Key Takeaways
- Last week, it was reported that Sony is working on a portable PlayStation console.
- Now, another source is backing up these claims.
- This handheld would run games natively, as opposed to streaming them like the PlayStation Portal.
It’s looking increasingly likely that Sony is working on a handheld, as more sources back up the claim that we’re getting another portable PlayStation console. On top of this, it’s added that Sony might already have a prototype of the console prepared.
The initial talk of this started last week, with Bloomberg reporting that PlayStation was working on a handheld which would run PS5 games natively. This would separate it from the PlayStation Portal, which streams games to its screen.
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Now, as spotted by VGC, Digital Foundry is backing up these claims in a new video.
“What’s interesting about this is we actually heard about this handheld some months ago from a couple of sources,” says John Linneman, senior staff writer for Digital Foundry. “We’re not in the business of leaking things, but it’s interesting that this finally started to make its rounds because it just sort of confirmed what we had seen and heard off the record about this existing.”
He adds that there is “possibly” a prototype ready, but other than that, it’s hard to say how far along the project is right now.
A Portable PlayStation Could Make Up For The Portal’s Limitations
The closest we have at the moment is the Portal, but this only works if you have a PS5 already. It accesses your PS5 game library through a shared WiFi network, so that also limits you to playing at home rather than taking it on the go. This makes it great if you want a change of screen or someone else wants to use the TV, but other than that, its uses are quite limited.
Still, it now looks like Sony is indeed working on a proper portable console, so it must see the benefits of releasing one. That’s unsurprising, given the huge success that Nintendo had with the Switch line of consoles, proving that there are many who want to play their games on the go.
PlayStation 5
The PlayStation 5 was launched in 2020 as Sony’s next-gen console, armed with an SSD and the new DualSense controller. Disc-based and digital models are available, and it supports the new PS VR2 virtual reality headset.