Once a dominant force in the handheld console market, Is Sony planning to release a portable version of the PS5?
What should we expect from the rumored upcoming handheld project? Will it simply function as a PS Remote Play accessory, act as a full-featured gaming device, or be something entirely different?
Rumors have been swirling around Sony’s handheld gaming device
According to Tom Henderson from Insider Gaming, Sony is working on a new handheld gaming device named “Q Lite.” Although the handheld market includes several segments, it seems that Sony isn’t aiming to compete directly with Steam Deck.
Many gamers have been eagerly awaiting a successor to the PSP or PS Vita that could compete with devices like Steam Deck, Aya Neo, ONEXPlayer, and ROG Ally.
Will Sony’s handheld gaming device act as a PS5 accessory, or will it operate independently as its own console?
After stopping the production of its portable devices, Sony has focused on developing a unified platform and enhancing it with additional gadgets designed to improve user experience.
Sony is well-known for releasing multiple versions of its gaming consoles. Although it might seem unlikely, it’s possible that they’re not only developing a PS5 Slim or Pro variant but also working on a handheld version.
Valve has shown that the Steam Deck is capable of running all PS5 game titles available on Steam, including those accessed through PS Remote Play. Inspired by this example, Sony might consider creating a portable version of its console. While this possibility is exciting, recent rumors indicate it’s more likely that the Q Lite will complement rather than replace the core capabilities of the PS5 system.
Sony Might Enter the Handheld Cloud Gaming Market
Although the Q Lite holds promise, its potential might be restricted if it simply duplicates a feature readily available on the Steam Deck and mobile phones with wireless controllers. Rather than depending exclusively on this device, you might want to set up PS Remote Play. This allows you to enjoy gaming from your PS5 across all compatible devices, such as smartphones, without needing a Q Lite.
Sony is presently providing a cloud streaming service through its PlayStation Plus premium tier subscription, though it’s limited to PS4 games and older titles. While there are rumors suggesting the Q Lite might simply function as a remote play device, we suspect it could offer more than that — possibly emerging as an innovative handheld PlayStation crafted specifically for the expanding cloud gaming market.
PlayStation Plus cloud-streaming and the Q Lite possess the potential to achieve what Google Stadia aimed for. With Sony’s vast game library and more than two decades of experience in gaming, it might succeed where Stadia did not.
The future of portable PlayStations could lie in cloud gaming
Although acquiring a PS Remote Play device is decent, it doesn’t quite match the thrill of owning a PSP or PS Vita.
We expect Sony to introduce a product that could rejuvenate and expand the cloud gaming industry.
Once a dominant force in the handheld console market, there is curiosity about whether Sony will introduce a portable version of the PS5.
