Sony appears to be eyeing a return to the handheld gaming scene, reportedly developing a portable console capable of running PS5 games natively. This move, though still in the early stages and potentially years away, is seen as a strategic step to compete with industry heavyweights Nintendo and Microsoft in the fast-growing portable gaming market.

Nintendo has long dominated the handheld space, thanks to the runaway success of the Nintendo Switch. With a next-gen Switch expected in 2025, the market leader isn’t slowing down. Microsoft, too, has hinted at joining the fray, with Xbox boss Phil Spencer acknowledging the need for a portable gaming option, although their plans are likely several years out as well.

The broader handheld market has also been reinvigorated by devices like the Steam Deck and Asus ROG Ally, which cater to PC gamers. These trends underscore the growing demand for high-quality portable gaming hardware, setting the stage for Sony’s potential comeback.

Sony isn’t new to handheld gaming. The PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PS Vita were groundbreaking in their time but failed to sustain momentum due to limited developer support and fierce competition. The PS Vita’s lackluster performance led Sony to shift focus, leaving Nintendo to dominate the portable market. However, these previous ventures give Sony valuable experience to draw upon as it designs its next device.

In 2023, Sony launched the PlayStation Portal, a Wi-Fi-enabled device designed for streaming PS5 games. While innovative, its reliance on a strong internet connection and lack of standalone capabilities limited its appeal. The rumored new console would address these shortcomings by enabling native gameplay, positioning it as a true competitor to standalone devices like the Switch and Steam Deck.

What’s next?

While details remain scarce, speculation abounds. Analysts predict the new device will prioritize hardware capable of supporting modern PS5 games, ergonomic design inspired by the DualSense controller, and possibly a price point competitive with Nintendo’s Switch and Microsoft’s eventual handheld. However, Sony may take a cautious approach, observing the success of competitors’ upcoming releases like the Switch 2 before committing to a full launch.

For Sony, re-entering the handheld market could be a game-changer—or another misstep. With the portable gaming segment becoming increasingly lucrative, the stakes are high. Fans will likely have to wait until the latter half of the decade for concrete details, but the promise of a new Sony handheld is already stirring excitement across the gaming community.