Sony's upcoming PlayStation Portal hand-held console, which will allow gamers to enjoy PS5 titles on the go, is now available for pre-order at the PlayStation Direct online store.
The console, originally called Project Q, is being described as a “remote player”. Here's what else we know so far:
Design
The PlayStation Portal takes a lot of its cues from Nintendo’s successful hand-held console the Switch.
Consisting of a PlayStation 5 controller split in half with a screen in the middle, the design will suit those who find the controller comfortable to use.
The console features an 8-inch LCD screen capable of 1080p resolution at 60fps, which is a decent replication of the experience the PlayStation 5 provides when played on a TV.
Essentially, it functions as an extension of the PlayStation 5. It cannot function without owning a full PlayStation 5, as its primary use is to transmit games from that console to the hand-held device through Wi-Fi.
Sony says the new console is “the perfect device for gamers in households where they might need to share their living room TV or simply want to play PS5 games in another room of the house”.
The console can also support play on the PSVR2, with the use of Sony’s VR headset.
Games
The hand-held console will be able to play everything the PlayStation 5 can play. With a strong Wi-Fi connection, a one-to-one gaming experience can theoretically be replicated on the go.
Gamers can also tap into the PlayStation's large library of games through a PlayStation Plus subscription. Some titles will require a download while others can be streamed through the internet.
Price and release date
The new console will cost gamers a hefty $199.99, which is the same price as Nintendo’s Switch Lite.
Sony says the PlayStation Portable will be out on November 15.
Initial impressions
Sony’s previous forays into hand-held gaming range from the successful PlayStation Portable, better known as the PSP, to the underwhelming PS Vita.
The PSP was certainly ahead of its time in terms of options and capabilities, being able to play decent games – as well as the option of full-length films – on the go.
Since then, Sony has taken a back seat to Nintendo as a contender in the market.
While the PlayStation Portal remote player looks like an exciting idea, it is still hindered by having to be tethered to a PlayStation 5.
At best, it is an extra screen that allows for more flexible gameplay at home or on the go, and at worst it is an appendage to the powerful PlayStation 5, relying on it to do the heavy lifting.
