With the incredible success of devices like the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, it’s no wonder other companies like Sony are trying to enter the portable console market. The confirmation of an Xbox handheld, a first for Microsoft, is a testament to the attempts being made to build on success by making highly popular games available to play anywhere. As the handheld market starts to see major expansions with the aforementioned Xbox handheld and the Nintendo Switch 2, there is a possibility that Sony is also planning to throw its hat in the ring.
Reports claim that Sony is currently exploring the possibility of making a PlayStation portable that will allow gamers to play PS5 games anywhere. The concept of this supposed portable device initially seems like a guaranteed success; The ability to play one of the PS5’s many incredible exclusives from anywhere will certainly be appealing to new and old gamers alike as these titles become more accessible. However, the idea of ​​a handheld that plays PS5 games may seem familiar to current PlayStation device owners.
PS Portal defeats the purpose of another handheld device
Another portable device may cause consumer confusion
The existence of the excellent and perfect PlayStation Portal makes the idea of ​​a new portable quite confusing, as the Portal meets many requirements for a portable device. Launched last year, Portal already gives players the ability to play PS5 games on a portable device. This defeats the purpose of developing another handheld when its main appeal is already being achieved with an existing device.
Not to mention the new update added to the Portal. Released in early November, this new update allows premium PS Plus subscribers to play a selection of PS5 games via the cloud, without the need for a base console. Cloud streaming beta suggests Sony is interested in improving Portal’s initial limitations and make the device more portable, fulfilling yet another requirement for a portable device and making the idea of ​​a new device seem redundant.
Adding yet another PlayStation portable to the current hardware lineup, with functions similar to the Portal, could end up affecting the success of either device. The lack of distinction between any of the portable devices can create confusion for the consumer as it is unclear which product would be most beneficial, preventing them from making a purchase. Not only would a new PlayStation handheld be useless with Portal’s existence, the confusion this could cause would end up being worse for Sony in the long run, sabotaging your chances of success in portable gaming.
How a New PS Handheld Could Improve Portal
Improving the portal would make a new handheld more attractive
There is still the possibility of a new PlayStation handheld being successful on Portal if it improves the limitations of the current device. For example, Portal is limited in the library of games that can be played without a PS5 consolewith cloud streaming only allowing access to selected titles for premium PS Plus subscribers. A new PlayStation portable could increase the number of games available, including a player’s own digital library, while also eliminating the need for a PS Plus subscription, making it more attractive over Portal as it benefits a wider range of players.
Additionally, players will only be able to get the most out of a Portal as long as they maintain a stable internet connection, limiting the portability of the device as a whole. About that, a new PlayStation handheld could grant gamers the ability to download gamesallowing offline play and making the new device much more accessible than the Portal. An addition like this would help increase the chances of a new handheld’s success, especially if Sony ensures consumers are aware of the distinct differences between each device.
There’s currently no telling what this new PlayStation handheld has in store, or if Sony is committing to the development of the device. However, if work on the new handheld continues, the focus should be placed on making the device the definitive way to play PS5 games on the go, improving on the Portal’s own limitations. By doing so, the new PlayStation handheld would be much more successful than if it simply emulated the Portal’s current capabilities.