Sony recently unveiled a new handheld device called « Project Q », designed to stream games from the PlayStation 5. Unlike previous PlayStation portable devices such as the PlayStation Portable and PS Vita, this device is exclusively for Remote Play, which means it doesn’t play games by itself, but streams them from a PlayStation 5 console via Wi-Fi. As is typical with cloud-based gaming, a solid internet connection is required to avoid latency problems.
Project Q features an 8-inch HD screen and a button layout that mirrors a standard DualSense controller. It also provides haptic feedback similar to DualSense and is said to be able to stream games at 1080p and 60FPS, provided the Wi-Fi connection is solid. However, it should be noted that Project Q has no cellular capabilities.
This new device is set to enter a highly competitive portable gaming market, currently dominated by powerful devices that offer both streaming and on-board gaming functionality, such as the Steam Deck and Ayaneo devices. Another competitor, the Asus ROG Ally, is also due to enter the market in June 2023. It remains to be seen whether the appeal of playing PS5-exclusive games in portable mode will be enough to attract a new audience, as factors such as price are likely to be decisive for potential gamers.
Project Q is scheduled for launch in 2023, although a precise release date has not been announced. In addition to the device, new PlayStation wireless headphones will also be launched.
