February 2022 marked a turning point in the world of video games. At the time, we may not have realized it, but it was the beginning of a new era, especially in the fierce competition between Sony, Microsoft, and Valve—the latter practically dominating PC gaming. The launch of the Steam Deck and its resounding success changed the game, forcing industry giants to rethink their strategies in the battle for the home console throne.
Since then, it has become clear that the future of gaming lies in mobility. Whether through cloud gaming, streaming, or devices capable of running games natively, the goal remains the same: to take the gaming experience anywhere, without being tied to the living room couch or the gaming chair at the desk. That’s why Microsoft is developing its own portable Xbox, and now, Sony has decided to join the trend with a similar project.
When Sony introduced the PS Portal, many believed it was their definitive entry into portable gaming within the PS5 ecosystem. However, the device failed to convince everyone, especially those looking for a more powerful experience without relying on internet connection quality. Given this situation, and according to Bloomberg, Sony is working on a new handheld console capable of running games natively with “console-quality” performance.
Currently, this project is still in the “conceptualization” phase, meaning it is taking shape within Sony’s design teams. It remains unclear whether its launch is planned for this generation or if it will be part of the next one—potentially leading to a dual strategy where Sony introduces both a PS6 home console and a portable alternative.
The big question is: who would this future PlayStation handheld compete against? If Sony aims to rival Nintendo, they might be tempted to develop a device less powerful than the PS6 but compatible with previous console catalogs, which could hinder the evolution of their next-gen strategy. However, all signs point to this handheld being to Sony what the Steam Deck is to Valve, paving the way for a future where every major player has its own mobile gaming device: Sony with its new handheld, Xbox with its own, Valve with the Steam Deck (alongside other PC manufacturers), and of course, Nintendo with the highly anticipated Switch 2.
In any case, it makes perfect sense for Sony to invest in this market, especially looking ahead to the next generation, where mobility will be a crucial factor in determining the success of new gaming consoles and platforms.
