The product is aimed at expanding Sony's reach and contending with Nintendo Co. for the portable gaming market, according to people familiar with its development. It would also counter any potential mobile hardware from Xbox maker Microsoft Corp., which is working on prototypes in the category as well. Sony's portable device is likely years away from launch and the company could still decide against bringing it to market, the people said, asking not to be named discussing private plans.
The idea builds on the PlayStation Portal, an 8-inch handheld device Sony released in 2023 that allows users to play PS5 games by streaming them over the internet. Tokyo-based Sony initially had intended for it to function as a standalone device like Valve Corp.'s Steam Deck, the people said.
Building a mobile device that's capable of directly playing PS5 games would potentially make Sony's software more accessible and appealing to a wider audience. The company has taken several steps in recent times in that direction, including making a bigger push into mobile and PC gaming as well as live-service titles.
A Sony spokeswoman declined to comment.