Move Over PlayStation Portal: Sony’s New Handheld to Enable PS5 Gaming On the Go

Handheld gaming devices seem to be making a major comeback, and it looks like Sony is gearing up to join the trend with their very own portable console that’s not reliant on cloud technology.

Throughout gaming history, it’s a well-known fact: when Nintendo forges a path, others often follow. This pattern harks back to the collaboration between Nintendo and Sony, which was meant to yield a new console—a partnership that never quite reached fruition. While Sony later ventured into the handheld market with the PSP, the resulting success was short-lived with the PS Vita. That led to Sony stepping back from this arena, at least until last year, when they released the PS Portal. However, the PS Portal relies heavily on cloud connectivity, meaning a strong internet connection is a must for play. But now, according to Bloomberg, Sony’s working on a new handheld device capable of playing PS5 titles on the go, completely independent of any internet connection.

Word on the street suggests Sony is looking to challenge Nintendo’s dominance in the handheld market. Inside sources reveal this effort also aims to fend off a purported handheld console being developed by Microsoft, as confirmed by Phil Spencer. However, gamers should exercise patience because, as per the report, it could be several years before Sony’s new device hits the shelves—if it even gets a green light for production at all.

Interestingly, Bloomberg’s sources indicated that the PS Portal was initially envisioned to operate like the Steam Deck, a self-contained gaming unit that doesn’t require a constant internet connection. The report didn’t shed light on why it ended up as a cloud-dependent device.

There has been buzz about Sony releasing a new handheld for some time, which makes sense given the runaway success of Nintendo’s Switch. If this new gadget is designed for PS5 games, it might be similar to the Steam Deck, potentially signaling a move to exclusively digital content. This wouldn’t be surprising, considering Sony’s recent trend—after all, the PS5 Pro was launched without a disc drive. So, it might be worth getting used to a more digital-focused gaming experience moving forward.