Sony and PlayStation shifted away from this area following the modest sales numbers of PS Vita, and we never expected the platform holder to take that route again. However, with rumours swirling about the company's next-gen plans involving a handheld counterpart to the PS6, it's left us thinking about what a modern Sony portable would entail.
The thing is, even Nintendo isn't making dedicated handheld gaming systems anymore. Producing a steady cadence of games for a home console and a portable is simply unworkable nowadays, and the Switch is an ideal solution to that problem. It's why we expected Sony would never consider a follow-up to PSP and PS Vita, and we still don't think it will. A standalone handheld needs dedicated time and resources to make bespoke games for it, and that's practically impossible if PS Studios is expected to keep up its home console output on top of that.
No, a new PlayStation handheld would be much more in line with the Steam Deck. Valve's portable PC, and other devices like it, are proving very popular in enthusiast circles. These bulky, expensive handhelds are different because they tap into game libraries you already own. Your Steam games are waiting for you on Steam Deck, with an ever-increasing number of titles playable on the system.
Bespoke games tailor-made for handhelds wouldn't be a thing if Sony does follow Steam Deck's blueprint. — Image: Push SquareThis is the approach Sony would likely take with a new portable; in theory, it'd be able to play all the games in your PSN library. You can buy a PS6, and if you want, you can also get a portable iteration, with lower specs, and it'll play pretty much everything at reduced resolution or level of detail. To us, this is the only way a portable PlayStation would make any sense.
Of course, it sounds ideal, but there would be some drawbacks. It'd be pricey, for one. Steam Deck's base model is about $400, and Asus' ROG Ally is even more; given Sony isn't shying away from premium price tags (PS5 Pro's $700 still stings), we'd expect the cost of a handheld PlayStation capable of playing your existing library wouldn't be far behind the main PS6.
However, it wouldn't need to sell enormous numbers. Much like the mentioned portable PCs — and PS5 Pro, actually — it would be a more niche device. If you're buying a PS6, you probably wouldn't need the portable system as well, unless you spend a lot of time away from your setup. And even then, assuming Sony keeps the PS Portal around, that's a much cheaper option, albeit more limited than our hypothetical handheld.
While it's easy to dismiss all the rumours on this subject, we don't think it's at all outside the realm of possibility — especially when you think about Microsoft, which is planning an Xbox handheld of some kind. Phil Spencer says it's years away, but the company has confirmed it's exploring the idea. Sony probably is as well, but just has tighter lips.
PS Portal can't play games natively, instead opting for Remote Play and cloud streaming, but it makes for a cheaper portable option. — Image: Push SquareThe way gaming is heading, it seems to us that it's trending more towards an environment where you can take your games with you anywhere. Forever games like Fortnite or Genshin Impact are on every modern device, and your progress is transferable from one to the next. Japan has always had a taste for portable gaming, and it seems to be spreading. We reckon Sony will aim to capitalise on that front, with PS Portal, this next-gen portable console, and its burgeoning interest in mobile games.
In many ways the PS Vita was far ahead of its time; it featured things like Remote Play, cross-saves, cross-buy, and more, all of which is now becoming the standard. The portable gaming landscape has changed considerably, and it may finally be time for Sony to hop back in, albeit from a different angle.
There's lots to consider with a modern portable from PlayStation, then, but what do you think? Would you be interested in something akin to the Steam Deck from Sony? Take a vote in our poll, and share your thoughts in the comments section below.
