Is There a PlayStation Handheld?

Yes! Sony has produced a few handheld consoles over the years under the PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) brands. Let’s break down what each offered and how they fit into the handheld gaming world.

1. PlayStation Portable (PSP)

  • Release Year: 2004 (Japan), 2005 (Worldwide)

  • Display: 4.3-inch LCD

  • Games: UMD discs (a small optical disc format), plus downloadable games from the PlayStation Store

  • Highlights:

    • First official PlayStation handheld

    • Could play PSP classics, some PS1 titles, music, videos, and browse the web

    • Popular series included God of War: Chains of Olympus, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, and Monster Hunter Freedom

The PSP was designed as a portable extension of the PlayStation brand, giving fans access to console-quality games on the go.

2. PlayStation Vita (PS Vita)

  • Release Year: 2011 (Japan), 2012 (Worldwide)

  • Display: 5-inch OLED touchscreen (original model), LCD in later revisions

  • Games: Physical cards or digital downloads from the PlayStation Store

  • Highlights:

    • Dual analog sticks for better console-like controls

    • Touchscreen and rear touchpad

    • Remote Play for PS4, allowing streaming of console games to the handheld

    • Popular titles included Persona 4 Golden, Uncharted: Golden Abyss, and Tearaway

The PS Vita was praised for its powerful hardware, beautiful screen, and versatility—but it didn’t achieve the same massive market penetration as Sony hoped.

3. Can You Still Play PlayStation Handheld Games?

Yes! Even though Sony has discontinued both the PSP and PS Vita, there are ways to enjoy these games today:

  • Used Hardware: You can buy PSP or PS Vita devices second-hand.

  • Digital Purchases: Many PSP and PS Vita games are still available via the PlayStation Store for modern consoles.

  • Emulation: Legal emulators allow you to play these games on PCs or certain handheld emulation devices—just make sure you own the original games.

Conclusion

Sony does have handheld consoles! The PSP and PS Vita brought PlayStation-quality games to a portable format, each with its own strengths. While neither is still officially produced, fans can still experience these systems through second-hand devices, digital stores, or emulation.