Sony’s making a handheld console to compete with Nintendo and Microsoft

Sony is working on a new handheld console to natively play PS5 games anywhere, set to rival Nintendo and Microsoft's future offerings.

: Sony is developing a new handheld console targeting the portable gaming market currently led by Nintendo. Unlike its predecessor, the PlayStation Portal, this device aims to play PS5 games natively without needing Wi-Fi. Despite its potential, the device's release is still speculative and could be years away. This development reflects Sony's strategy to remain competitive against similar moves from Nintendo and Microsoft's prototype initiatives.

Sony is in the process of creating a new handheld console designed to play PlayStation 5 games natively, offering competition against Nintendo and Microsoft's ventures into the portable gaming space. This new console arises following the PlayStation Portal, an eight-inch device meant for streaming PS5 games but was envisioned as a standalone device initially.

Nintendo, as a prominent player in the handheld market, is anticipated to release a successor to its Switch console next year. Similarly, Microsoft is rumored to be working on its own portable Xbox prototype, though it is still several years from hitting the consumer market, according to Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer.

The handheld gaming sector has increasingly grown, with innovations like Valve's Steam Deck and Asus' ROG Ally lineup. Sony's new venture into this space could expand its audience, making its games more accessible without requiring consistent internet connectivity. The success of this initiative would build on Sony's previous ventures with PlayStation Portable and PS Vita, both of which were eventually phased out.