld that will liberate you from such constraints, allowing you to enjoy PS5 games wherever you are.

The report suggests Sony aims to broaden its influence, striving to reclaim ground from Nintendo’s dominance in the handheld market. It also seeks to preempt Microsoft’s hinted-at Xbox handheld, which Phil Spencer has recently mentioned. Despite this exciting prospect, we’re unlikely to see this device hit the shelves any time soon. It’s still reportedly years from unveiling, and there’s always the chance Sony may choose not to proceed with it.

Interestingly, Bloomberg’s sources mentioned that the PS Portal was originally envisioned to function like Valve’s Steam Deck—a standalone device that doesn’t demand internet connectivity. The reasons for its shift to a cloud-based model remain unclear.

There’s been speculation buzzing about Sony’s potential dedicated handheld, and considering the immense popularity of the Nintendo Switch, it’s hardly a shock. If this new device aims to run PS5 games, it’s probable that it will follow in the footsteps of the Steam Deck and be a digital-only console. Sony seems committed to this direction, notably as the standard PS5 Pro has dropped the optical disc drive—something fans might want to start getting used to.