Handheld gaming has exploded in popularity, driven by the success of the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck. These portable powerhouses, while not matching the graphical fidelity of home consoles, offer unparalleled convenience for gamers on the move, those sharing a TV, or simply preferring the comfort of their bed. While Xbox has publicly outlined its handheld strategy, PlayStation’s approach has been less clear following the Vita’s discontinuation. The PlayStation Portal, designed for remote play and cloud streaming, doesn’t offer native gameplay. However, recent reports suggest a dedicated PlayStation handheld is in development. Let’s delve into everything we currently know about this potential new device.
Astro Bot and its PlayStation character cameos, which include Aloy and Nathan Drake on the right.
Release Date Speculation
Rumors of a new PlayStation handheld have circulated for some time, but the first substantial report emerged from Bloomberg, citing anonymous sources familiar with the project. The report indicates Sony Interactive Entertainment is in the “early stages” of development. Bloomberg cautions that the device is still years away and could potentially be canceled. Given this information, a 2028 release date, or later, seems plausible, assuming the project proceeds.
News and Rumors Surrounding the PlayStation Handheld
A PlayStation Portal plays Marvel
The Bloomberg report also revealed that the handheld is envisioned as a device capable of playing PlayStation 5 games natively, not solely reliant on streaming. Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson corroborated this on X (formerly Twitter), stating that development began after the PlayStation Portal’s release, which exceeded Sony’s expectations.
If these sources are accurate, the new handheld would possess sufficient power to run PS5 games, potentially with adjusted resolution and frame rates. Access to the PS5 game library would position the handheld as a formidable competitor. This aligns with earlier rumors suggesting Sony was developing two next-gen chips: one for the PS6 and another potentially for a handheld device. Previous speculation also pointed to PS4 game compatibility, which remains a possibility given the potential PS5 capabilities.
Whether the handheld will support physical media remains uncertain. The Steam Deck is digital-only, while the Switch utilizes SD cards. PlayStation faces the challenge of incorporating a disc drive for PS4 and PS5 games, which seems unlikely. A digital-only system, allowing access and downloads from PSN accounts, appears more probable.
Potential Price, Hardware, and Design
A Pulse Elite, DualSense, and PlayStation Portal sit on a table.
Pricing predictions are challenging, but assuming PS5 compatibility, the handheld could be relatively expensive. An optimistic estimate, factoring in cost reductions and competitive pricing, places it around $400. The actual price could vary depending on factors like battery life and screen technology. The base PS5 console price remains relatively stable, so the handheld would likely need to be priced lower to attract a wide audience. However, determining the exact price point at this stage is difficult.
Bloomberg’s report suggests the handheld’s design will be based on the PlayStation Portal. Most modern handhelds adhere to a standard design, with the PlayStation version likely incorporating haptic feedback features similar to the DualSense and Portal controllers. An 8-inch screen, matching the Portal’s size, would be ideal. An OLED display would be a premium feature, but would also increase the cost.
Conclusion
The prospect of a dedicated PlayStation handheld capable of running PS5 games natively is exciting for gamers. While details remain scarce and the project is in its early stages, the potential for a powerful and portable PlayStation experience is undeniable. However, considerations like price, physical media support, and the final design remain open questions. As more information emerges, we’ll gain a clearer picture of what this handheld could offer.
