Industry observers expect a device that can natively run big Sony titles like God of War and Spider-Man and dock to a TV to satisfy consumer demand for a true portable gaming system.

Sony has pursued portable-performance-oriented optimization—evidenced by PS5 low-power modes—to prepare developers for handheld performance before hardware release, signaling a genuine commitment this time.

The handheld would deliver full DualSense-like controls, reliable haptics, standard sticks, and a docking path to 4K, all aimed at a balanced mix of portable play and home console experiences.

Sony is developing a new portable console codenamed Project Canis, scheduled for a 2027 release, designed to compete with the Steam Deck and a future Switch successor and to run PS4/PS5/PS6 games with a docking option for TV play.

The device would feature full native compatibility across PlayStation generations and include a robust ergonomic controller design with DualSense-inspired controls, adaptive triggers, and haptic feedback, plus USB-C docking for 4K output and extended battery life.

While fan concept imagery circulates, the reporting stresses that only basic, proven design principles—ergonomic controls and reliable triggers—are certain to translate into a compelling handheld experience.

Technical specs reportedly include an AMD Zen 6 CPU and RDNA 5 GPU, high-speed LPDDR5X memory, expandable storage via M.2 and MicroSD Express, with dedicated cores for the OS and games and optimized ray tracing.

The design emphasizes avoiding the compromises of earlier handhelds by prioritizing on-device processing power over cloud streaming, anchored by a strong ergonomic layout.

Supply chain constraints and rising component costs could force compromises, but the timing may still align with current market trends in Sony’s favor.

The approach centers on tight integration with the PlayStation 6 ecosystem, a cross-port base architecture for seamless transitions, and early optimization to ensure a robust launch catalog.

Backward compatibility is a core differentiator, with emulation support back to PS1/PS2 and native play for major titles from launch across the library.

With growing demand for portable, power-conscious devices and the success of Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, Sony aims to capture a share by offering exclusive PlayStation titles and seamless ecosystem integration across devices.