How likely is the new PS handheld rumor

[KBG29]

Soundwave said:

KBG29 said:

If done right a new Mobile PlayStation should fall right in line with all other PS4 hardware. It should be built off the same chipset as the PS4, run the same OS, and essentially be just another form factor of the PS4. It should have next to no effect on game development, and only very little resources from Sony. The overall platform is already being built around scalability, which allows for higher and lower end devices to fall in line with little impact.

From the start it should basically be looked at as just another way to play your PS4 games. For some it may be the only PS4 they buy, for others it might be a convient way to take PS4 on the go, for another group it may be of no interest. If Sony can do it with little impact, and add another oppertunity for profits to their ecosystem, then it is a must.

If it fails, and only reaches Vita levels, then it should be no big deal for Sony. They should almost certaintly make a profit off the endeavor. If it succeeds, then they can bring in more man power to improve the mobile side. Ultimately they could end their Xperia Phones, and bring the Sony Mobile staff over to work on Apps and OS support for the mobile aspects of the PS4 ecosystem. It is a low risk business move, that could result in billions in profits, and greatly increase Sonys market value and userbase.

What you're describing is wishful thinking. 

Putting a 55-60 watt 16nm chip into a mobile form factor isn't easily feasible even with a die shrink. 

PS4 is not built for that kind of scalability. Switch on the other hand, certainly is. 

Not to mention good luck with the games ... how's that supposed to work? 512GB onboard flash? 

I think you are underestimating what Sony and AMD can do if they want to make the next die shrink for the base PS4 extreamly energy effecient. There is a going to be a lot of new tech on both the CPU and GPU side of the APU by the time 7nm FinFET arrives, and they can easily take advantage of it while remaining 100% compatible with all PS4 games. 

PlayStation (starting with PS4) is completely built around scalability. Pro is not some spur of the moment product, they made the choice of a scalable platform when the went with X86-64, it was Mark Cernys major push to go with X86. They did not shout it because they did not want to scare consumers, but behind the scence it was talked about. You can find articles with higher ups in more mature journalism platforms talking about it just after PS4 launch, it was addressed more to share holders and partners than the general consumer.

As for storage, Samsung expects flash storage costs to be half of mechnical drives by 2020. This will be important for both a mobile PlayStation and PS5, because SSD will be required for each to exsist.

Like I said, I think they have to do it, but I don't think it is time. PlayStation games need a mobile option, and Remote Play is not the answer. With the way they have structured their business, a mobile PlayStation would have little impact on their business, and require very few sales to be a viable product. I think a new Mobile PlayStation makes since around 2019 or 2020. Anything sooner and it will be very interesting to see how they pull it off.