Sony is reportedly developing a new handheld gaming console that can play PlayStation 5 games natively, without the need for an active Wi-Fi connection. According to Bloomberg, the console is being designed to compete directly with Nintendo and Microsoft in the portable gaming market.

The move marks a significant shift in Sony's strategy, as the company seeks to regain a foothold in the handheld gaming space. Although Sony has previously released portable consoles like the PS Vita and PlayStation Portable, these devices have long since been discontinued. The new console, which is still in development, would build upon the PlayStation Portal, an eight-inch gaming device released last year that wirelessly streams PS5 games from the cloud.

Originally, the PlayStation Portal was intended to function as a standalone device, but it was ultimately released as a cloud-based streaming device. The new handheld console would allow games to be played natively, potentially expanding Sony's audience and making its games more accessible to a wider range of users.

The handheld gaming market is highly competitive, with Nintendo dominating the space with its Switch console. Microsoft is also developing its own handheld Xbox prototype, although the company's Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer, has cautioned that the device is still "a few years out." The market has also seen new entrants, such as Valve's Steam Deck and the ROG Ally lineup from Asus, which have further expanded the PC-platform expansion in recent years.

Although Sony's new console is still in development, the move is seen as a strategic play to compete with its rivals in the handheld gaming space. The company's decision to build a console that can natively play PS5 games could be a game-changer, offering users a more seamless and convenient gaming experience on-the-go.

The implications of Sony's move are significant, as it could potentially disrupt the handheld gaming market and force its competitors to re-evaluate their strategies. With the next-generation successor to Nintendo's Switch console expected to arrive next year, the battle for dominance in the handheld gaming space is set to intensify.

As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Sony's decision to develop a handheld console that can natively play PS5 games could be a key factor in shaping the future of portable gaming. With the company's reputation for delivering high-quality gaming experiences, the new console is likely to be highly anticipated by gamers around the world.