Sony is working on a new handheld gaming console designed to allow users to play PlayStation 5 games on the go to compete with Nintendo and Microsoft in the portable gaming market, according to a recent report by Bloomberg. 

However, the project is said to be "years away from launch," and Sony has yet to officially confirm anything about the console.

Currently, Nintendo dominates the handheld gaming sector, with its popular Switch console and a next-generation successor anticipated next year. Meanwhile, Microsoft is also exploring the market, with its Xbox handheld prototype in early stages of development. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer recently stated that their handheld device remains "a few years out."

The handheld gaming space has seen rapid growth, particularly with the rise of PC-based options like Valve's Steam Deck and Asus's ROG Ally.

Sony already dipped its toes into portable gaming with the PlayStation Portal, an eight-inch device launched last year that streams PS5 games over Wi-Fi. However, the Portal was originally intended as a standalone gaming device. The upcoming console, if realised, would allow users to play games natively rather than relying on a Wi-Fi connection.

Sony has a history in the handheld gaming market with past products like the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PS Vita, which have since been discontinued.

Read more

PlayStation Portal: a game-changer or gimmick?