Sony’s New Q Handheld is Official: 8-Inch Screen, Streams PS5 Games

Exciting news has emerged from Sony as they have officially confirmed their latest project in the gaming realm: a PlayStation handheld device aimed at enhancing the accessibility and convenience of playing PS5 games. This revelation took place during Wednesday’s highly anticipated PlayStation Showcase, where Sony unveiled their new endeavor named “Project Q.”

According to a press release issued by Sony, Project Q will boast an impressive LCD screen capable of rendering games at a stunning 1080p resolution and a smooth 60 frames per second, all accomplished through a Wi-Fi connection. Additionally, Sony’s handheld device will incorporate the much-acclaimed features of their DualSense controller, including the innovative adaptive triggers and immersive haptic feedback. With these advancements, gamers can expect a fully immersive gaming experience in the palm of their hands.

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

While the anticipation builds for the launch of Project Q later this year, Sony has kept the specifics regarding its release date and pricing under wraps. The exact timing of the device’s arrival and the cost associated with it remain undisclosed, leaving fans eagerly awaiting further updates from Sony.

In summary, Sony’s confirmation of their upcoming PlayStation handheld, Project Q, has sparked excitement among gaming enthusiasts. With promises of high-quality graphics, seamless connectivity, and immersive gameplay features, this handheld device is poised to revolutionize the way players engage with their PS5 games. As the launch draws nearer, gamers worldwide eagerly await additional details about this promising addition to the PlayStation family.

“We will launch a dedicated device that enables you to stream any game from your PS5 console using Remote Play over Wi-Fi,” PlayStation boss Jim Ryan said during the PlayStation Showcase. “Internally known as ‘Project Q,’ it has an 8-inch HD screen and all of the buttons and features of the DualSense wireless controller.”

In light of the information provided, it appears that Sony’s newly unveiled device, codenamed Project Q, is intended to serve as a companion for PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles rather than a standalone gaming device. According to the fine print from Sony’s presentation, games played on Project Q must be installed on a connected PS5 console. Unlike devices such as the Steam Deck or smartphones, Project Q does not seem to support native game playing or game streaming from the cloud.

However, it’s worth noting that Sony is actively involved in cloud gaming and has been rumored to be working on an overhaul of its cloud gaming service, as indicated by various job postings. Consequently, there remains the possibility that cloud gaming capabilities could be introduced to Project Q at a later stage. It would be somewhat unexpected for Sony to omit services that have the potential to generate additional revenue.

One aspect that Sony’s teaser did not address is whether Project Q will support game streaming beyond the confines of the user’s home. Presently, Sony’s Remote Play feature does support cellular connections, although it may require tethering to a phone or a hotspot since Sony has only mentioned Wi-Fi connectivity thus far.

Reports of a potential PlayStation handheld emerged earlier this year, with some information aligning with the features of Project Q. The rumors correctly highlighted its reliance on Remote Play, the presence of an 8-inch LCD screen, similarities to the DualSense controller, and details regarding the maximum resolution and frame rate. Additionally, the handheld was reportedly codenamed the Q Lite, indicating a resemblance to the current Project Q name.

By introducing Project Q, Sony appears to be responding to the growing popularity of handheld gaming devices. While the Nintendo Switch has been incredibly successful, newer contenders like Valve’s Steam Deck and Asus’ ROG Ally have emerged, offering alternative ways to play modern games on more advanced hardware than the aging Switch. Sony’s unique approach with Project Q lies in its limited game streaming capability over Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, for those seeking an official Sony-made handheld gaming experience with access to the latest PlayStation games, setting aside funds for Project Q might be worthwhile.

It’s worth mentioning that Sony’s Remote Play functionality, which allows game streaming from a PS5 console, is not exclusive to Project Q. Remote Play is compatible with various devices such as iPhones, Android phones, Windows computers, and Macs. Additionally, a Linux application called Chiaki can be installed on the Steam Deck to enable Remote Play functionality.

In conclusion, while Sony’s Project Q is initially positioned as a companion device for the PS5 rather than a standalone gaming platform, it remains possible for cloud gaming capabilities to be added later. As handheld gaming gains popularity, Project Q aims to provide a Sony-branded solution for playing the latest PlayStation games on the go, albeit with certain limitations such as Wi-Fi-dependent game streaming. However, if you’re eager to experience game streaming from a PS5, you can explore Sony’s Remote Play feature, which is accessible on a range of devices including smartphones, computers, and even the Steam Deck through the Chiaki application.