Sony announced its new handheld gaming device on May 24, 2023, during its PlayStation Showcase online event. The company says it is “internally known as “Project Q.” Sony PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan said in the demo the device would have an 8-inch HD screen and features similar to the DualSense wireless controller.
Geoff Keighley, the creator of The Game Awards, seems to be eagerly anticipating Project Q. He has been tweeting about the capabilities of the upcoming gaming device. As the Steam Deck and other handheld consoles become more popular, following Sony’s latest development will let us see the future of handheld gaming.
This article will discuss Sony Project Q’s confirmed features and other online rumors. Then, I will briefly cover the other handhelds competing in the market, such as the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch.
What are the features of Sony Project Q?
This new console may resemble its competitors, but it works differently. Geoff Keighley said it “enables you to play any compatible game installed on your PS5 console Remote Play over Wi-Fi2.”
Sony Project Q links to your PlayStation 5 so that you can play its games. You must keep your PS5 on and connect your Q via wireless internet. Unlike the Steam Deck, it will not let you play PS5 games on the go.
To do that, you must bring your PS5, keep it running, and have a consistent Wi-Fi connection! Based on the initial features, Sony Project Q has no cloud gaming features. Still, it is ideal for playing PS5 games outside your bedroom.
For example, you could play Valorant on it to continue your ranked match while on the toilet. The device will maintain your game’s graphics and performance.
Keighley said the Project Q will have a “vibrant 8-inch LCD screen capable of 1080p resolution at 60 FPS.” As a result, you can rely on this new Sony machine to deliver “crisp visuals and smooth gameplay.”
Sony Project Q will also have features from the PS5 DualSense controller: haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The former is a more advanced version of the old PlayStation controller rumble packs.
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Old controllers vibrate for specific in-game actions, such as getting hit. On the other hand, adaptive triggers rumble to resemble more in-game events.
For example, driving over ice may have a more stable vibration. In contrast, driving on rougher terrain like gravel may have more erratic rumbles.
The adaptive triggers resist your fingers to match more in-game actions. For example, pulling a bowstring makes the trigger initially harder to press. Then, it loosens as your character stretches the string further.
Sony Project Q vs. Steam Deck and other handhelds
Photo Credit: nintendolife.com
Sony’s upcoming device is exciting, but it will face stiff competition. It may struggle to outmatch handhelds like the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck. The Nintendo Switch lets you play on the go without an internet connection.
You can install games online or insert their physical cartridges. You can also detach its controllers or Joy-Cons to distance yourself from the screen. Moreover, you can share them with friends for multiplayer games like Smash Brothers Ultimate.
The Nintendo Switch can link to larger screens like TVs and HD monitors. It has popular exclusive titles like Zelda: Tears of The Kingdom. The Sony Project Q claims it can deliver 60 FPS gaming.
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In contrast, the Switch is well-known for frequent lagging at 30 FPS or lower. Still, the Nintendo device’s offline play will be hard to beat. The Steam Deck is a tougher competitor because it lets people play games from their Steam library.
Like the Switch, you can play offline, depending on your games. The best part is that the Steam machine works like a mini PC, becoming useful outside gaming. For example, you can connect it to a larger screen, mouse, and keyboard to turn it into an office computer.
You may uninstall the built-in Steam operating system for Windows to install Microsoft programs. Consequently, the Steam Deck has significantly more features than the Sony Project Q.
Conclusion
Sony announced it would release a new handheld gaming device called Project Q. It will connect to your PlayStation 5 via Wi-Fi to let you play away from your room.
The Sony Project Q has no specific date and price at the time of writing. Based on similar gaming consoles, it would likely cost roughly $300 to $500.
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