What is the deal with 'Project Q'?

The upcoming handheld is not a standalone console per se, it depends on your PlayStation 5 and a local Wi-Fi connection.

During the latest PlayStation showcase, Sony made significant announcements for upcoming games, although, most of them are multiplatform. The event did not limit itself to software, and Sony announced a couple of peripherals that were rumored to be in the works.

One of them was the wireless earbuds, and the other one was 'Project Q', Sony's next handheld console after the PS Vita. The rumors of Project Q were unfortunately confirmed. We say 'unfortunately' because the console is not what you expect.

There will be no games running natively on the console. Project Q will serve as a glorified streaming device that will need to connect via Wi-Fi to your PS5 so you can play the games in another room within the house.

You can already do this if you have a smartphone, tablet, or laptop via the PlayStation Remote Play app. However, you need to pair a DualSense via Bluetooth to play.

Backbone One, and Project Q are two very similar solutions | Credit: IGN

Backbone One is another official solution that is like Project Q. Backbone One is a controller-type attachment that you can hook to your smartphone (iPhone or Android), and with the PS Remote Play app, you are good to go.

Who is Project Q for?

Streaming to your console comes at a price, there is input lag, and the visuals take a hit. You won't be able to enjoy the games at high refresh rates as well. This kind of problem is acceptable if you play via PS Remote Play app, which is free, on your tablet or smartphone.

Paying $100 for the Backbone One might not seem like a lot because it is a peripheral that can be used to play anything on your phone; you are not limiting yourself to a console or game. If you are a gamer that plays a lot on your smartphone, you might already have a similar solution.

We still don't know what Sony is going to charge for the Project Q, and from the looks of it, it will carry the same issues you get when playing on the PS Remote Play app. There is no real advantage or added value to getting the handheld.

Despite the inherent issues related to streaming. The handheld will have an 8-inch screen and the controllers will carry all the benefits of the DualSense, including the haptic feedback, and adaptive triggers.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming handheld from Sony? Are you disappointed that it's just capable of streaming games instead of natively running them? Let me know in the comments below.

Happy gaming.