The Future of Sony’s Gaming Consoles: A New Handheld on the Horizon?
While the buzz around the PlayStation 5 Pro continues to capture the attention of gamers worldwide, industry experts are already shifting their focus towards the potential revival of a Sony handheld device. Historically, Sony made a notable impact in the handheld gaming market with the PlayStation Portable (PSP), despite the eventual struggles of its successor, the PlayStation Vita. Fans of the PSP have long been vocal about their desire for Sony to re-enter the handheld arena. Recent leaks suggest that such a move might be on the cards, bringing hope to enthusiasts of portable gaming.
According to Insider Gaming and the credible leaker KeplerL2, who has a consistent record of forecasting console developments, Sony is reportedly working on two system-on-a-chips (SoCs) intended for the PlayStation 6. KeplerL2 speculates on whether Sony plans to follow Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S strategy by offering both a standard and a less powerful version of the console. Alternatively, there is the intriguing possibility that Sony might introduce both a home console and a handheld version, especially given the rising popularity of devices like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck.
Handheld Consoles: Poised for a Revival
The Handheld Market: A New Era?
It’s essential to approach the speculation of Sony developing a new handheld PlayStation with caution. Until Sony officially announces such a device, which may not happen for several years, these rumors remain unconfirmed. Nonetheless, this isn’t the first time such speculation has surfaced, with whispers of both PlayStation and Xbox exploring the handheld market.
There are also reports suggesting that Microsoft is developing a handheld Xbox to challenge Nintendo’s dominance. This device is rumored to be significantly more powerful than the Nintendo Switch and could feature Xbox Game Pass, providing users with a vast library of games. Although some industry insiders have dismissed these claims, there’s a persistent belief that this project could evolve alongside the next iteration of the Xbox Series X.
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Sony’s Current Strategy: A Waiting Game
In the meantime, Sony has left some fans dissatisfied with the release of the PlayStation Portal, a device resembling the Nintendo Switch but limited to streaming games from a PlayStation 5. The Portal’s restricted capabilities have only intensified calls for a new PSP or PS Vita, especially since the latter offered game streaming from PlayStation 3 and 4, along with its own dedicated library of games. For now, players will need to remain patient and await the next generation of consoles to discover what Sony has in store.
Source: Insider Gaming