Sony is reportedly considering a new handheld console to rival the Nintendo Switch.
The Japanese tech giant has created portable devices in the past, such as the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and the PlayStation Portal Remote Player for its PlayStation 5 (PS5) console, but a new report by Bloomberg claims the firm is in the early stages of developing a new similar device that will enable gamers to play PS5 games on the go. The PSP, launched in 2004, sold over 80 million units worldwide during its lifetime.
The outlet claims the “idea builds on the PlayStation Portal”, the eight-inch device released last year that allows users to play compatible video games over an internet connection. The PlayStation Portal has seen steady sales since its launch, with analysts estimating over 1 million units sold in its first three months.
The publication did, however, note that Sony could be years away from launching such a device and that it may not even see the light of day. Industry experts suggest that development cycles for new gaming hardware typically range from 3 to 5 years.
As well as the Nintendo Switch, which was released in 2017, it is believed it could rival something similar from Xbox, with Microsoft allegedly “working on prototypes”. The Nintendo Switch has been a phenomenal success, selling over 132 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling gaming consoles of all time.
The potential entry of Sony into the handheld gaming market comes at a time when portable gaming is experiencing unprecedented popularity. Market research indicates that mobile and handheld gaming now accounts for nearly 45% of the global gaming market share.
Sony‘s previous experience with portable gaming devices includes not only the PSP but also the PlayStation Vita, which was released in 2011. While the Vita achieved modest success, selling approximately 16 million units, it failed to match the PSP’s remarkable performance in the market.
The gaming industry has evolved significantly since Sony’s last dedicated handheld console. Cloud gaming technology, which the PlayStation Portal currently utilizes, has become increasingly viable with the widespread adoption of 5G networks. This technological advancement could play a crucial role in Sony’s new handheld strategy.
Industry analysts suggest that Sony’s potential new device could differentiate itself from the Nintendo Switch by focusing on high-fidelity graphics and seamless integration with the PS5 ecosystem. The success of the PlayStation Portal has demonstrated consumer interest in portable PlayStation gaming experiences.
The competitive landscape in the handheld gaming market has also changed dramatically. While Nintendo has dominated this space with the Switch, other companies like Valve have entered the market with devices like the Steam Deck, which has sold several million units since its 2022 launch.
Microsoft‘s rumored entry into the handheld gaming space could signal a major shift in the gaming industry. The company’s extensive game library, including titles from its Activision Blizzard acquisition, could make it a formidable competitor in the portable gaming market.
Technical specifications for Sony’s potential handheld remain unknown, but industry experts speculate it could feature custom AMD hardware, similar to the PS5, to ensure compatibility with the existing game library. Battery life and thermal management would be crucial considerations for any such device.
The timing of this development coincides with the maturation of the PS5’s lifecycle, as Sony typically begins planning new hardware initiatives several years before their intended release. The company’s strong relationships with game developers could provide an advantage in building a compelling software library for a new handheld device.
Financial analysts estimate that a successful entry into the handheld gaming market could potentially generate billions in additional revenue for Sony’s gaming division, which already accounts for a significant portion of the company’s profits. The global gaming market is expected to reach $321 billion by 2026, with portable gaming playing an increasingly important role.
