The video game market is experiencing heightened anticipation following recent indications that Sony is preparing a return to the dedicated handheld console sector. Reports suggest the company is actively developing a portable PlayStation device, potentially dubbed a “new PSP,” capable of playing a significant portion of the PlayStation 5’s game library.
This development follows a recent directive from Sony to its development studios to strongly prioritize implementing “low-power play” functionality within PS5 games. Sources indicate the request goes beyond simply reducing frame rates to 30fps; developers are being asked to explore lowering resolutions and limiting CPU usage to maintain 60fps performance while minimizing energy consumption. The rationale for this focus on power efficiency is unclear for the PS5 itself, a traditionally power-unrestricted console.
However, speculation is mounting that this effort is directly linked to the unannounced handheld PlayStation. The goal, according to industry observers, is to create an environment where games purchased for the PS5 can be played seamlessly on the new portable device from launch. This strategy would allow Sony to leverage its existing PS5 game library, a key differentiator in a market currently dominated by Nintendo’s Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck.
Further bolstering these claims, tech YouTube channel Moore’s Law Is Dead (MLID) reported receiving information indicating Sony has applied patches to PS5 development SDKs (versions 1.0 to 12.0) to facilitate low-power play support. MLID also stated that updating to the latest SDKs is now mandatory for developers, a stricter requirement than that imposed during the PS5 Pro’s development cycle. The channel argues this prioritization of low-power play over PS5 Pro compatibility suggests the handheld console is a higher internal priority for Sony.
The potential for a new PSP-like device has generated considerable discussion online, with some users on platforms like Reddit noting the success of the PS Portal, Sony’s existing video streaming device, and suggesting a more powerful, self-contained handheld could be a significant commercial success. A blog post on Naver, a Korean web portal, also highlighted the development of a Nintendo Switch-like device by Sony.
As of February 20, 2026, Sony has not officially commented on the development of a new handheld console. The company has not announced a release date or specifications for any such device, and the extent to which the PS5 game library will be compatible remains unconfirmed.
