Sony Could Return to the Handheld Console Market, But Must Learn from Past Missteps

27.11.2024

Sony is reportedly considering a return to the handheld console market, years after stepping away due to struggles against competitors like Nintendo. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the company is developing a new PlayStation handheld console, aimed at offering on-the-go gaming. While still in early development and potentially years away from launch, this move reflects Sony’s renewed interest in portable gaming, driven in part by the unexpected success of the PlayStation Portal as a secondary device for the PlayStation 5.

The Portal, while not a full-fledged handheld console, has performed well beyond Sony’s expectations. Its ability to stream games remotely from a PS5 has positioned it as a viable remote gaming option, and recent updates have expanded its streaming capabilities. However, its design—a DualSense controller split in two with an embedded screen—highlights its limitations compared to true portable gaming devices like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. This success seems to have reignited Sony’s ambition to develop a dedicated handheld gaming system.

Sony’s history with handheld consoles, including the PSP and PS Vita, offers valuable lessons. The PSP was celebrated for its advanced hardware and library of standout games, despite tough competition from the Nintendo DS. The PS Vita, though technically superior with its OLED screen and remote play features, struggled due to high costs, limited exclusive games, and a lack of broad appeal. Sony’s eventual decision to exit the handheld market left a gap in its product lineup that Nintendo has since dominated with the Switch.

Nintendo’s commitment to the handheld space, even after failures like the Wii U, contrasts sharply with Sony’s approach. The Switch’s hybrid design and consistent delivery of engaging first- and third-party games have cemented its place as a market leader. This underscores the importance of not only innovative hardware but also a strong software library—an area where Sony fell short with the PS Vita, which lacked the breadth of titles needed to sustain long-term success.

If Sony reenters the handheld market, it must avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. Building a device that is not just another version of the Switch but instead offers a unique gaming experience will be crucial. Supporting the console with a strong lineup of first- and third-party games and committing to the market for the long haul will be essential. This could be Sony’s opportunity to reclaim its place in portable gaming, provided it embraces its previous failures and learns from them.