Sony Project Q gaming handheld announced at PlayStation Showcase 2023. Picture: Sony
Sony confirmed its new gaming handheld – internally known as Project Q – will be released later this year, along with PlayStation’s official wireless earbuds.
Project Q will enable gamers to stream compatible games via Remote Play over Wi-Fi.
PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan confirmed the launch of Project Q, saying it “has an 8-inch HD screen and all of the buttons and features of the DualSense wireless controller.”
He explained: “We will launch a dedicated device that enables you to stream any game from your PS5 console using Remote Play over Wi-Fi.”
The LCD screen boasts up to 1080 p and 60fps over Wi-Fi, with Sony saying it will deliver “crisp visuals and smooth gameplay when you’re away from your TV“.
It also supports adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
Announcing the earbuds, Ryan said the set would simultaneously connect to smartphones via Bluetooth.
“New wireless technology will deliver lossless audio with low latency, giving you outstanding sound quality while you’re playing”.
It was also confirmed during the PlayStation Showcase that the games you play on Project Q must be installed on your PS5 console itself.
Hence, it’s not a standalone handheld, per se. Think of it as a companion for your PS5. This, of course, could change if Sony ventures into streaming gaming services.
Sony’s announcement of the Project Q launch comes at a time when the market for handheld gaming devices continues to grow exponentially.
While the Nintendo Switch dominates the market, new players recently entered the arena – Valve’s Steam Deck and the ROG Ally.
LISTEN: All about the new ROG Ally gaming handheld [Podcast]
Ryan said Sony is “investing heavily in the future with innovative best-in-class hardware,” including PlayStation VR2 and Project Q.
The PlayStation Showcase 2023 delivered a cadence of new trailers and gameplay trailers. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly Spider-Man 2.
Other confirmed games include Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Final Fantasy 16, Alan Wake, Street Fighter 6, and Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater.
WATCH: Everything announced at PlayStation Showcase 2023