Rumors behind the PlayStation's next handheld gaming console are now sharing new details about its potential release window, but this timeline is not as close as what it many expect it to be.
Sony has recently transformed the PlayStation Portal experience to be more of a standalone device rather than being a "mirror" to the PlayStation 5, and this is a potential reason affecting its release.
That being said, despite the existence of a PlayStation Portal that is now a standalone handheld, there are reportedly still plans from Sony to bring a legitimate handheld console for users, one that could have it competing against the top rivals in the market.
PlayStation Handheld Release Window Rumors
NeoGAF user HeisenbergFX4 shared a new rumor regarding when the speculated PlayStation handheld console will potentially release in the future.
As of writing, there are still no confirmations from the Japanese entertainment giant that it is creating a new handheld console under the PlayStation lineup, but it has since been speculated to be in works since 2023.
Understanding the PS6's Release
The source claimed that this rumored PlayStation handheld would have a release date that is close to the PlayStation 6's release, but that too remains an unconfirmed device by Sony. That being said, previous claims from the Japanese gaming company have already shared information regarding the PS5's state, particularly as they claimed that the current console is at the latter half of its life cycle in 2024.
This may mean that the company may replace it come 2027 or 2028, but it has not entirely clear about its timeline. However, if it were to be based on the PS4's life cycle until it was replaced by the PS5, it took the company seven years to let the PlayStation 4 run its course before being replaced.
Is the New Handheld Joining PS6's Release?
Based on the claims, the PlayStation handheld would not be released in the PlayStation 5's generation, like the PlayStation Portal, but would be under the next-gen console.
GameRant reported that the leaker is best known for sharing credible insights ON Microsoft's plans to acquire Activision Blizzard in late 2023, but this does not automatically make them a trusted source for the PlayStation.
This handheld would be the third full-fledged portable gaming console from Sony should it release, following the highly successful PlayStation Portable or PSP, best known for reaching 82.5 million units sold in its run.
It would also succeed the PS Vita, the less popular handheld from Sony that ran for four years and sold around 15 million units only.
