Handheld Gaming: The Next Frontier for Console Giants

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The Future of Handheld Consoles

This generation of gaming consoles may be less than four years old, but it’s become increasingly clear that the titans of console gaming have set their sights on the next generation of entertainment. With whispers about the Nintendo Switch 2 supposedly launching in April 2025 and speculations surrounding new offerings from Sony and Xbox, it’s time to consider what the future might hold. From my perspective, it appears that the future is firmly in the realm of handheld gaming.

Handheld Hints

For over a year, Xbox’s CEO Phil Spencer has been subtly hinting about an Xbox handheld device. Recently, in an interview with Bloomberg from late September 2024, newly appointed Xbox president Sarah Bond hinted that some form of handheld gaming is definitely on the table as a means for Xbox to engage with gamers in various settings.

In contrast, the rumor mill around Sony’s new handheld has not been as direct. In February, YouTube leaker Moore’s Law is Dead reported that Sony is developing a non-streaming, pocket-sized console. By August, hardware consultant Tom Henderson claimed that Sony is closely monitoring the current handheld market trends. Recent reports suggest that Sony is indeed pursuing two distinct gaming offerings for the PS6 era—one a traditional console, the other a handheld device.

Gaming Handhelds Conceptual designs of upcoming handheld gaming devices.

How Did We Get Here?

When the original PS5 and Xbox Series X launched back in 2020, they were touted as game-changers, capable of rivaling the power of PCs. However, their escalating price points have already started to push them toward obsolescence, as gamers find themselves at a crossroads with more affordable PC gaming options.

In this landscape, Sony seems to provide a clearer vision of the future. According to Tom S. from the aforementioned Moore’s Law is Dead channel, the appetite remains strong for high-performance consoles, particularly those that promise a gaming experience akin to PCs but at a more budget-friendly cost than something like the PS5 Pro. As Tom observes, Sony is in an experimental phase, determining what sticks with gamers. Interestingly, their Portal has been such a success that it has been hard to keep in stock, signaling there is demand for innovative handheld solutions.

Meanwhile, Xbox’s trajectory has felt less certain this generation, as it has struggled to keep pace with both Sony and Nintendo in sales. Microsoft has made headlines with its acquisitions of Activision and ZeniMax, seemingly hoping to bolster its gaming portfolio while grappling with an identity crisis in hardware.

Xbox Handheld Concept Rumored designs for a potential Xbox handheld.

What the Experts Say

According to Tom, the mention of an Xbox handheld device has stirred doubts about the direction of the company’s gaming division. He suggests that if Xbox is serious about this move, converting the Series S console into a portable device that runs natively on Windows could be a game-changer, enabling a mix of applications including access to Steam.

The competitive landscape implies that both Sony and Xbox are evaluating their paths forward as they contemplate the launch of powerful handheld gaming consoles. With the surge of interest in PC gaming taking the leap into handhelds, it’s conceivable that Sony and Xbox are poised to follow suit, drawing inspiration from the momentum this new format has gained.

Sony Handheld Concept Potential designs for Sony’s next-gen handheld device.

Conclusion

As we deliberate the future of gaming, it’s crucial for upcoming handhelds to meet or exceed expectations, especially concerning access to AAA titles and compatibility with current-gen systems. If either Sony or Xbox fails to ensure compatibility with major titles, they may find their new handhelds lacking in value. As impressive as they may be, prices need to reflect value—with the promise of offering the same beloved titles available on the anticipated PS6 or Xbox Series X. The roadmap ahead is rife with possibilities, and as a passionate gamer, I eagerly await what lies ahead in handheld gaming!

Valve Handheld Concept The Valve Steam Deck has sparked a hybrid future in gaming.