What to know

  • Sony has started developing a new handheld gaming console that will play PlayStation 5 games natively on the go.
  • The device aims to compete with Nintendo's upcoming Switch successor and Microsoft's potential handheld Xbox.
  • The project is in the early development stages and might be years away from launch, with Sony retaining the option to cancel it.

Sony plans to shake up the portable gaming scene with a new handheld PlayStation console. This isn't just another streaming device - it's a standalone powerhouse that will let you play PS5 games wherever you go.

The gaming giant wants to expand its reach in the portable gaming market, currently dominated by Nintendo. Unlike the PlayStation Portal, which only streams games from a PS5 console, this new device will run PS5 games natively without needing additional hardware or subscriptions.

The timing couldn't be more interesting. Microsoft's gaming chief Phil Spencer recently revealed that Xbox is also exploring the handheld gaming space, though their device is still years away. This three-way competition between gaming's biggest names could revolutionize portable gaming.

While this news has sparked excitement among PlayStation fans, you'll need to hold your horses. The project is still in its early development stages, and Sony could still pull the plug before it hits the market. The company has remained tight-lipped about the project, declining to comment on these reports.

This move marks Sony's potential return to the handheld market after the PSP and PS Vita. With the portable gaming market heating up and the success of devices like the Steam Deck, Sony's timing for a comeback in this space could prove perfect.

Source: Bloomberg | Via: The Verge