PlayStation, Where’s Your Handheld?

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The upcoming release of Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox’s ongoing ‘play anywhere’ strategy have brought handheld gaming into the spotlight once again, proving its relevance like never before. While Microsoft’s ROG Xbox Ally doesn’t fall under the category of a first-party handheld device, it does signal that all other major console manufacturers except Sony are actively participating in the handheld market. Given this competitive landscape, is it not the ideal moment for Sony to revive their renowned portable gaming history and join the current handheld game market? We firmly believe the timing couldn’t be better, and here’s why.

As a dedicated gaming enthusiast, I find myself intrigued by the bustling handheld market we’re witnessing today. While Nintendo and Microsoft are staking their claims on opposite ends of this spectrum, it leaves ample space for Sony to introduce something uniquely PlayStation.

In essence, the ROG Xbox Ally X and the Switch 2 represent polar opposite approaches in the realm of handheld gaming. The Ally X is an ASUS device with some Xbox branding, but it doesn’t fully embody the spirit of Xbox as a Microsoft-crafted machine should. It leverages the powerful AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, but falls short when compared to the Series S/X in backward compatibility. The Ally X can run 1000 Xbox titles, yet it lacks the ability to play legacy games from the Xbox 360 or Xbox One like first-party consoles do. Essentially, it’s an Xbox-themed Windows handheld, a remarkable device indeed, but not the authentic Xbox experience we’ve come to expect.

This discrepancy presents Sony with an opportunity to disrupt the status quo and offer something truly innovative in the handheld gaming landscape. The potential for Sony to carve out their own niche is immense, especially given the distinct directions taken by Nintendo and Microsoft.

It appears that Xbox is transitioning away from its traditional brand identity with its ‘play anywhere’ policy and third-party production, which sets it apart from other companies known for their exclusivity in gaming. Many gamers have expressed a preference for playing Xbox games on their Steam Deck or older Asus ROG instead of purchasing the new ROG-themed Xbox, and this sentiment isn’t merely jesting. The ROG Xbox Ally doesn’t rely on exclusive Xbox hardware or proprietary games that can only be played on specific devices, so what’s the point? Well, the device offers a superior performance and quality that Nintendo has only recently started focusing on.

In contrast to Microsoft’s strategy of delegating handheld production, Nintendo continues to embrace a blend of console and handheld gaming with the Switch 2. Building upon the success of the original Switch, this new device offers flexibility, allowing you to play games like Mario and Zelda on a train or a 4K TV. Although the design of the Switch 2 largely stays true to its predecessor, it retains a distinctly Nintendo identity. Unlike other console manufacturers, Nintendo does not view itself in competition but rather focuses on its unique offerings. With the upcoming Switch 2, Nintendo capitalizes on the immense popularity of the original Switch and offers an iterative update rather than trying to compete directly with Sony or Microsoft. The appeal of the Switch lies in its exclusive games, its hybrid functionality, and the special charm that comes with Nintendo’s proprietary hardware, making it a desirable choice for fans.

In essence, Nintendo is focusing on independent projects while Microsoft seems to be delegating its portable gaming division to PC manufacturers. The question then arises about Sony’s strategy for its upcoming handheld device. It appears that Sony has two main options: either challenge the saturated PC handheld market with a device similar to an Xbox Allies-like product or leverage their brand identity in a manner reminiscent of Nintendo and its Switch. Given the increasing congestion in the PC handheld market, it seems more likely that Sony will opt for the latter strategy. This is not only because Valve, Asus, and Intel are capitalizing on the portable gaming boom, but also because Lenovo’s Legion devices, equipped with SteamOS, have become quite popular due to their integration of this platform.

It would be prudent for Sony to consider their distinctive heritage in the portable sector, as they were instrumental in creating a phenomenon known as the ‘Walkman effect’ back in the 80s. The Walkman, Sony’s original portable cassette player, transformed headphones into a fashionable trend, offering listeners the opportunity to enjoy music on-the-go like never before. However, it seems that Sony is no longer synonymous with portability as they once were. This shift can be attributed to Nintendo’s early entry into the handheld gaming market with the Game Boy, which has since thrived in the market. Sony, unfortunately, was late to the handheld gaming scene, introducing the PSP in 2004 while Nintendo had already launched several handheld devices. Their latest attempt at a handheld device, the PS Vita, struggled due to high console and memory card prices, as well as the increasing popularity of mobile devices. Nonetheless, Sony’s first foray into the handheld market was remarkable and it’s worth revisiting the factors that made it so successful for many.

The PSP stood out against the Nintendo DS by utilizing UMD discs to enhance performance and graphics. It was also the pioneer in many areas, such as being the first portable gaming device with an internet browser, the first disc-based portable system, and offering robust multimedia support. Although Sony can’t repeat its list of ‘firsts’ with another handheld, it can excel at something the PSP did exceptionally well: providing strong first-party exclusives tailored for on-the-go gaming. Games like Metal Gear Solid Peace walker, GTA: The Chinatown Wars, and Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core were enjoyed by gamers, thanks to the PSP. These games integrated portability into their design, offering unique mission-based gameplay in series that were otherwise lengthy. This blend of processing power, versatility, and exclusive brand content made the PSP the only viable Nintendo handheld competitor at the time. Could Sony once again challenge Nintendo’s market dominance?

It’s quite likely, given the current high demand for mobile gaming, that PlayStation has a good chance of succeeding. However, it remains to be seen if they can distinguish themselves from competitors like PC-focused handhelds and the upcoming Switch 2. To create a lasting impact, Sony might need to replicate the success of the PSP by combining unique brand identity with versatile power.

Although Sony’s handheld device, the Vita, didn’t meet our expectations as well as we hoped, let’s move on to the present day. Today, technology has advanced significantly, making computing chips more efficient and affordable. Cross-play and cloud gaming are now common practices. The advancement in APU (a combination of GPU and CPU into a single chip) development since then has been remarkable, enabling a superior balance of power without the traditional issues related to size or cost. Additionally, Sony’s PSSR AI upscaling technology, utilized in the PS5, can facilitate higher resolutions without overwhelming the GPU side of the APU chip.

Sony could potentially utilize some of the structure and expertise from their PS Portal, which they’ve developed for the PS5, in creating their upcoming dedicated handheld device. Although the Portal serves as an extension of sorts for the PS5 (much like the Wii U tablet), its ‘PlayStationy’ nature is undeniable. It even sports grips akin to the PS5 DualSense controller! With the preliminary blueprints for the exterior already in place, all that remains is to incorporate AMD’s next-gen GPU and find ways to reduce costs while consolidating the device into a standalone handheld unit.

At an opportune moment in history, the knowledge gained from developing the PS Portal serves as a timely foundation for Sony’s upcoming handheld device. With the PS5 nearing its mid-lifecycle, we’re edging towards the start of the PS6 era. A Sony handheld could seamlessly connect the dots between PS5 and PS6, isn’t that so? The successor to the PS Vita should boast sufficient power to run PS5 games, but it might also have the potential to play early PS6 games as well. This would draw in new players into the PlayStation universe while offering a premium portable gaming experience for those already within it.

The handheld device will offer extensive cross-play capabilities given the anticipated cross-compatibility between the PS5 and PS6, and it could house all games and data that users currently have on their PS5 and PS6 systems.

It’s clear that simply offering a portable device within an existing market isn’t sufficient, as Nintendo and Xbox have demonstrated with their successful implementations. To stand out, PlayStation could focus on capitalizing its rich heritage of classic games by positioning the portable device as a haven for timeless gaming experiences unlike anything else outside emulation territory. There are still numerous PS1, PS2, and PS3 games that remain unported in modern times. By incorporating these overlooked titles into its ecosystem, the latest PlayStation portable device could fill a void. Even better, Sony might boost the appeal of the PSP and Vita libraries by making many of their exclusive first-party games accessible on the upcoming handheld. With few PSP and Vita first-party games having been ported to contemporary systems, the new handheld would make an ideal home for them today.

If Sony were particularly innovative, they could potentially make some classic titles exclusive to their handheld device. For instance, envision a scenario where the handheld store includes gems like Gran Turismo 1-4, Mega Man Legends, Metal Gear Solid 4, and perhaps even a Bloodborne Remaster. I’m getting carried away here. But seriously, consider the potential of having a wide range of games that current PlayStation systems can’t run, especially on a portable device. This could be a fantastic opportunity to revive interest in another Sony handheld.

It’s a no-brainer that it should be compatible with PS4 and PS5 games, but if they went the extra mile, it would undoubtedly pique the curiosity of even the most skeptical budget-conscious gamers, particularly those with fond memories of forgotten PS1, PS2, or PSP games.

For individuals seeking novel adventures, the upcoming Sony handheld might offer an aspect that the PSP and Vita excelled in: exclusivity. Personally, I’m not a fan of console exclusivity, but it’s undeniable that there were exceptional games available only on these platforms. The unveiling of a new spinoff of Jak and Daxter or Ratchet and Clank, exclusive to this device, could certainly attract gamers who might otherwise pass, especially considering the long hiatus of Jak and Daxter.

Regarding technical aspects, it’s crucial that the screen is visually appealing and equipped with OLED technology to outshine competitors such as the Switch 2. Lastly, price is a significant factor. Similar to the PS3 and Vita, Sony’s upcoming handheld will thrive or fail based on its cost. Even if it boasts the most sophisticated APU processing, a high price tag of around $800 will limit its market reach, making it a niche product. Sony should aim for a reasonable yet achievable price considering the goal to provide PS5-level graphics. Gamers might accept a price point similar to the OLED Steam Deck, but anything above could cause some reluctance.

Absolutely, determining prices will undoubtedly be a complex task for Sony, given the current economic volatility. It’s hard to predict the cost of producing chips in the near future due to the instability of the economy. Additionally, one of the hurdles they face is finding a way to distinguish their upcoming handheld system from their PS5/PS6 offerings and other competitive systems in the market.

The secret to the PSP’s triumph lies in its exceptional blend of strong brand recognition and adaptable power, and the ideal moment has arrived to exploit this combination for a genuine next-gen portable device. Sony should capitalize on these strategies and amalgamate them into something quintessentially PSP. Design a first-party machine that can play the highly sought-after exclusive Sony intellectual properties while also incorporating cutting-edge technology and multimedia capabilities.

Sony has an opportunity to offer gamers a distinctive, one-of-a-kind portable gaming experience that can’t be found elsewhere. To stand out from other PlayStation and handheld gaming experiences, it may require some strategic brand positioning and exclusive games. If this means reviving “Metal Gear Solid 4” or introducing a new “Sly Cooper”, I’m all for it.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

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2025-06-26 17:12