Sony’s Challenge to the Steam Deck: A New PlayStation Handheld
The gaming community was taken by storm in 2022 with the release of the Steam Deck, but now Sony plans to challenge its supremacy with an in-development PlayStation handheld that has the potential to surpass the popular Valve console.
According to reliable industry leaker Moore’s Law Is Dead, Sony has already contracted AMD, and “money has been exchanged” for the development of a possible PlayStation handheld. Although the project is currently in the High-Level Design phase, work has already begun. However, it is important to note that Sony still has the option to cancel the device before its official launch.
One of the most exciting aspects of Sony’s next handheld is its functionality, which is expected to be similar to the Steam Deck. Unlike Sony’s previous attempts at a handheld, this time the company aims to create a device that is fully compatible with its primary consoles, including the PlayStation 4 and the next-generation PlayStation 5. The new PlayStation handheld, also known as the “Vita 2,” is reported to have the same number of compute units as the PS4, effectively making it a handheld version of Sony’s last-gen console.
However, it’s worth noting that while the Vita 2 will not be able to host every single PS5 title, it will still have PS5 games in its library through compatibility ports. The exact hardware specifications and release date of the handheld may be subject to change, as there are reports suggesting that the Vita 2 could be part of the PS6 family and launch later than expected.
As for the release date, Moore’s Law Is Dead estimates that the handheld is still a minimum of two years away from being launched, with 2026 being the earliest potential release year. This timeline aligns with the typical six-to-seven-year gap between console generations, leaving room for speculation and anticipation regarding the Vita 2.
Although much of this information is based on speculation, one thing remains certain: there is a new PlayStation handheld in early development, and AMD is overseeing both its development and that of the PlayStation 6. If the leaked information holds true, the Steam Deck could face legitimate competition in the handheld market. However, it appears that Valve will continue to enjoy its dominance for at least a couple more years.
In conclusion, Sony’s upcoming PlayStation handheld has the potential to shake up the gaming market. With its reported compatibility with previous PlayStation consoles and the promise of exciting features, gamers can look forward to a new handheld gaming experience. As the competition between handheld consoles heats up, only time will tell which device will reign supreme.