Sony is reportedly developing six new devices under the PlayStation brand, according to knowledgeable insiders and reporters who cover the industry. One key figure cited is Tom Henderson, a journalist at Insider Gaming, who has shared details about several upcoming projects.
The first device is said to carry the codename Project Leonardo and is described as a specialized controller designed to assist players with disabilities. The expectation is that Project Leonardo would make its way to the market in the latter part of 2023, aligning with Sony’s broader push to broaden accessibility across its gaming ecosystem.
Further plans mention a refreshed console in the PlayStation 5 family, commonly referred to as PlayStation 5 Slim. The rumored design would feature a removable drive, deviating from the original physical format. According to sources cited by Henderson, Sony was anticipated to unveil the device during a PlayStation Showcase event in May 2023, with retail availability projected for September 2023. While timelines in early reports shifted, the general trajectory suggested a slimmer iteration alongside the ongoing PS5 lineup.
Additionally, Sony is said to be exploring a new pair of headsets under the codenames Project Nomad and Project Voyager. Nomad is described as a true wireless stereo (TWS) earbud pairing with a charging case, while Voyager would constitute a new set of full-size Bluetooth over-ear headphones. The projected market window for these audio devices pointed to the first quarter of 2024, continuing Sony’s expansion into immersive audio experiences for console and PC gamers alike.
Another project mentioned is a portable game console nicknamed Q Lite. Unlike predecessors such as the PSP and PS Vita, Q Lite would emphasize cloud-based play rather than offline game installations. In effect, it would rely on streaming and online services, with the release expected in the fourth quarter of 2023 as part of Sony’s hybrid approach to portable gaming.
In the lineup’s flagship position sits a device referred to as PlayStation 5 Pro. Insider reporting suggested that Sony would begin distributing development prototypes to game creators in the coming months, with a launch targeted toward the end of 2024. The anticipated Pro model would aim to complement the PS5 ecosystem by offering enhanced performance and new features tailored for developers and enthusiasts alike.
Overall, industry coverage notes that consumer interest in new PlayStation hardware often hinges on a mix of price, performance upgrades, and the value of exclusive software. While some observers have questioned the pace of new hardware releases, others point to Sony’s ongoing strategy of delivering refreshed hardware alongside strong software lineups as a way to sustain engagement among players in North America and across the region. [Source: Insider Gaming reports via Tom Henderson]