Why have PlayStation Reopened Their Interest in Handheld Gaming?

Reports suggest that Sony is developing a new handheld gaming device, enabling players to enjoy PS5 games on the go. Here’s what we know so far.

Recent reports indicate that Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE), a division of Sony Group Corporation, is developing a new handheld gaming device designed to bring PlayStation 5 gaming on the go.

This means PlayStation fans may no longer be confined to their home consoles, gaining the flexibility to enjoy their favorite PS5 titles from virtually anywhere.

With this potential game-changer, Sony aims to capitalize on the booming multi-billion dollar handheld gaming market, expanding its PlayStation ecosystem and attracting a broader audience of gamers.

The hotly anticipated new device would be in direct competition with Nintendo Switch, and if everything goes well, the company could end up reclaiming the title as the leader in the handheld gaming sector. 

However, it may be a while before this highly anticipated device becomes available. In the meantime, let’s take a closer look at everything we know so far about Sony’s upcoming portable PlayStation.

Could Sony change the face of the portable gaming sector?

Yes. Sony PlayStation could significantly reshape the portable gaming industry with its upcoming handheld device, positioning itself as a strong competitor against existing giants like the Valve Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch.

If Sony Group Corp. successfully develops a portable console capable of running PlayStation 5 games on the go, it could revolutionize the sector entirely. With advancements in smartphone technology, cloud gaming, live streaming, and faster internet speeds, mobile gaming has already expanded the boundaries of digital entertainment. Sony’s entry into this space could further push innovation, setting a new standard for handheld gaming experiences.

Mobile devices completely revolutionised the face of the iGaming industry as well, changing forever the way people play Aviator in South Africa as well as many other hit iGaming titles in many other countries. 

Smartphones and tablets have already transformed how people engage with thousands of games, from computer-generated experiences to live dealer titles, on their favorite platforms.

Sony’s new handheld PlayStation could take this evolution even further by offering cloud-based gaming, allowing users to access a vast back catalog of iconic PlayStation titles via the internet. Instead of purchasing individual games, players could enjoy their favorites through a PlayStation Plus subscription, making gaming more accessible and convenient.

Sony has experimented with similar concepts before, most notably with the PlayStation Portal—a device featuring a mobile-sized screen embedded between a PlayStation controller. The Portal allowed users to stream PS5 games directly to the handheld device, hinting at the company’s ongoing ambition to refine and expand portable gaming for PlayStation fans.

However, it failed to hit the mark and had limited utility. People still preferred playing games on their PlayStation console, Nintendo Switch, Valve Steam Deck, RedMagic 9 Pro, Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro, OnePlus 12R, ROG Phone 6, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, or Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. 

Whether Sony PlayStation’s upcoming handheld device will revolutionize the portable gaming sector remains to be seen. To make a lasting impact, it would need to offer something truly special. For now, we’ll have to wait and see how things unfold.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that Microsoft is also developing its own portable gaming device, signaling increased competition in this evolving market. However, both Sony and Microsoft’s rumored handheld consoles may still be years away from release, leaving gamers eager for more details as the industry moves forward.

Most popular video games to try in 2025

If you're looking for something new to play in 2025, some of the most popular video games worth checking out include:

• Baldur’s Gate 3
• Starfield
• EA Sports College Football 25
• Dishonored 2
• Alan Wake 2
• Jusant

Additionally, other major hits like Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike 2: Global Offensive continue to be must-play titles for gaming enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

The future looks promising for PlayStation and gamers who enjoy playing on handheld devices. Sony is expected to continue innovating and expanding its presence in both the console and portable gaming markets.

Rumors suggest that the PlayStation 6 (PS6) could arrive as early as 2026, while a PS5 Pro with enhanced performance capabilities is also on the horizon. As Sony remains committed to advancing its hardware and software, a new portable PlayStation device could help the company tap into even larger markets, attracting more users to its growing gaming ecosystem.

Starfield, Bethesda’s highly anticipated space RPG, has captivated gamers with its expansive universe, deep storytelling, and immersive gameplay. As one of the biggest sci-fi releases in recent years, it offers players the chance to explore a vast galaxy filled with unique planets, engaging missions, and limitless possibilities.

The game delivers an open-world experience unlike any other, allowing players to pilot their own ships, engage in space combat, and uncover the mysteries of the cosmos. With a focus on player choice, Starfield features deep character customization, a branching narrative, and the ability to forge alliances or go rogue in a dynamic, living universe. Its robust crafting system and settlement-building mechanics add further depth, ensuring players remain engaged for countless hours.

Since its launch, Starfield has received several updates aimed at improving performance, fixing bugs, and enhancing gameplay mechanics. Bethesda continues to refine the experience, introducing new content and optimizations based on player feedback.

For a deeper look at Starfield’s launch insights, gameplay features, and the latest updates, check out the full breakdown here. Whether you're a longtime Bethesda fan or new to their RPGs, Starfield offers an adventure that’s truly out of this world.

While traditional consoles remain a cornerstone of Sony’s business, a next-generation handheld could be a game-changer, offering PlayStation fans even more flexibility and accessibility in the years to come.