Project Q<br>

The PlayStation Vita may be a thing of the past, but Sony is making a comeback in the world of gaming handhelds, albeit in a different way. During Sony's recent PlayStation gaming showcase, they unveiled a surprise new device slated for release later this year, code-named "Project Q." This device appears to be a combination of a large display and a DualSense controller.

The handheld device is expected to support Wi-Fi streaming of all PlayStation games and features an 8-inch HD LCD screen. Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan assured that the accompanying controller would include all the functionalities found in the standard DualSense controller for the PlayStation 5. However, details about the price and specific positioning of this device are still unknown.

Some speculate whether it could be similar to Nintendo's Wii U tablet, acting as a companion for the PS5. Others question whether it will have portability and can be used on the go. Additionally, there is curiosity about whether it will function as a versatile DualSense controller with added second-screen capabilities, similar to the Wii U.

According to a source that initially leaked information about this handheld, it is anticipated to be released in late November of this year.

Streaming handhelds are becoming increasingly popular, with devices like Logitech's G Cloud and the Razer Edge running on Android. The offline functionality of Sony's new handheld remains uncertain, but it is evidently intended to serve as a second screen and a mobile gaming option for the PS5. On a related note, the Backbone One game controller, which has a partnership with PlayStation and enables wireless streaming of PS5 games on phones, recently announced a model compatible with Android.

Sony has already introduced several expensive accessories for the PlayStation 5 this year, such as the PlayStation VR 2, a $550 VR headset that connects to the PS5 via a cable. This seems to present a contrasting proposition to what Project Q offers. Sony also released the pricey DualSense Edge, a $200 customizable pro controller.

While the details about the pricing of Sony's second screen PS5 game handheld are still unknown, its large screen has generated excitement among enthusiasts as it could enhance the gaming experience. The inclusion of a fully featured controller suggests that gameplay responsiveness could be on par with playing directly on the PS5 itself. Perhaps, in the future, Sony may even consider launching a new version of the Vita.

This article is written by Gaurav Advit.