Sony Reportedly Developing New Handheld Console to Challenge Nintendo Switch Dominance

Sony Eyes Handheld Gaming Comeback Amid Nintendo Switch Success, Bloomberg Reports Sony, renowned for its PlayStation brand, is reportedly preparing to return to the handheld gaming console market—a space dominated in recent years by Nintendo and its massive hit, the Nintendo Switch.

Historically, Sony posed significant competition to Nintendo with its releases of the PlayStation Portable (PSP) in 2004 and the PlayStation Vita in 2011.

Despite early promise, Sony gradually scaled back support for these platforms, ceding the market to Nintendo’s thriving handheld offerings and eventually the hybrid Nintendo Switch, which has sold over 125 million units worldwide since its launch in 2017. A recent investigation by Bloomberg reveals that Sony might be staging a comeback.

Citing unnamed sources familiar with the company’s plans, the report claims Sony is actively developing a new handheld device intended to play PlayStation 5 titles while portable, rather than simply streaming them as with the current PlayStation Portal accessory.

This new console is reportedly based on previously considered concepts for the PlayStation Portal and would bring flagship PlayStation games to an even broader, on-the-go audience. One source told Bloomberg that the device remains in early development and "is still several years away from release," indicating that no official launch window has been set.

Additionally, the same sources cautioned that Sony’s plans could still change and that the company may ultimately decide not to bring the new console to market. This development arrives shortly after Microsoft Gaming’s CEO, Phil Spencer, revealed that Xbox is also exploring a potential entry into the handheld gaming market, admitting during interviews that a portable Xbox prototype is in the works.

Like Sony, Microsoft appears to have been motivated by the commercial and critical success of the Nintendo Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck, both of which have revitalized interest in gaming on the go. The prospective expansion by Sony and Microsoft signals renewed competition in a handheld gaming landscape where Nintendo has enjoyed a dominant position for years.

The Nintendo Switch continues to be a leading platform thanks to its blend of portability, a robust first-party lineup, and consistently strong digital sales via the eShop. While both Sony and Microsoft seem inspired by these industry trends, only time will tell if there is room for additional major players alongside Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.

For now, Sony fans and industry observers will be watching closely for any official announcements from the PlayStation maker regarding its potential return to handheld gaming.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo PlayStation Steam Deck Steam Sony PlayStation 5 Switch console Bloomberg PlayStation Portable PS Vita PlayStation Portal Microsoft Xbox