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

Sony seems to be stepping into the world of portable gaming consoles with plans that could potentially rival giants like Nintendo and Microsoft, according to some buzz in the industry. This device promises to allow gamers to dive into PlayStation 5 adventures on the go, unlike the PlayStation Portal which focuses on remote play tethered to a console. However, this ambitious device might still be several years from hitting the shelves, leaving Sony ample time to either tweak or completely rethink this project down the line.

Interestingly, Microsoft’s own head honcho, Phil Spencer, has mentioned a similar timeline for any potential Xbox handheld endeavors, aligning their strategies somewhat with Sony’s. Meanwhile, Nintendo remains a formidable presence in the portable gaming realm, with a new iteration of the Switch rumored to be launched next year, keeping them firmly ahead in the race.

When reached for input, a Sony representative chose to stay tight-lipped about the company’s future plans.

The portable gaming scene has indeed become quite dynamic in recent times, with Valve’s Steam Deck, particularly its OLED variant, causing quite a stir. This success has inspired companies like Asus, Lenovo Legion, Logitech, and MSI, among others, to join the fray. Yet, both Microsoft and Sony hold unique advantages with their extensive game libraries, a robust network of intellectual properties, and partnerships with diverse developers, ranging from indie creators to AAA behemoths.

Crafting a portable device to seamlessly run PlayStation 5 titles is no small feat. It requires advanced hardware and finely-tuned software. As Sony navigates the early stages of this project, there’s still the risk that the company could alter its goals or scrap the idea altogether.

Reflecting on portable gaming’s evolution, Sony isn’t new to this game, having launched the PlayStation Portable, the PSP Vita, and PSP GO in the past. A previous Bloomberg piece suggested the PlayStation Portal was initially envisioned as a standalone gadget but ended up becoming a remote play device with an 8-inch screen streaming games from the PlayStation 5 over WiFi.

Despite the triumphs of the PSP era, Sony faces fiercer competition today. The market is not only filled with traditional console producers but also cloud gaming platforms offering hardware-independent solutions, spearheaded by Nvidia’s GeForce Now and Microsoft’s cloud services.

The appeal of going portable is evident as it expands a brand’s reach to gamers who might not engage with traditional PCs, cloud setups, or home consoles. If Sony opts out of pioneering a new handheld device, they risk being the sole gaming giant absent from the handheld race.