Sony may have a handheld gaming console in the works
Remember the Playstation portable? It was a handheld device that made its market debut in 2004—the Nintendo Switch of its time. And similar to the Switch, you play games and even audio and video off a memory stick. In addition, it also had web browsing capabilities. The Playstation portable was released three years before the first generation iPhone. Which, of course, you know, changed the world.
In 2012, Sony released the PSP Vita, an upgraded device with an OLED screen and optional cellular connectivity. But three years later, Sony ended its production circa 2012. As a result, there hasn’t been a device like the PSP from Sony. That is until now.
This is a PSP Vista launched in 2012
Rumors are circulating the web Sony is in the process of releasing another portable gaming device. The seeds of this rumor are from an insider Gaming source. It states that the name of this device from Sony is the codename "Q Lite"; it will be a streaming exclusive only, much like Logitech's G-Cloud.
Though both have streaming capabilities, the QLite differentiates itself by using Nvidia's GeForce Now and Microsoft's iCloud. How it will operate is very interesting. Users can access both services to run any game of choice off their servers and then send video feeds of outputted games, capturing users' inputs and sending them directly over the internet back to the game. Grasp all of that for a second. This all will function well if users are near the servers. However, latency issues can arise in remote regions of the world.
However, the QLite's primary intent is supposed to be used for the Playstation Remote Play. Functions are similar to what you see in the image above. However, instead of using a remote server for internet streaming, you stream video feed from a Playstation console on a home network.
Another fun fact is Remote Play is a feature that has existed since the PlayStation 3 and the original PSP. Insider Gamer stated the "QLite" will support " adaptive streaming up to 1080p at 60 FPS and will come with an 8" LCD touchscreen and gaming accessories. It includes an 8-inch LCD screen, standard volume controls, speakers, and in-and-out audio jacks.
Inside Gaming also reports that the handheld gaming device will make its way to market before Sony releases the PS5 Pro, which is scheduled to take place in late 2024. If Sony does launch the QLite handheld gaming device, it will be interesting to see how it competes against the likes of the Nintendo Switch and Valve Steam Deck.
