Katarzyna Petru
PlayStation fans can breathe a sigh of relief — Sony finally has a real reason to celebrate. The latest sales figures show that PlayStation Portal — a device that initially received a lukewarm reception — has achieved enormous success. Moreover, this success may directly influence the company's decision to create a fully-fledged, portable PlayStation 6 console.
Portal that opened new doors
When Sony presented the PlayStation Portal in 2023, many gamers considered it to be "too limited." The device only worked in conjunction with the PS5, which meant it couldn't be regarded as an independent console. It was only after a later update — enabling play of selected titles from the PS+ library without a connection to the home console — that everything changed.
That was a turning point. The Portal gained a second life and quickly became one of the most popular accessories in the PlayStation ecosystem. According to market analyses, more than 5% of all PS5 owners also purchased the Portal, regarding it as a "miniature" version of their console.
Sony Finally Sees Potential in Handhelds
This is an important change. Just a few years ago, it might have seemed that the era of portable consoles had irreversibly passed. The PlayStation Vita, despite its innovation, struggled in the market. However, the situation now looks completely different. The market for portable consoles is making a comeback, and it is doing so with a bang. Nintendo with its Switch 2 is selling exceptionally well, while Microsoft — together with Asus — is developing the ROG Xbox Ally line, which combines mobility with the power of a PC. Sony does not intend to be left behind.
Portable PlayStation 6 on the way?
In the corridors of the industry, there is increasing talk that Sony, along with AMD, is working on a new generation portable device. It is said to be a handheld equivalent of the PlayStation 6, using the same architecture and full support for AAA games. If the rumours are confirmed, the PlayStation 6 could be the first console in Sony's history to be developed from the start in two versions — home and portable.
The Success of the Portal is Just the Beginning
For Sony, this is the perfect moment. The portal has proven that gamers still want a mobile PlayStation, provided it is well thought out and functional. The combination of the lightness of a handheld with the power of the PS6 could create a new market segment that has so far only been contested by Nintendo and Microsoft.
Will 2027 bring a double premiere?
More and more indicates that the PlayStation 6 will debut in 2027, and in its shadow, its smaller, portable counterpart will also appear. Both devices are expected to utilise AMD chips, support Ray Tracing and full HDR, as well as offer game streaming from the PlayStation cloud.
After years of hesitation, Sony may take a risk again. And it seems that this time players are ready.
