Handheld sport consoles are nothing new, however they’ve seen one thing of a resurgence lately.
Nintendo’s Change was the one lifelike choice for some time, however since then options have been added from Valve (Steam Deck), Asus (ROG Ally) and Logitech (G Cloud), amongst others.
Sony is not any stranger to handhelds, however the upcoming Venture Q console would be the firm’s first foray in over a decade. It additionally takes a really totally different method to rivals – here is every thing it is advisable know.
When will PlayStation Venture Q be launched?
Sony formally introduced the Venture Q gadget on the PlayStation Showcase occasion on Could 24, 2023.
Talking on the occasion, PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan mentioned it’ll launch “later this 12 months”. The official announcement tweet would not give a lot away both:
Insider Gaming – a web site that accurately leaked particulars in regards to the handheld previous to the announcement – reports that the {hardware} is “at the moment scheduled to be launched in mid-late November 2023.”
Is Venture Q the ultimate identify?
In all probability not. Sony likes to tease its {hardware} earlier than it is achieved branding, so it is nearly sure that the identify will change earlier than it truly launches.
We do not know what will probably be known as precisely. PlayStation Transportable is already achieved – will it’s one thing direct like PlayStation Stream?
How a lot will Sony’s Venture Q price?
As you’d anticipate, pricing is one thing Sony is not able to reveal simply but.
In response to Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson (showing on the Iron Lords podcast), it prices round $200. That might considerably undercut its most blatant rival, the Logitech G Cloud, which is able to set you again $349.99 for those who pay full value. UK costs are unlikely to be direct conversions.
Nevertheless, to make use of Venture Q additionally, you will want a PS5. For those who do not already personal one, costs begin at $399 / £389. Discover out extra in our separate article on the place to purchase the PS5.
What about Sony Venture Q design and specs?
The primary necessary factor to notice is that Venture Q won’t be a standalone console. As a substitute, you possibly can stream video games out of your PS5 utilizing Sony’s present Distant Play function.
Though not explicitly acknowledged, it’s anticipated to solely help Wi-Fi. There is a slim probability of cellular help, however the primary intent right here appears to be an additional display screen so you possibly can proceed gaming at house whereas another person takes over the TV.
The design of the gadget itself is comparatively easy. Basically you are taking a look at an 8-inch 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 is an HD decision LCD show and Sony says will probably be capable of run 1080p video games at as much as 60fps.
This is a have a look at what to anticipate:
All PS5 video games are supported besides VR titles designed for the PlayStation VR2. All it is advisable do is make sure that they’re put in on the primary console.
Apparently sufficient, it additionally seems to be like Venture Q will run a model of Android. In July 2023, @Zuby_Tech posted a leaked video and pictures of what seems to be the gadget on Twitter.
These first appeared on Imgur, earlier than being dug up by AyoadeNBN on Reddit.
The {hardware} is similar to official photos from Sony, however it seems to be like we’re getting Android on the software program aspect. It seems to be a base model of Google’s working system, however so much may change between now and the ultimate launch.
Within the video we additionally check out the highest, again and backside of the gadget, however there’s nothing particular. Nevertheless, 4 further buttons, microphones and audio system all appear to be there.
As you will have seen, Sony will even be launching its very first PlayStation Earbuds across the identical time. These are wi-fi and sure suitable with Venture Q, so the hand-held will nearly actually help Bluetooth.
However different necessary particulars about Venture Q have but to be revealed. That features processor, battery life, charging speeds, and whether or not there is a mobile choice.
In fact, to get a way of what the Venture Q expertise will probably be like, you do not have to attend for the gadget itself to start out. Distant play has been round for years and is suitable with most smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs.