We might be getting a new portable gaming device from Sony. Would this mean we’re getting a portable PS5? I don’t think Sony has released a portable console in a while, and they used to be a giant in this market. What can we expect from the new handheld project rumored to be in the works? Does it just work with PS Remote Play, or does it do a lot more?
Gaming Handheld Rumors from Sony.
Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming says Sony has a handheld gaming device called Q Lite in the works. It doesn’t look like Sony will compete directly with Steam Deck in the handheld gaming market, because there’s more than one category.
Sony has consistently promoted Remote Play as part of the Q Lite project, according to the rumors. Steam Deck, Aya Neo, ONEXPlayer, and ROG Ally are all competing for fans’ attention after the PSP and PS Vita. Many gamers might be disheartened to learn that there won’t be a full-fledged portable PlayStation.
PS5 accessories, like its upcoming wireless earphones and headsets, may be released near the end of 2023, including the Q Lite project.
Are We Looking at a Handheld Console or an Accessory for the PS5?
Although we don’t know much about the Q Lite, it seems likely that it will be just an accessory for the PS5 since Sony is doubling down on it. Rather than focus on handhelds anymore, Sony has chosen to focus on one platform and expand on it; creating accessories that enhance its main product.
Additionally, Sony makes multiple versions of its consoles. It sounds crazy, but we could also get a handheld PS5 along with a slim or pro version. As Valve has shown, you can play PS5 games on Steam (and use PS Remote Play) with the Steam Deck. It would be easy for Sony to do the same thing as Valve and make a portable PS5. Despite how exciting this is, it’s more likely that the Q Lite is a supplement to PS5.
Playing Cloud Games on Your Handheld Might Be Sony’s Next Move.
Despite its potential, the Q Lite would fall short if all it did was what the Steam Deck and even your phone and a wireless controller can already do.
PlayStation Plus premium tier subscribers already get access to a cloud streaming service, albeit it’s restricted to PS4 and older games. It’s rumored that the Q Lite is just a remote play device, but we think it’s more. Possibly a cloud-based handheld PlayStation; a reimagined portable PlayStation designed for gamers on the go.
It’s possible to do what Google Stadia tried to do with Q Lite and PlayStation Plus cloud streaming. PlayStation could be the one to succeed where Stadia failed with its large library of games and Sony’s 20-year experience in gaming.
Next-Gen Portable PlayStations: Cloud Gaming.
That’s cool if it’s just PS Remote Play. However, it’s not as cool as the PSP or PS Vita. It’s possible, however, to make cloud gaming available for the Q Lite through a PlayStation Plus subscription, making it viable as a standalone.
Sony needs to make a cloud gaming product that could boost the market.
