Report: Sony Developing Standalone Portable Game Console to Compete with Microsoft and Nintendo

Sony is reportedly in the process of developing a new portable gaming console, aiming to rival the offerings from Nintendo and Microsoft. This upcoming device promises to let gamers enjoy PlayStation 5 titles from any location, a marked difference from the PlayStation Portal, which functions as a remote play device connected to the console. However, it’s worth noting that this standalone gaming gadget might still be several years from hitting the shelves, allowing Sony the flexibility to either adapt or scrap the project as it progresses.

In a similar vein, Microsoft’s CEO, Phil Spencer, has indicated that their own endeavors toward a portable Xbox are some years away. This timeline now echoes the situation at Sony. Meanwhile, Nintendo, a dominant force in handheld gaming, is anticipated to unveil its next-generation Switch next year.

Sony has chosen not to comment on its potential plans for this new device.

The landscape of portable gaming has undergone significant changes recently, notably with the introduction of Valve’s Steam Deck and its upgraded OLED variant, both of which have shaken up the market. This success has spurred brands like Asus, Lenovo Legion, Logitech, and MSI to enter the fray. Sony and Microsoft possess a considerable advantage, boasting vast libraries of games and the capability to draw more intellectual properties and developers to their platforms—whether through exclusives or cross-platform titles from indie to AAA studios.

Crafting a portable device that’s compatible with PlayStation 5 games is a complex challenge. It requires cutting-edge hardware and specially refined firmware, which explains why Sony’s project is still in the early design stages. There’s a genuine possibility that the company might alter its course or halt the initiative entirely.

### The State of Portable Gaming: Then vs. Now

Sony’s history with portable gaming is well-established, with products like the original PlayStation Portable, PSP Vita, and PSP GO. According to a previous Bloomberg report, the PlayStation Portal was initially envisioned as standalone. However, Sony ultimately opted for a remote play device, featuring an 8-inch screen for WiFi streaming from the PlayStation 5.

Despite its past success with the PSP, Sony is now facing stiffer competition. Not only must they contend with other portable consoles, but also with device-agnostic cloud gaming services led by Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Microsoft’s cloud offerings.

Embracing portability offers numerous advantages, especially in reaching a broader audience that may not engage with PC, cloud, or traditional console gaming. Should Sony decide against launching a new portable, it would remain the sole gaming platform absent from the handheld gaming segment.