Recent rumors about a PlayStation 5 handheld have sparked speculation about its capabilities. Digital Foundry's tech experts suggest the device won't run PS5 games natively, likely requiring dedicated, scaled-down versions.
They argue that the power difference between the PS5 (200 watts) and a potential handheld (estimated 20 watts) is too vast to bridge, even with future advancements. Similar to the Nintendo Switch's handheld mode, games would need to be optimized to run on the less powerful hardware. Sony has demonstrated scaling capabilities with the PS5 Pro, making downscaling feasible.
The key question is how Sony will handle game scaling. Microsoft's rumored handheld might offer user-configurable graphics settings (like the Steam Deck) or utilize the Xbox Series S profile. However, Sony lacks a lower-end PS5 model. This means the handheld would likely require dedicated game versions or patches for older titles, essentially acting as a lower-end PS5.
Reports suggest the handheld's release is still far off. Its potential to challenge the Nintendo Switch's dominance remains to be seen, especially with the upcoming Switch successor.
