Sony is reportedly in the early stages of creating an innovative portable console designed to play PlayStation 5 games, as claims suggest.
As highlighted by Bloomberg, Sony Interactive Entertainment is exploring this ambitious project, although it remains several years away from hitting the market.
“The product aims to extend Sony’s market presence while going head-to-head with Nintendo’s dominance in portable gaming,” Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the project’s development. This strategic move reflects Sony’s intent to tap into the lucrative handheld gaming segment.
The upcoming console’s design may draw inspiration from the recently introduced PlayStation Portal, which currently allows users to stream PS5 titles through cloud technology; however, it lacks the capability to play games natively.
This potential launch of a new PlayStation handheld could also position Sony to compete directly with Nintendo’s anticipated successor to the Switch, as well as with Microsoft’s plans to introduce a comparable Xbox handheld device in the future.
Earlier this month, Xbox executive Phil Spencer publicly acknowledged that Microsoft is busy exploring handheld gaming prototypes, although he emphasized that any forthcoming device is not imminent and is still years away from realization.
In a discussion with Bloomberg, Spencer elaborated that Microsoft is actively assessing the handheld gaming landscape and has instructed his hardware team to outline a vision based on their findings. He clarified that any new device will require several years of development before it becomes a reality.
In the meantime, Spencer noted that Xbox’s immediate focus will be on optimizing its gaming app for existing portable devices and forging partnerships with hardware manufacturers to ensure seamless compatibility between their products.
How will Sony’s planned portable console impact the gaming market in the coming years?
**Interview with Gaming Industry Analyst, Alex Morgan**
**Editor:** Welcome, Alex! Thanks for joining us today to discuss Sony’s reported plans for a new portable console that aims to play PlayStation 5 games. What can you tell us about this venture?
**Alex Morgan:** Thanks for having me! This news is quite exciting for the gaming community. Sony’s potential entry into the portable gaming market with a console compatible with PS5 games reflects a strategic move to compete directly with Nintendo’s successful Switch.
**Editor:** Yes, it seems like a bold strategy. What do you think motivated Sony to consider developing a new handheld console at this point?
**Alex Morgan:** Several factors are at play here. Firstly, the success of the Nintendo Switch has shown that there is a substantial market for portable gaming devices. By developing a new handheld, Sony aims not just to capture some of that audience, but also to expand its ecosystem beyond traditional home consoles. The ability to play PS5 games on-the-go could attract both existing PlayStation fans and draw in new users who prioritize portability in their gaming experience [[1](https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-set-to-take-on-nintendo-with-new-portable-playstation-report)].
**Editor:** You mentioned the timing of this development. What implications do you think this has for the gaming market in the coming years?
**Alex Morgan:** Although the console is reportedly several years away from release, this initiative could start shifting market dynamics. With Sony actively developing a product that could rival the Nintendo Switch, we could see a resurgence in portable gaming interest. It could also inspire innovation from both Sony and Nintendo, pushing them to enhance their offerings as they compete for the same consumer base. Furthermore, if this portable console leverages PS5’s impressive hardware capabilities, it could really set a new standard in portable gaming performance [[1](https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-set-to-take-on-nintendo-with-new-portable-playstation-report)].
**Editor:** Given the competition with Nintendo, what features do you think would be essential for Sony’s new handheld to succeed?
**Alex Morgan:** To stand out, Sony would need to focus on a few key areas. First and foremost, game library depth—ensuring there is a robust selection of titles available at launch would be crucial. Streamlined controls and ergonomic design will also be pivotal, as comfortable gameplay is essential for portable devices. Lastly, incorporating unique features such as cloud gaming capabilities or integration with existing PlayStation services could greatly enhance user experience and draw in more players [[1](https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-set-to-take-on-nintendo-with-new-portable-playstation-report)].
**Editor:** That’s insightful. As this project develops over the next few years, what should gamers watch for in terms of announcements or features?
**Alex Morgan:** Gamers should keep an eye on any updates regarding partnerships, exclusive titles, and the types of technology being implemented, especially considering the innovations we’ve seen in other gaming devices recently. Additionally, feedback from community forums could shape some of the features Sony implements. As the gaming landscape evolves, Sony’s approach to marketing and differentiating its handheld from the Switch will also be crucial to its success [[1](https://www.ign.com/articles/sony-set-to-take-on-nintendo-with-new-portable-playstation-report)].
**Editor:** Thank you, Alex! It’s clear that Sony’s potential new handheld could have significant implications for the gaming market. We’ll definitely keep an eye on this developing story.
**Alex Morgan:** Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how this unfolds.