Unveiled at Gamescom 2026, the Yoniq Portal is all about nostalgia, with a design directly inspired by the legendary PlayStation 2 controller. Though still shrouded in mystery, this handheld console might have a few surprises in store.
It’s hard not to recognize the Yoniq Portal’s inspiration at first glance. The console echoes the basic design of the DualShock 2, with its directional pad, two large analog sticks, four action buttons, and signature triggers. But Yoniq takes the concept a step further: a slightly angled 4- to 5-inch screen is positioned in the center of the controller, separating the two handles. The result gives the device a decidedly retro look, while retaining the controls that defined an entire generation of gamers.
A look that brings back fond memories. © Retro Dodo
For now, however, the Portal remains largely a mystery. Yoniq has not disclosed the processor, RAM, storage capacity, or battery life, nor has it revealed the screen’s resolution or technology. The console is expected to run on PantasOS, the operating environment developed by Yoniq to connect its various devices and enable, in particular, the synchronization of games and save files. The manufacturer also mentions cross-platform cloud connectivity, as well as various features for performance optimization and control customization. These are enticing promises, but they still need to be put to the test.
After all, Yoniq is still a complete unknown in the small world of retro consoles. Retro Dodo explains that it discovered the company just a few days before Gamescom and initially had some doubts, particularly because of a website that used numerous AI-generated images. On site, however, the prototypes were very real. The company also claims to have solid experience in manufacturing portable consoles and to rely on a large industrial network in China. It remains to be seen whether the Portal will be more than just a nostalgic curiosity. No price or specific release date has been announced yet, but a countdown timer displayed by Yoniq suggests a launch around January 2027.
