The Enormous Potential Market for PlayStation Portal | Opinion

The Nintendo Switch was once a surprising success story, with Team17 CEO Debbie Bestwick aptly describing it as a "lifestyle device". This term resonated with me, as it captured the essence of the Switch's appeal to a broad audience. The Switch is designed to fit seamlessly into one's daily routine, rather than being a device that requires a dedicated time commitment. Personally, I rarely have the luxury of sitting in front of the TV to play games, making the Switch a dream come true. It's surprising that Xbox and PlayStation took so long to capitalize on Nintendo's success with motion controls, and even more surprising that Valve was the first to follow suit. The Steam Deck is an extension of the existing Steam ecosystem, offering players the flexibility to play their favorite games whenever and wherever they choose. This device provides an alternative for those with limited time and addresses the "ageing out" problem that has hindered growth in PC and console gaming. Xbox has also embraced this trend, with chief Phil Spencer expressing enthusiasm for console gaming on-the-go. In an interview with Eurogamer, Spencer stated, "I don't think those devices will be niche; they'll reach scale." The Steam Deck has sold millions of units and is widely used, with many games available on the platform. Spencer also noted that the Steam Deck has contributed to Linux surpassing Mac OS as a runtime platform. Xbox's approach to capitalizing on this trend involves using its cloud streaming service to enable players to stream Xbox games to various handheld devices, using third-party accessories that mimic the Xbox controller. This allows gamers to play Xbox games on devices they already own, rather than requiring a dedicated console. Spencer also highlighted the importance of cross-play, with many developers designing games that can be played across multiple platforms. PlayStation Portal is Sony's effort to enter this market, although it is less flexible than other options, as it is currently tied to the home. However, it is consistent with the company's broader strategy around the PS5, using technology from the DualSense controller to create a distinctly PlayStation experience. There has been debate online about the Portal's price and missing features, but I believe it has the potential to appeal to a large audience. As someone who struggles to find time to play games, I see the Portal as a solution that allows me to play more games, without having to dedicate large blocks of time. The Portal will enable me to play games like Spider-Man 2 on the sofa, while my kids watch TV or play games on their own devices. This may seem like a niche use case, but I believe the Switch and Steam Deck have proven that there is a large market for devices that offer flexibility and convenience. I represent a significant opportunity for the gaming industry: an audience that wants to play more games, but is hindered by time constraints.