Marianne Martinez
Sony is reportedly working on a new handheld gaming device, according to sources. The device is expected to be a standalone handheld gaming machine that will play games natively and rival Nintendo's Switch and the upcoming handheld Xbox. The product is aimed at expanding Sony's reach in the portable gaming market and countering competition from Microsoft and Nintendo. However, some reports suggest that the device is likely years away from launch and there is a chance Sony could decide against bringing it to market. The PSP 2 is expected to be priced at $499 or more and will feature an AMD APU at its core.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | Sony |
| Product | Handheld gaming console |
| Product Line | PlayStation Portable (PSP) |
| Generation | PSP 2 |
| Launch Date | At least 2026 |
| Price | $499 or more |
| Features | Plays games natively, not just via Remote Play |
| Competition | Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Nintendo DS | |
| Steam Deck | |
| Handheld Xbox |
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What You'll Learn
Sony's previous handheld devices
Sony has a long history in the gaming industry, with a slightly tumultuous history with handheld consoles. The company has released several handheld devices over the years, with varying degrees of success.
One of Sony's earliest forays into the handheld gaming market was with the PlayStation Portable (PSP), which was first released in December 2004 as a competitor to the Nintendo DS. The PSP featured games on the Universal Media Disc (UMD) format and was a massive success, with various iterations released over time, including the PSP-2000 and PSP-3000, which boasted a greatly improved screen. The PSP Go was a later version that aimed to make the console as light and portable as possible, although it did away with the UMD drive, which was not well-received by fans.
The PlayStation Vita, released in December 2011, was Sony's next major handheld device, aiming to compete with the Nintendo 3DS. The Vita featured a 5-inch OLED/LCD multi-touch capacitive touchscreen and supported Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and optional 3G. While the Vita was a powerful device, it suffered from poor implementation and marketing, particularly regarding its proprietary memory cards, which were expensive.
Other Sony handheld devices include the PSP Brite, which offered improved screen quality over previous models, and the Sony Ericsson Xperia PLAY, a smartphone that was the first to be part of the PlayStation Certified program, allowing it to play PlayStation Suite games.
Despite some setbacks, Sony's handheld devices have had a significant impact on the gaming industry, and the company continues to explore new avenues in handheld gaming.
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The competition
Sony has a history of competing with Nintendo in the portable gaming market. Its PlayStation Portable (PSP) was released in 2004 as a competitor to the Nintendo DS, and the PlayStation Vita was released in 2011 to compete with the Nintendo 3DS. Both handhelds were eventually discontinued, and Sony shifted its focus to home consoles, starting with the PS4 in 2013.
Now, Sony is reportedly working on a new handheld gaming device to rival Nintendo's Switch and the upcoming Steam Deck. This device is rumoured to be a standalone handheld game machine that plays PS5 games and expands the market for PlayStation games. However, it is likely years away from launch, and there is a chance that Sony could decide against bringing it to market.
Despite the challenges, Sony's potential entry into the market with a new handheld device could attract more gamers to its PlayStation community and expand its reach. The success of the Nintendo Switch and the rise of portable PCs indicate that the market is ready to embrace handheld gaming again, creating a competitive environment for Sony to navigate.
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Rumours and leaks
Sony has a history of developing portable PlayStation consoles, with the PlayStation Portable (PSP) launching in 2004 and the PlayStation Vita in 2011. Both handhelds were eventually discontinued, with Sony shifting its focus to home consoles like the PS4. However, recent rumours and leaks suggest that Sony may be planning to re-enter the portable gaming market.
In February 2024, reports emerged suggesting that Sony is working on a new handheld gaming device. According to sources, the device will be a standalone handheld game machine aimed at expanding Sony's reach in the portable gaming market and competing with Nintendo and the upcoming handheld Xbox. It is speculated that this new device will be compatible with PS4 and PS5 titles, offering a true portable gaming experience.
Some rumours indicate that the device could be a successor to the PlayStation Vita, dubbed the "Vita 2" or "PS Vita 2". Others speculate that it might be a new iteration of the PSP, referred to as the "PSP 2" or "PlayStation Portable 2". While details are scarce, some reports suggest that it will play games natively rather than just via Remote Play and will feature an AMD APU at its core.
The potential release date for this handheld device is still uncertain. Some sources claim that it is likely years away from launch, and there is a possibility that Sony could decide against bringing it to market. However, with the success of handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, as well as the rise of portable PCs, it seems that the market is ready to embrace handheld gaming once again.
While Sony has not officially confirmed the development of a new handheld device, the rumours and leaks suggest that the company is exploring the possibility. The steady flow of news and reports indicates that an announcement from Sony may be forthcoming, but only time will tell if and when a new portable PlayStation device will be released.
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Potential challenges
While Sony has a history with portable PlayStation consoles, there are several challenges that the company may face if it decides to enter the handheld gaming market again. One key challenge is the competition from Nintendo and Xbox. Sony's previous handheld consoles, the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PlayStation Vita (PS Vita), faced strong competition from Nintendo's offerings, and the company will need to contend with Nintendo's popular Switch console and its upcoming successor. Additionally, Xbox is also reportedly working on a handheld device, further intensifying the competition in the portable gaming market.
Another challenge for Sony is the need to support multiple platforms simultaneously. Developing and supporting a handheld device while also supporting the PS4, PS5, and PSVR could strain Sony's resources. Creating graphically impressive games for multiple platforms simultaneously may slow down the speed and production of games for the new handheld console. Additionally, there is the risk of dividing the player base across different platforms, impacting the overall gaming experience and community engagement.
Battery life and portability are also critical challenges in the handheld gaming space. Handheld devices need to strike a balance between performance and battery life, ensuring that players can enjoy their games without frequent interruptions for charging. Sony will need to address these concerns to make their device truly portable and convenient for gamers on the go.
Furthermore, Sony will need to carefully consider the pricing of its handheld console. With the PSP 2 expected to be priced at $499 or more, there are concerns about whether gamers will be willing to pay a premium for a handheld device. Sony will need to strike a balance between offering a competitive product and ensuring it remains accessible to a wide range of consumers.
Lastly, Sony's previous handheld consoles, particularly the PS Vita, faced criticism for a lack of support and issues with proprietary memory cards. Sony will need to address these concerns and ensure that their new handheld console receives adequate and sustained support to build and maintain a loyal player base. The company will also need to carefully consider its memory card strategy to avoid the backlash faced by the PS Vita.
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The market for handheld devices
Handheld devices, often referred to as handheld gaming consoles, are portable, small, dedicated gaming consoles that allow players to run video games anytime, anywhere. The global handheld gaming device market size is projected to grow from US$ million in 2024 to US$ million in 2030. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of % from 2024 to 2030.
Key players in the rugged handheld electronic devices market include Honeywell International, Inc., Panasonic Corporation, Zebra Technologies, Getac Technology Corp., and Datalogic SpA. These companies drive market growth through continuous product advancements, strategic partnerships, and expanding their presence in emerging markets.
In terms of revenue, the global two largest companies in the handheld gaming device market occupied a share of nearly % in 2023. The market for handheld devices is also witnessing a growing shift towards sustainable practices, with manufacturers developing eco-friendly devices that incorporate energy-efficient components and recyclable materials. The integration of advanced connectivity solutions, such as 5G and Wi-Fi 6, is also a significant trend in the market, providing faster data transfer, low latency, and improved network reliability.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sony is reportedly working on a new handheld gaming device that will play games natively.
The handheld device will likely be compatible with PS4/PS5 titles.
The handheld device is expected to be released in 2026 or later.
The device is expected to cost $499 or more.
Sony wants to expand the market for PlayStation games and compete with Nintendo's portable gaming consoles.
