price, data sheet, release date, all about the PS5 accessory

Sony has just revealed the existence of Project Q. This new accessory, which could easily be confused with a portable console, will serve as a secondary screen for the PS5. Via Wi-Fi, players can enjoy their PS5 games remotely on this machine.

It was the last big surprise from the PlayStation Showcase on Wednesday, May 24, 2023. As viewers were barely recovering from the incredible gameplay sequence of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, the CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) looks back on the front and center one last time.

Jim Ryan is therefore arriving to gratify us with a major “One More Thing”: the presentation of a brand new accessory for the PlayStation 5. Baptized for the moment Project Q, this “portable console” will present itself above all as a secondary screen of the PS5.

Also read: A new portable PlayStation in sight? We take stock of the crazy rumors

What is Project Q?

At first glance, you might think that the Project Q is Sony’s answer to Valve’s Steam Deck or Asus’ ROG Ally. But no, unlike the PS Vita or the PSP, it will not be a portable console in its own right.

The PlayStation Q (let’s call it that for now) was designed as an accessory dedicated to the PS5. It can be summed up as a kind of gamepad that will allow you to stream your PS5 games directly via Wi-Fi. From what we know, the PlayStation Q will obviously use the Remote Play functionality, the Japanese firm’s local streaming tool.

Design of Project Q

Like the BackBone One, the first gamepad for playing PlayStation games on the iPhone, this Playstation Q broadly resumes the design of the PS5 era. To put it simply, take a DualSense controller, cut it in half before grafting a screen in the middle and you get the PlayStation Q. If you like the ergonomics of the DualSense, you should be in heaven sincewe should enjoy the same experience.

And the technical sheet then?

Now let’s talk about the technical part of the PlayStation Q. As you can imagine, information on the technical characteristics of the machine can be counted on the fingers of one hand for the moment.

From what we know, the device will have a 8 inch LCD screen with a refresh rate of 60Hz and in HD definition (720p minimum therefore). In other words, we can hope play in 60 frames per second on the PlayStation Q. “The device delivers crisp visuals and smooth gameplay streaming from your PS5 when you’re not in front of your TV.” writes Sony in an official press release.

Regarding the controls, the manufacturer confirms that we will find all the buttons and all the features of the DualSense. In other words, adaptive triggers and haptic feedback will be part of it. As for the streaming part, it will be based on a Wi-Fi connection.

If we suspect that the machine will carry speakers, we will also have the possibility of setting our sights on new official wireless headphones. These headphones, which should land later this year, will be equipped with “a new wireless technology developed by SIE and will deliver lossless audio with low latency”. The Japanese firm promises to unveil additional details in the coming months.

What are the expected features?

As said above, the PlayStation Q for the moment boils down to “a device that will allow you to stream any compatible game from your PS5 console, using Remote Play over Wi-Fi”.

You would have understood it, the idea is therefore to be able to enjoy your PS5 toy library anywhere, whether you are quietly installed in your bed, outside in public transport or on your sofa when the TV is busy. We find the philosophy of the Nintendo Switch, namely this nomadic and hybrid side which allows you to continue your game at any time.

However, it will be necessary have a strong internet connection for the best experience (recommended speeds have not yet been shared). It remains to be seen whether the PlayStation Q intends to go even further. Who knows, game developers could for example use it as a secondary screen in their titles.

Like what Nintendo’s Wii U GamePad offered, the PlayStation Q could look like a PS5 secondary controller/screen. We could for example consult the map or access our character’s inventory directly on the screen. But again, this is pure speculation.

What games will be compatible?

On this point, Sony did not go into details either. The manufacturer nevertheless assured that it will be possible to run “all compatible games” installed on your PS5. Casually, this implies that some titles will not be available on PlayStation Q.

We obviously think of the PS VR2 and PS VR first games of the name. But who knows, like Valve with the Steam Deck, Sony could offer developers who wish to create versions of their games specially optimized for the PlayStation Q.

The price of the PlayStation Q

Here again, we will have to wait for a new speech from Sony. Regarding the price of the PlayStation Q, we can unfortunately expect anything from the company. Recently, the manufacturer has revised its pricing policy upwards on its flagship products. Since the summer of 2022, the price of the PS5 has climbed by €50 to reach the 550 € in France. As for the PS VR2, the virtual reality headset is displayed at 600 €.

So it’s hard to know what to expect with the PlayStation Q. A reasonable price for such an accessory would be around 200 to 300 €, but again, Sony might surprise us… In a bad way.

PlayStation Q release date

Regarding the release date, the mystery still remains. However, reputable insider Tom Henderson announced on Twitter that the PlayStation Q launch was for now. scheduled for the end of November 2023. Right for the end of the year celebrations. Of course, this information should be taken with a grain of salt.