In a groundbreaking move, Sony has announced the launch of an upgraded PlayStation Portal model, set to hit Japanese shelves next month. This new iteration boasts internal storage, hinting at potential future expansions of the handheld's functionality. The brand-new addition marks a significant shift from its previous design as a remote play device for PS5 games, towards a more self-contained, fully-fledged handheld experience. In light of this update, Sony has also rebranded the Japanese name of the device from "Playstation Portal Remote Player" to simply "PlayStation Portal Player," signaling a departure from its previous image as an accessory tied to PS5 remote play. The new model will be available for preorder from November 13, priced the same as the current version (39,980 yen). However, it's worth noting that the device is Japanese language only and requires a Japanese PSN account. As speculation swirls about Sony's alleged exclusive access to AMD's next-gen graphics tech for a potential handheld console, gaming enthusiasts eagerly await to see if this new model will make its way to international markets, potentially hinting at the future of PlayStation handheld devices. Verity Townsend, a Japan-based freelance writer and former editor, contributor, and translator for Automaton West, has covered the news of this exciting development in the gaming world.