Games

Recent Sony Patent Fuels Speculation of a New PlayStation Handheld

A newly revealed patent by Sony seems to reinforce ongoing rumors about the development of a new PlayStation handheld gaming system.
Recent Sony Patent Fuels Speculation of a New PlayStation Handheld

Highlights

  • Sony's latest patent hints at an upcoming PlayStation handheld device, taking cues from predecessors like the PlayStation Vita.
  • The patent emphasizes integration of cloud gaming to enhance gameplay, controls, and responsiveness for a smoother gaming experience.
  • The buzz around a potential handheld release is unlikely to impact the future of PlayStation home consoles, including the rumored PS5 Pro set for late 2024.

A recently unveiled patent from Sony is adding fuel to the speculation surrounding a possible new PlayStation handheld gaming device. In a departure from the PlayStation Portal, Sony is looking back at devices like the PlayStation Vita, PlayStation Portable, and PSP Go for inspiration for this latest patent.

Back in February, tech YouTuber and industry insider Moore's Law is Dead shared a video suggesting that Sony is actively developing a new handheld gaming gadget. The video hinted that Sony had already engaged AMD to start work on the device, although it is reportedly still in the early stages of production. The rumor also proposed that the handheld might be capable of running PS4 titles and some PS5 games with an update, akin to Valve's Steam Deck. While the actual release of the new handheld remains uncertain, the emergence of this patent indicates that Sony might be progressing with the plans hinted at in Moore's Law is Dead's video.

The focus of Sony's new patent is to simplify the transition from gaming on a mobile device to a console, prominently featuring cloud gaming integration. Unlike the PlayStation Portal, the patent acknowledges that cloud gaming is a missing component and highlights the popularity of traditional gaming experiences on Sony's past handheld consoles like the PSP. However, the patent recognizes the disparities in the gaming experience between handheld/mobile gaming and console gaming, particularly in graphics quality and control dynamics. To address these disparities, the patent teases a new Sony handheld device designed to leverage cloud gaming functionalities with enhanced controls and response times.

Latest Sony Patent Unveils Innovative Handheld and Cloud Gaming Integration

  • Seamlessly switch between gaming on a handheld device and a console
  • Cloud gaming support sets it apart from PlayStation Portal and Remote Play
  • Utilizes cloud servers to optimize gameplay, controls, and response times

The patent distinguishes itself from the PlayStation Remote Play app by offering cloud gaming capabilities. Additionally, the handheld's internal mechanisms allow for 'real-time dynamic correction' during gameplay and the ability to stream content to external devices for spectators. A server, along with its bandwidth, manages the streaming and transmission processes. Diagrams within the patent showcase the coordination between the device and server, detailing components like the CPU, memory, GPU, and other essential elements.

While the patent doesn't delve into the specifics of native PS4 and PS5 game compatibility, the incorporation of cloud gaming features could potentially elevate the gaming experience on the new device compared to the PlayStation Portal. If the rumors hold true, the development of this device is not expected to impact the future of PlayStation home consoles, including the anticipated release of the PS5 Pro in late 2024. Enthusiasts who prefer traditional console gaming can still anticipate the forthcoming advancements in the console space.

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