Sony is currently in the "early stages of developing" an all-new handheld PlayStation device that would allow users to play PS5 games on the go, a report from Bloomberg claims. Sources speaking to the outlet under anonymity said the device is "likely years away" from release and warned it may never actually make "it to market".
Working a lot like a Steam Deck, such a device would let you download and natively play PS5 titles, either from a library tied to your existing PSN account or one you set up for the handheld system itself as a potential new customer. This would mark a change in approach from Sony when it comes to portable devices, as its previous efforts the PSP and PS Vita both had their own libraries of games designed specially for the consoles.
The recent PS Portal device saw the firm return to the space in a sense, but it didn't go all the way, instead letting buyers stream their games over the internet rather than downloading them. This rumoured console would fulfil the latter. "The product is aimed at expanding Sony’s reach and contending with Nintendo for the portable gaming market, according to people familiar with its development," said Bloomberg.
Over the weekend, we ran a Push Square Poll asking whether you would be interested in such a device. Over 50 per cent of responders said they would "absolutely" be interested, with just 10 per cent suggesting disinterest. It now sounds like there's a good chance of such a device becoming a reality. Microsoft is also creating handheld prototypes for the Xbox brand, so the space may be about to grow significantly in the coming years.