- Sony must take inspiration from Steam Deck’s openness and flexibility.
- Having access to the PS4 and PS5 libraries is essential for players to care about a new handheld.
- Sony’s next handheld must run games natively to compete with devices such as the Steam Deck.
- Having balanced performance and battery life matters more than raw power
PlayStation’s relationship with handheld consoles is a bit complicated. The PSP was a hit, and the PS Vita, although lacking support, was ahead of its time. Since then, PlayStation has stepped away from handhelds. However, reports have suggested that Sony is working on manufacturing a new handheld better than the PlayStation Portable. The question is what it needs to achieve to win back the handheld gaming market.
The best lesson Sony can learn is from Valve’s Steam Deck. The Steam Deck did not just revive handheld gaming; it changed what players thought about portable performance, PC-sized libraries and modding. Let’s dive right into what Sony needs to achieve, keeping the Steam Deck as an example.
It Needs To Be a Standalone Device
The biggest issue we saw with the PlayStation Portal was that players didn’t want a streaming screen; they wanted a real handheld. The Steam Deck gained so much popularity because it is a complete device. It does rely on a distant console or home Wi-Fi and can easily run demanding titles locally.
Players today travel and play in places where streaming does not work. A true handheld device solves this issue. If the new PlayStation handheld does not have Standalone support, it will face the same struggles and limitations as earlier models by the company.
Access To Existing Libraries
One thing the Steam Deck did right was allowing players to access their already existing game libraries. Similarly, Sony’s new handheld must be compatible with old games, allowing players to download and access their PS4 and PS5 libraries. If Sony limits games to cloud-streaming, it could negatively impact the fan base and cause frustration.
Players these days want freedom. They want to take their games with them wherever they go, whether it be God of War Ragnarok or The Last of Us Part 2. Sony already has a massive game gallery that runs on scalable software. If PlayStation’s next handheld allows backwards compatibility with already existing games, it becomes a must-have for players who want to game on the go.
Need For Better Performance
The Steam Deck proved that a handheld does not need to be a powerhouse to succeed. Instead, it needs to have solid optimisation, a flexible operating system and adjustable settings. The next PlayStation handheld needs to target 720p to 900p gaming at balanced settings. The system should also utilise an efficient APU and modern hardware to be able to support demanding titles and long gaming sessions.
What matters the most is that the device should feel responsive, reliable and smooth. To players, fast load-ups through SSD, good cooling, and a battery life that can run the device for several hours are much more needed than chasing ultra-HD graphics.
Open Software Features
The Steam Deck nailed its degree of openness. Players were free to mod games, install third-party software, switch performance modes and customise the OS. If Sony allows a more open ecosystem, it will help increase the console’s overall appeal.
Even limited mod support, file access, a PC-like performance overlay and better Bluetooth support will make a massive difference. In the past, we have seen that Sony’s hardware is always impressive, but its software is restrictive. Sony must break free from this to help gain traction in the handheld gaming market with its new handheld.
Final Thoughts
PlayStation fans have been waiting a long time for the company to return to the handheld gaming market. With indications of a new handheld from Sony, players do not want another accessory; they want a true standalone handheld gaming device. The Steam Deck serves as the prime example for Sony on what a handheld can be. Sony only needs to learn from Valve and avoid old mistakes to rise back to the top in the handheld gaming market.
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[Error Fix Expert]
Hello, I’m Uzair Shabir, a tech enthusiast pursuing a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. At Tech4Gamers, I’m an Error Fix Expert, crafting articles on different issues and how to fix them. With a Google IT Support Certificate, I navigate tech complexities to deliver insightful perspectives.
Get In Touch: UzairShabir@tech4gamers.com
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