Handheld video games consoles are nothing new, however they’ve skilled one thing of a resurgence lately.
Nintendo’s Swap was the one practical choice for some time, however it’s since been joined by options from the likes of Valve (Steam Deck), Asus (ROG Ally) and Logitech (G Cloud).
Sony is not any stranger to handhelds, however its upcoming Mission Q console would be the firm’s first try in effectively over a decade. It’s additionally taking fairly a unique strategy to rivals – right here’s every thing that you must know.
When will the PlayStation Mission Q be launched?
Sony formally introduced the Mission Q machine at its PlayStation Showcase on 24 Could 2023.
On the occasion, PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan mentioned it will likely be launching “later this 12 months”. The official announcement tweet doesn’t give a lot away both, merely stating that there will probably be “extra particulars to return within the months forward”.
Insider Gaming – a web site that had appropriately leaked particulars concerning the handheld previous to its announcement – reports that the {hardware} is “at present scheduled to launch mid-late November 2023.”
Is Mission Q the ultimate title?
In all probability not. Sony likes to tease its {hardware} earlier than it’s completed with branding, so it’s nearly sure that the title will change earlier than it truly launches.
What it’ll truly known as, we don’t know. PlayStation Transportable has already been accomplished – will or not it’s one thing direct like PlayStation Stream?
How a lot will Sony’s Mission Q Value?
As you may anticipate, pricing is one thing Sony isn’t keen to reveal but.
In line with Tom Henderson at Insider Gaming (showing on the Iron Lords podcast), it might value round $200. That will considerably undercut its most evident rival, the Logitech G Cloud, which can set you again $349.99 when paying full worth. UK costs are unlikely to be direct conversions.
Nonetheless, to make use of Mission Q, you’ll additionally want a PS5. When you don’t already personal one, costs begin at $399/£389. Study extra in our separate article on the place to purchase the PS5.
Sony
What about Sony Mission Q’s design and specs?
The primary key factor to notice is that Mission Q received’t be a standalone console. As a substitute, it’ll permit you to stream video games out of your PS5 utilizing Sony’s current Distant Play function.
Whereas not explicitly said, it’s anticipated to solely help Wi-Fi. There’s a small likelihood of mobile help, however the principle intent right here appears to be an additional display so to proceed gaming at residence whereas another person takes over the TV.
The design of the machine itself is comparatively simple. Basically, you’re taking a look at an 8in show with one half of the DualSense controller on both aspect – together with the adaptive triggers, haptic suggestions, and different distinctive options of the common DualSense.
It’s an LCD panel with an HD decision, and Sony says it’ll be able to working 1080p video games at as much as 60fps.
Right here’s a have a look at what you’ll be able to anticipate:
All PS5 video games will probably be supported, except for VR titles designed for the PlayStation VR2. All you’ll must do is ensure that they’re put in on the principle console.
As you may need observed within the video above, Sony may even be launching its first ever PlayStation Earbuds. These are wi-fi and prone to be suitable with Mission Q, so the hand-held will nearly definitely help Bluetooth.
However different key particulars about Mission Q are but to be revealed. The teaser video didn’t reveal which ports it consists of, whereas battery life and charging speeds additionally stay unknown.
In fact, to get an concept of what the Mission Q expertise will probably be like, you don’t have to attend for the machine itself to launch. Distant Play has been round for years, and is suitable with most smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs.