Sony is apparently working on a new handheld that will be able to play PlayStation 5 games on its own. This move indicates a return to the handheld market, which Sony last abandoned with the PS Vita in 2019. The new portable console could be aimed in particular at gamers looking for a combination of mobility and high-end gaming experiences.
Summary
- Sony is developing a standalone handheld for PS5 games.
- The handheld is to use a powerful AMD APU.
- Release could be 2025 or later.
- The device is expected to take advantage of the PS5 architecture.
What do we know so far about Sony’s new handheld?
If you want to enjoy games for the PlayStation 5 (€ 429.88 *) on the move, you can already do so with the PlayStation Portal (€ 219.00 *). But the controller with the display in between is not a real handheld. But apparently a spiritual successor to the PSP and PS Vita is soon to follow. A report from Bloomberg suggests that the tech giant is currently working on a new mobile console to challenge the Nintendo Switch (€ 309.99 *).
The handheld, which is still in the development phase, is to be powered by a powerful APU from AMD based on the Zen 4 architecture and RDNA 3.5 graphics unit. This combination promises high energy efficiency and strong performance, which is essential for a portable device. After all, this should ensure great graphics and a long battery life. According to rumors, the chip could be manufactured using the advanced 3 nm process.
This would enable the device to run PS5 games directly without relying solely on remote play or cloud streaming. The design will reportedly be heavily based on the PS5 and could also offer similar features such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, as found on the PS5’s DualSense controller. These features could give the handheld a decisive advantage over the Nintendo Switch or other portable consoles.
Target group and market potential
The handheld could primarily appeal to tech-savvy gamers who are enthusiastic about the performance of the PS5 but also want to play on the go. This could help Sony gain a stronger position in the mobile gaming market, which is dominated by the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck (€ 389.95 *). And the market for handhelds continues to grow. The successor to the successful Nintendo Switch is already in the starting blocks. However, a specific release date for the new handheld from Sony is not yet known.
However, it is assumed that the device could come onto the market in 2025 at the earliest. The focus on high-quality hardware suggests that Sony will position the device in the premium price range. If Sony successfully develops and markets the handheld, it could bridge the gap between powerful console gaming and mobile flexibility. The combination of innovative technology and the established PS5 architecture could attract the interest of many gamers.
