Handheld gaming consoles are not new, but they have seen a comeback in recent years. For a while, Nintendo’s Switch was the only viable choice, but it has since been joined by alternatives from Valve (Steam Deck), Asus (ROG Ally), and Logitech (G Cloud).
Sony is no stranger to handhelds, but the company’s next Project Q console will be its first try in well over a decade. It is also adopting a different strategy than competitors – here’s all you need to know.
When will the PlayStation Project Q be released?
On May 24, 2023, Sony will formally unveil the Project Q gadget during its PlayStation Showcase.
At the presentation, PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan stated that it will be available “later this year.” The official announcement tweet doesn’t reveal much either, only claiming that “more details will be forthcoming in the months ahead.”
According to Insider Gaming, which properly disclosed data about the handheld ahead to its introduction, the device is “currently scheduled to release mid-late November 2023.”
Is Project Q the final name?
Most likely not. Sony is known for teasing its hardware before it is finalized with branding, so it’s virtually probable that the name will change before the device is released.
We have no idea what it will be called. The PlayStation Portable has already been completed; will it be something more direct, such as PlayStation Stream?
How much will Sony’s Project Q Cost?
Sony, as one might assume, is not yet prepared to provide price.
It might cost roughly $200, according to Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming (who spoke on the Iron Lords show). That would drastically undercut its most apparent competitor, the Logitech G Cloud, which costs $349.99 when purchased in full. Prices in the United Kingdom are unlikely to be straight conversions.
However, in order to use Project Q, you will also require a PS5. If you don’t already have one, costs start at $399/£389 for the base model. More information may be found in our separate post on where to buy the PS5.
What about Sony Project Q’s design and specs?
The first thing to mention is that Project Q will not be a stand-alone console. Instead, you’ll be able to stream games from your PS5 using Sony’s current Remote Play function.
While it is not expressly specified, it is believed to support solely Wi-Fi. There’s a potential of cellular support, but the main goal here appears to be an additional screen so you can keep gaming at home while someone else watches TV.
The device’s design is quite easy. Essentially, you’re looking at an 8-inch display with one half of the DualSense controller on either side – complete with adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and other unique DualSense capabilities.
It’s an LCD panel with an HD resolution, and Sony says it’ll be capable of running 1080p games at up to 60fps.
Here’s a look at what you can expect:
Take a sneak peek at new accessories revealed at today’s Showcase — the Project Q device for playing games installed on your PS5 and streamed over WiFi, plus our first official wireless earbuds offering lossless audio on PS5 and PC.
More details to come in the months ahead. pic.twitter.com/0nzemSWSCV
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) May 24, 2023
Except for VR titles created for the PlayStation VR2, all PS5 games will be supported. All you have to do is ensure that they are installed on the primary console.
As you can see in the video above, Sony will also be releasing its first-ever PlayStation Earbuds. These are wireless and probably surely Project Q compatible, therefore the handheld will almost certainly support Bluetooth.
Other important elements concerning Project Q, however, have yet to be published. The teaser video does not show which ports it has, and the battery life and charging speeds are still unclear.
Of course, you don’t have to wait for the gadget to be released to get a sense of what the Project Q experience will be like. Remote Play has been available for several years and is compatible with the majority of smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs.
