Sony's New Handheld: Playstation Portal 2 to Rival Switch

Sony is reportedly in the early stages of developing a new portable console, aiming to re-enter the mobile handheld market. Dive deeper into what this could mean for gaming enthusiasts!

Sony Reportedly Working On Handheld Console

Back Into The Portable Gaming Market

Tech giant Sony is said to be crafting a new portable handheld console that could allow players to enjoy PlayStation 5 games on the go, according to a Bloomberg report from November 25th. This move is part of Sony’s strategy to expand its market reach and directly compete with industry giants like Nintendo and Microsoft. Nintendo has long dominated the handheld gaming scene, from the iconic GameBoy to the current powerhouse, the Nintendo Switch. Meanwhile, Microsoft has shown interest in this space with prototypes in development.

The new handheld is rumored to be an evolution of the PlayStation Portal, a device launched last year that streams PS5 games over the internet. The Portal received mixed reviews, and Sony aims to enhance this technology to create a device capable of running PS5 games natively. This could significantly increase the appeal and accessibility of Sony’s gaming ecosystem, especially following a 20% price hike on PS5 consoles earlier this year due to inflation.

Sony's past ventures into portable gaming include the successful PlayStation Portable (PSP) and its follow-up, the PS Vita. While these devices were well-received, they couldn't dethrone Nintendo's dominance in the handheld market. With the PlayStation console line taking precedence, Sony's handheld efforts have been less prominent. However, the company seems poised to make a strong comeback in this arena.

Sony has yet to officially comment on these reports.

The Rise Of Mobile And Handheld Gaming

In today's fast-paced world, mobile gaming has surged in popularity, driven by the need for on-the-go entertainment. Mobile games contribute significantly to the gaming industry's revenue, thanks to their accessibility and convenience. While smartphones offer a plethora of gaming options alongside everyday utilities like messaging and productivity apps, they often fall short in handling more demanding games. This is where dedicated handheld consoles excel, capable of running heavier games smoothly.

Nintendo has been at the forefront of this market with the Nintendo Switch, and with plans for a successor in 2025, they continue to lead. Microsoft is also eyeing this lucrative segment. Sony's potential entry with a new handheld device could shake up the market, offering gamers another high-quality option for portable gaming.