When people think of handheld gaming, Nintendo usually comes to mind with its Game Boy, DS, and Switch line. But what about PlayStation? Did Sony ever release handheld consoles—and is there one available today? Let’s explore the history of PlayStation handhelds, where things stand now, and whether the modern PlayStation Portal counts as one.
🕹️ The PlayStation Handheld Journey
1. PlayStation Portable (PSP)
-
Release Year: 2004
-
What It Brought: Sony’s first handheld console. The PSP could play games on UMD discs, play music and movies, and connect to Wi-Fi.
-
Popular Games: God of War: Chains of Olympus, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, Monster Hunter.
-
Legacy: A massive hit, selling over 80 million units worldwide.
2. PlayStation Vita (PS Vita)
-
Release Year: 2011
-
Highlights: OLED screen (first model), dual analog sticks, rear touchpad, and PS4 Remote Play.
-
Top Games: Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Persona 4 Golden, Gravity Rush.
-
Why It Struggled: Despite being beloved by fans, Sony cut back on support and third-party developers shifted to mobile, leaving it with a smaller game library.
-
Status: Discontinued, but still popular with collectors and retro gaming fans.
🎮 The Modern Era: PlayStation Portal
In November 2023, Sony released the PlayStation Portal. Unlike the PSP or Vita, this isn’t a true handheld console—it’s a streaming device for the PlayStation 5.
-
Screen: 8-inch LCD, 1080p at 60fps.
-
Controls: Built-in DualSense features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
-
Limitation: Can’t run games natively. You’ll need a PS5 and a solid Wi-Fi connection to play.
👉 Think of it as a way to take your PS5 games into another room without hogging the TV, rather than a standalone gaming console.
⚖️ So, Is There a PlayStation Handheld Today?
-
PSP & PS Vita → Discontinued but still remembered as true handheld consoles.
-
PlayStation Portal (2023) → The only current handheld option, but it’s tied to your PS5.
If you’re looking for a retro handheld PlayStation experience, you’ll need to buy a PSP or Vita second-hand. But if you’re a modern gamer with a PS5, the PlayStation Portal is Sony’s latest portable solution.
🛒 Where to Buy PlayStation & Retro Handhelds
-
Official PlayStation Portal → Available at retailers like PlayStation Direct and Amazon UK.
-
Retro Handheld Consoles → If you’re into retro gaming and want alternatives to Sony’s discontinued handhelds, check out the collection of handheld consoles at Youwei Trade — with free shipping and unique models perfect for on-the-go play.
✅ Final Thoughts
Yes, PlayStation did have handheld consoles: the PSP and PS Vita, which remain fan favorites. Today, Sony’s focus has shifted, and the PlayStation Portal is their only handheld option—but it’s not a standalone system, it’s a PS5 companion device.
For PlayStation fans who want to game on the go, the choice is clear:
-
Collectors/Retro fans → PSP or PS Vita (second-hand).
-
PS5 owners → PlayStation Portal.
-
Gamers wanting retro handheld variety → Explore options like those at Youwei Trade.