Sony working on a new handheld PS5 console like the PS Vita to rival Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck

Sony appears to be gearing up for a bold return to the handheld gaming market, potentially reigniting competition with Nintendo’s Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck. According to a Bloomberg report, the company is working on a standalone handheld console capable of playing PS5 games on the go, without relying on Remote Play or a dedicated PS5 console for processing power.

The news follows earlier rumours that Sony was closely observing the success of handheld consoles like the Steam Deck. While Sony recently launched the PlayStation Portal, it functions as a companion device requiring a PS5, making it a far cry from a standalone competitor. This new project aims to offer a self-sufficient experience for gamers who crave the power of the PS5 in a portable form factor.

PS5-quality gaming on the go

Bringing PS5-level performance to a handheld device is no small feat. Experts suggest that such a console would require advancements in several key technologies, such as high-bandwidth memory like LPDDR6 and cutting-edge CPUs and GPUs. A possible combination of Zen 4 or Zen 5 architecture paired with AMD’s RDNA chips might be capable of delivering the desired performance, but not with current technology.

Sony is expected to collaborate with AMD and rely on TSMC’s advanced chip-making processes. Historically, AMD has lagged behind TSMC’s latest technology, meaning a realistic launch window for such a device might fall around 2027, assuming technological advancements align. AI-powered image upscaling, such as Sony’s PSSR, could also play a critical role in achieving PS5-level visuals on a portable system.

Developer and market challenges

One of the key hurdles Sony faces is ensuring robust developer support. Studios may need to create scaled-down versions of their games for the handheld device, adding complexity to game development pipelines. However, Sony could position the console as a complement to the PlayStation 6, giving gamers two distinct ways to experience PlayStation content—whether at home or on the move.

Meanwhile, competition in the handheld space is intensifying. Reports suggest Microsoft is also working on a portable gaming console, and Valve’s Steam Deck 2 could further shake up the market. If both Sony and Microsoft launch their handheld devices within a similar timeframe, it could escalate the ongoing console wars.

A long road ahead

Though Sony’s new handheld console is still in its early stages, the project signals a renewed interest in portable gaming from one of the industry’s biggest players.  

As technology advances, gamers may soon find themselves spoilt for choice in a new era of handheld consoles designed to deliver console-quality experiences on the go. However, with no immediate launch on the horizon, the gaming community will need to wait patiently for what could be a game-changing device.