Handheld consoles have become popular again ever since the Nintendo Switch came out. Since then, people were also given the choice of purchasing the Steam Deck among other handheld console brands. We already know that PlayStation is releasing one of its own, and some already got their hands on one.
What's the PS5 Handheld Like?
Of course, you have your screen and the control buttons. Imagine cutting the handles off of a PS5 controller and placing a slightly larger Nintendo Switch screen in the middle. The screen is large enough that it might be difficult to press it with your thumbs while gripping the handle.
Based on the videos posted by the leaker @Zuby_Tech, the console uses an Android-based operating system. The interface isn't as sophisticated as one would expect for PlayStation, especially when you compare it with the original handheld, PlayStation Portable.
PlayStation Project Q Leaks:#PlayStation #ProjectQ https://t.co/gyFrsW7xkN pic.twitter.com/0R0yQIdr0I
— @Zuby_Tech_Pro (@Zuby_Tech) July 22, 2023
You would think that the screen resembles that of the actual PS5 console, but it's really more of a tablet that you can navigate using the controller. It does help that it's a touchscreen, but also that you can control it with the buttons since as mentioned before, it can be hard to reach.
It could be that the device is not running the actual operating system that Sony intends to use since it is not yet officially released, but we'll see soon enough. As reported by Kotaku, the handheld console is set to be released later this year.
Officially, the company calls it "Project Q," and the screen will run games at up to 1080p and 60 fps. Although it won't function like the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. You will still require the actual PS5 console to play games.
Basically, all it provides is Remote Play, wherein you can stream the games you have on your PS5 console over Wi-Fi. Instead of a TV or a monitor, you'll be looking at an 8-inch HD screen alongside the usual buttons on the DualSense wireless controller.
According to The Verge, there have been job listings that point to Sony planning to add a cloud gaming feature to the handheld console, which means that there's a possibility that it can be a native console like the current popular handhelds are.
Why the Steam Deck Might Be Better
In truth, the handheld PlayStation is shaping up to be a great console. Although it shows in the leak that it might be using what looks to be an Android tablet interface, that's not the official operating system yet, not until it's actually Sony's release.
One setback, really, is that you have to own a PS5 console or it's basically just a paperweight. For a native handheld console, you might want to look into the Steam Deck. You will have access to Steam along with the games you have already purchased.
It has 16 GB RAM and a variety of storage options between 64 GB, 256 GB, and 512 GB. It also has a better resolution at 1280 x 800 pixels. It does have a smaller screen at 7 inches, but the 60Hz refresh rate makes up for it.
