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 tremendous 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 deemed it "too limited." The device only worked in tandem with the PS5, making it impossible to regard it as an independent console. It was only after a later update—allowing gameplay 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 analysis, over 5% of all PS5 owners also purchased the Portal, viewing 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 seemed that the era of portable consoles was irretrievably over. The PlayStation Vita, despite its innovation, struggled in the market. However, the situation looks completely different now. The portable console market is making a comeback, and it’s doing so with a flourish. Nintendo's Switch 2 is selling exceptionally well, and Microsoft — together with Asus — is developing the ROG Xbox Ally line, combining mobility with PC power. 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 together with AMD is working on a new generation portable device. It would be a handheld equivalent of PlayStation 6, utilizing the same architecture and full-fledged support for AAA games. If the rumors are confirmed, PlayStation 6 could be the first console in Sony's history to be developed in two versions — stationary 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, as long as it is well designed and functional. The combination of the lightness of a handheld with the power of PS6 could create a new market segment that only Nintendo and Microsoft have competed for so far.
Will 2027 Bring a Double Premiere?
More and more indications suggest that PlayStation 6 will debut in 2027, and in its shadow, a smaller, portable counterpart will also appear. Both devices are expected to utilize AMD chips, support Ray Tracing and full HDR, and offer game streaming from the PlayStation cloud.
After years of hesitation, Sony may once again take a risk. And it seems that this time, players are ready.
