Sony has had great success with the PS5, but it does not have the best track record when it comes to smartphones. However, that hasn't stopped the company from continuing to make the Xperia series, starting with the Xperia 1 III and Xperia 5 III. But what would happen if the company released a device that was part smartphone and part handheld gaming console? It might look something like this.

Designer Anesthétique Projets mocked up a concept for a hybrid handheld gaming device (via Yanko Design). This handset, with dedicated gaming buttons, is intended for gaming but has the features one would expect from a smartphone. While this rendered image doesn't answer all of the questions about how it would work, we like the idea as a concept.

As a handheld console, the PlayStation phone (PS5G) doesn't skimp on features: there's a D-pad, PlayStation action button, PS Home button, option button, share button, and two analog sticks. It even has two sets of shoulder buttons to provide the L1/R1 and L2/R2 shoulder bumpers and triggers functionality of the PS5 dual-sense controller; there is no need to add peripherals to make the PS5G gaming-specific; it can be used as is.

The smartphone features a tall, thin device that follows Sony's Xperia series to some extent. It has a generously sized panel, a five-camera array on the back, and dual cameras on the front. The Zeiss-branded setup should be acceptable to fictional users, as no one wants to compromise on such an important part of a smartphone as the camera.

The PS5G has a volume rocker and power button, as expected, and the charging port is located along the length of the chassis, rather than the usual "bottom" position, to accommodate gaming functions. This makes it possible to play while charging, and the cable does not stick into your hand and get in the way.

Of course, 5G connectivity is great for both smartphones and handheld gaming devices, facilitating gaming on the go.

Sony seems to have thrown in the towel on portable gaming in recent years, discontinuing production of the PSP and PS Vita. Considering its less than stellar success in the mobile market, branching out into the production of these two hybrids could be a move that pays off for the company.

Thanks to Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft has avoided the need to create its own portable gaming console. Gamers have access to Xbox's vast game library, which can be accessed via the cloud on numerous devices, including smartphones.

Sony has nothing comparable to a Netflix-style cloud gaming service, and for those of us who miss the PSP and Vita, the PS5G looks like an attractive product we would love to see happen.