Summary
A newly published patent fromSonymay support rumors and speculation of a new PlayStation handheld device in development. Unlike the PlayStation Portal,Sonyreferences the PlayStation Vita, PlayStation Portable, and PSP Go as predecessors for the new patent.
This past February, tech YouTuber and insider Moore’s Law is Dead released a video that claimedSony is working on a new handheld gaming device. The video explains that AMD was already paid by Sony to produce the new handheld system, but it’s supposedly in the very early stages of production. The rumor also suggested that the handheld may run PS4 games and select PS5 games via a patch, functioning similarly to Valve’s Seam Deck. Although it’s possible that the new handheld may not actually be released, a new patent suggests that Sony is going ahead with plans that were stated in the Moore’s Law is Dead video.
Sony’s new patent aims to streamline the process of switching from playing a game on a mobile gaming device to playing it on a console, with cloud gaming being a key element. Cloud gaming is not currently supported onthe PlayStation Portal device, and the patent specifically notes that Sony’s previous gaming handhelds, such as the PSP, provide a means of traditional gaming that players enjoy. However, the handheld/mobile gaming experience is not exactly the same as home console gaming due to lower graphical fidelity and less dynamic controls. To address this issue for gamers, the patent seemingly shows a new handheld from Sony that’s capable of using cloud gaming features with improved inputs and response time.
New Sony Patent Shows New Handheld and Cloud Gaming Features
The patent doesn’t appear to be related tothe PlayStation Remote Play app, since it doesn’t support cloud gaming either. What’s more, the handheld and its internal processes are capable of “real-time dynamic correction” during gameplay and streaming footage to “spectator devices.” A server and its bandwidth are responsible for the streaming and transmitting processes. The patent’s drawings show how the processes are coordinated between device and server, with a diagram of the device’s CPU, memory, GPU, and additional components being shown as well.
Although the patent doesn’t elaborate further on the use of native PS4 and PS5 titles, the supported cloud gaming features may prove to make gaming more responsive and enjoyable on the new device compared to PlayStation Portal. If rumors are to be believed, development of the new device will not affect future PlayStation home consoles like the PS6, so fans who prefer traditional home console gaming may still look forward to that in the future. Moreover, rumors and leaks point towardthe release of a PS5 Pro in late 2024.
PS5
Sony’s PlayStation 5 is part of the ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon’s Souls and Astro’s Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is also available for a cheaper price.
