Handheld game consoles aren’t new, but they’ve had something of a resurgence in recent years.
Nintendo’s Switch was the only realistic option for a while, but it’s since been joined by alternatives like Valve (Steam Deck), Asus (ROG Ally), and Logitech (G Cloud).
Sony is no stranger to handhelds, but its upcoming Project Q console will be the company’s first attempt in over a decade. It also takes quite a different approach to rivals – here’s everything you need to know.
When will PlayStation Project Q be released?
Sony officially announced the Project Q device during its PlayStation Showcase on May 24, 2023.
At the event, PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan said it would launch “later this year”. THE official announcement tweet doesn’t give away much either, simply stating that there will be “more details to come in the coming months”.
Insider Gaming – a site that correctly leaked details about the handheld before its announcement – reports that the material is “currently slated for release mid-late November 2023”.
Is Project Q the final name?
Probably not. Sony likes to tease its hardware before it’s done with the brand, so it’s almost certain the name will change before it launches.
What it will actually be called, we don’t know. PlayStation Portable has already been done – will it be something direct like PlayStation Stream?
How much will Sony’s Project Q cost?
As you’d expect, pricing is something Sony isn’t willing to divulge just yet.
According to Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson (appearing on the Iron Lords podcast), it can cost around $200. That would significantly undercut its most obvious rival, the Logitech G Cloud, which will set you back $349.99 paying full price. UK prices are unlikely to be direct conversions.
However, to use Project Q, you will also need a PS5. If you don’t already own one, prices start at $399 / £389. Learn more in our separate article on where to buy the PS5.
sony
What about the design and specs of the Sony Project Q?
The first thing to note is that Project Q will not be a standalone console. Instead, it will allow you to stream games from your PS5 using Sony’s existing Remote Play feature.
Although not explicitly stated, it should only support Wi-Fi. There is a small chance of cellular support, but the main intent here seems to be an extra screen so you can continue to play at home while someone else takes control of the TV.
The design of the device itself is relatively simple. Essentially, you’re looking at an 8-inch screen with half the DualSense controller on either side – including adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and other features unique to the regular DualSense.
It’s an LCD panel with HD resolution, and Sony says it’ll be able to run 1080p games at up to 60 fps.
Here is an overview of what you can expect:
All PS5 games will be supported, except for VR titles made for the PlayStation VR2. All you will need to do is make sure they are installed on the main console.
As you may have noticed in the video above, Sony will also be releasing its first-ever PlayStation headphones. These are wireless and likely compatible with Project Q, so the handheld will almost certainly support Bluetooth.
But other key details about Project Q have yet to be revealed. The teaser video did not reveal which ports it includes, while battery life and charging speeds also remain unknown.
Of course, to get an idea of what the Project Q experience will look like, you don’t need to wait for the device itself to launch. Remote Play has been around for years and is compatible with most smartphones, tablets, laptops, and PCs.
Table of Contents
