TL; DR
- PlayStation has confirmed that it is working on a handheld device called Project Q.
- Project Q allows users to stream games on PS5 via PS Remote Play.
- The device is scheduled to launch later this year.
PlayStation has some history with handheld devices over the years. There was the PlayStation Portable (PSP), the PSP Go and finally the PlayStation Vita. However, ten years have passed since the last attempt. But PlayStation is dipping its toes into the water again with Project Q.
A month ago, PlayStation was rumored to be working on a new handheld device called Project Q. Before the end of PlayStation’s hour-long show on Wednesday, Sony Interactive Entertainment president and CEO Jim Ryan officially confirmed the existence of Project Q.
If you were hoping for a PS Vita successor, you’ll be disappointed. Instead, it is a streaming device that allows the user to play games stored on the PS5 via Remote Play and a Wi-Fi connection.
Check out the new accessories announced at today’s show — the Project Q device, which plays games installed on your PS5 and streams over WiFi, and our first official wireless headphones that deliver lossless audio on PS5 and PC.
“We’re launching a unique tool that lets you stream any game from your PS5 console using Remote Play over Wi-Fi,” Ryan said. “Inside, known as ‘Project Q’, it has an 8-inch HD screen and all the buttons and features of the DualSense wireless controller.”
That 8-inch screen is an LCD display with a resolution of 1080p and a frame rate of 60fps. The device is scheduled to arrive sometime this year. Being a companion device rather than a dedicated console like the Steam Deck, you can only play games that are stored and installed on your PS5.
There aren’t many details about the device yet, so it’s hard to tell if this will offer more than just using Remote Play on your phone. However, Sony’s hand, which last month began hiring for 22 roles related to cloud gaming technology, points to a recent push into cloud gaming.