PlayStation Portal’s shocking success shows just how much gamers want console companion handheld devices.
Industry analyst Mat Piscatellarecently reportedthat Sonys PlayStation Portal unit was the highest-grossing video game accessory in February 2024.
And I do mean surprising.
There was not a lot of optimism surrounding the PlayStation Portal when it was released in November 2023.
Even Sony seems surprised that the PlayStation Portal is this popular.
The PlayStation Portals success may be surprising, but its becoming impossible to ignore.
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I know some of you are already shouting Nintendo Switch!
at the top of your lungs, and you are right to do so.
Nintendos hybrid handheld will go down asone of the most successful video game consoles ever.
Again, though, thats not what the PlayStation Portal is.
You could also consider it the best way to utilize the PlayStation 5s alreadylimited Remote Play features.
That is the most important comparison in this instance, though.
Thats an idea that Nintendo tried to bet on years ago before they realized they needed to think bigger.
Its not yet clear what this devices word-of-mouth power is over the long term.
Its impossible to say for sure based on what we know now.
Even PlayStations top people may not yet have a clear answer to that question.
Yet, it certainly feels like things are changing.
Every year brings more evidence that the future of console gaming involves handheld devices.
The question is, How far can gamings biggest manufacturers continue to push that concept?
