Friday, April 7th 2023
Rumored New PlayStation Handheld in Development, Remote Play via PS5 Only
Rumors have circulated about a secret development at Sony's PlayStation division - a handheld games console is apparently in the works, but it was previously thought to be a cloud gaming device (similar in function to the Logitech G Cloud). This week, Insider Gaming has published an article that outlines insider information about a Sony project that is identified by the codename "Q Lite". Insider Gaming understands that this handheld will only offer Remote Play, and it will be entirely dependent on the PlayStation 5 games console as a host system. Sony has been touting this remote play feature via plenty of advertising in recent times - it is encouraging its PS4 and PS5 userbase to utilize the PS Remote Play app on compatible platforms including PC, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
The Q Lite is speculated to offer an adaptive streaming system with resolutions going up to 1080p and a maximum of 60 frames per second. This new gaming handheld requires an uninterrupted connection to the internet in order to function via remote play with the PlayStation 5. The inside source claims that the Q Lite prototype unit shares aesthetic elements with the official PlayStation 5 controller, although it will be larger in size - in order to accommodate a generous 8-inch touchscreen LCD system, placed in a central position. The insider mentioned that adaptive triggers and internal haptic feedback motors are notable features, as well as traditional fitting being multiple loudspeakers, volume controls and an audio input jack.
The Q Lite project is quite far into its development cycle - Insider Gaming's source has revealed that the handheld system is currently in a QA phase. The heavily rumored Detachable Disc Drive refresh of the PlayStation 5 is set for an apparent Autumn 2023 release window, and the source reckons that the Q Lite will be incoming soon after. The PlayStation 5 Pro is touted to arrive much later in 2024. This collective of hardware refreshes and accessories is alleged to be part of a "second phase of the PS5" according to industry expert Jeff Grubb.
The PlayStation Vita was Sony's last attempt at taking on Nintendo in the handheld games console market. The Vita offered superior hardware and graphical capabilities when compared to the rival 3DS system, but a meagre software library and higher overall asking price resulted in low sales figures, and the Sony handheld console was deemed a commercial failure. The system was discontinued in early 2019. The Vita also offered a Remote Play function when linked to the PlayStation 4 home console - so Sony is staying consistent with generational updates of that connectivity system.
Sources:
Insider Gaming, PlayStation YouTube Channel, Jeff Grubb Tweet, Backbone One Product Page
The Q Lite is speculated to offer an adaptive streaming system with resolutions going up to 1080p and a maximum of 60 frames per second. This new gaming handheld requires an uninterrupted connection to the internet in order to function via remote play with the PlayStation 5. The inside source claims that the Q Lite prototype unit shares aesthetic elements with the official PlayStation 5 controller, although it will be larger in size - in order to accommodate a generous 8-inch touchscreen LCD system, placed in a central position. The insider mentioned that adaptive triggers and internal haptic feedback motors are notable features, as well as traditional fitting being multiple loudspeakers, volume controls and an audio input jack.
The PlayStation Vita was Sony's last attempt at taking on Nintendo in the handheld games console market. The Vita offered superior hardware and graphical capabilities when compared to the rival 3DS system, but a meagre software library and higher overall asking price resulted in low sales figures, and the Sony handheld console was deemed a commercial failure. The system was discontinued in early 2019. The Vita also offered a Remote Play function when linked to the PlayStation 4 home console - so Sony is staying consistent with generational updates of that connectivity system.
16 Comments on Rumored New PlayStation Handheld in Development, Remote Play via PS5 Only
Now if this was like a Steam Deck where it played PS5 games natively (just at lower graphic fidelity, etc.) that would be far more enticing to me. Or if it was like the PS Vita in that it had it's own eco-system even that would be intriguing. I just feel this device will be dead in the water if it doesn't have some kind of native-play capability.
CPU shouldn't be an issue, the GPU could have less than 18cus.
Having a PS4 handheld would be pretty cool, but I think they would need to die shrink the existing PS4 SoC. Thought I am not even sure if that will be enough to get wattage down enough for a handheld. Taking a Zen based APU might be a bit difficult as I would think that Sony would need to make sure that every PS4 game is heavily tested to verify functionality on the new SoC.
What I would like is a handheld that can actually not just PS4 games, but also PS5 games. Zen4+RDNA3. An APU like in the upcoming Asus handheld. Have it play PS5 games at like 720p and PS4 games at native. Then instead of testing all these games, they just have it were developers can list their game as "verified" in the app store to work with the new handheld.
I really hope as a corporation they don’t waste the resources on this.
My Vita disagrees with this approach, and would like a new battery please.
Do a first party controller accessory to use with any phone and I'm ready to buy, anything else I doubt it.Superior is very questionable, but they do have that market completely corneredAnything else you'd want or like to add or is that unrealistic enought?
Another PS move / kinect.
It's a fucking renewed cheap Vita what I'm talking about. 10 year old hardware, they can do it perfectly instead of left it as a stream device only.