Highlights
- Sony's new patent hints at a potential new PlayStation handheld device, drawing inspiration from previous models like the PlayStation Vita.
- The patent suggests a focus on cloud gaming integration, improving gameplay, inputs, and response time for a seamless gaming experience.
- Speculations of a new handheld device release may not impact future PlayStation home consoles like the rumored PS5 Pro in late 2024.
A newly published patent from Sony may support rumors and speculation of a new PlayStation handheld device in development. Unlike the PlayStation Portal, Sony references 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 claimed Sony 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 Wants to Use the PS5 Controller to Output Braille
A recently published Sony patent reveals development on a controller integration that would output braille, increasing accessibility for players.
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 on the 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
- Switches between playing a game on a handheld and a console
- Supports cloud gaming, unlike PlayStation Portal and Remote Play
- Uses cloud server processes to improve gameplay, inputs and response time
The patent doesn't appear to be related to the 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 toward the release of a PS5 Pro in late 2024.
PS5
Sony's PlayStation 5 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.
- Brand
- Sony
- Original Release Date
- November 12, 2020
- Hardware Versions
- PS5
- Original MSRP (USD)
- Disc Edition: $499.99; Digital Edition: $399.99
- Weight
- Disc Edition: 9.9 LBS; Digital Edition: 8.6 LBS
