Remote Play Handheld
Image: Push Square

Sony is, reportedly, planning to release a new PlayStation handheld. But before you absolutely lose your mind over the potential of a PS Vita 2, know that this rumoured device is apparently dedicated to Remote Play. Yep, the codenamed 'Q Lite' is a specially built system that's designed to sync up with your PS5, letting you play your current-gen games on the go (as long as you've got access to a high speed internet connection!).

But is this a worthwhile move, from Sony's perspective? What's the actual point of having a handheld that's dedicated to Remote Play, when other devices can already fulfil that purpose? Let's talk about it.

Remote Play

Why Should a Remote Play Handheld Exist?

Well, from where we're sitting, we don't think this 'Q Lite' will be marketed as an actual handheld console — because going by these early reports, it isn't one. To us, this sounds a lot more like a kind of accessory — and Sony has been very keen on establishing a range of accessories for the PS5.

From specialised 3D audio headphones to the DualSense Edge, Sony has been trying to branch out when it comes to its current-gen console. This portable machine would be the Japanese giant's official answer to Remote Play, much like the aforementioned DualSense Edge is the official answer to 'pro' controllers.

As such, we think it's important to correctly set expectations for this thing. Most people are going to see "new PlayStation handheld" and sh*t bricks, but again, we don't think that's what the 'Q Lite' is about.

DualSense Edge

The All-Important Price Point

Let's face it: Sony loves its premium products — PSVR2, anyone? — and there's a distinct possibility that this portable system will be quite pricey. The report says that the 'Q Lite' will have a 1080p screen and will support 60 frames-per-second. It's also rumoured to have adaptive triggers and haptic feedback — so it's basically a DualSense pad with a high quality screen in the middle. Yeah, we can't see it being especially cheap.

We've already seen a lot of people saying this handheld is destined to bomb, but we're not sure Sony will see it that way. Again, if this thing is billed as a PS5 accessory, it obviously won't be competing with the likes of the Nintendo Switch, or the Steam Deck. At a higher price point, Sony will be looking at a fairly low impact product that generates decent enough profit from hardcore PlayStation fans.

Remote Play Alternatives
Image: Push Square

Existing Alternatives

Of course, the elephant in the room here is that PS5 Remote Play is already available through loads of different devices. Whether it's via your phone, a third-party gaming machine, or even a PC, Remote Play has been a thing for years — so Sony's own system would have to position itself as the best way to play.

Look, if the 'Q Lite' comes with the haptics and the internals that allow for a seamless experience, then maybe it will be the king of Remote Play. At the very least, you'd expect Sony to deliver a quality product. Would that be enough to drag existing Remote Play users away from their established methods? Tough to say.

Now that we've shared our thoughts, we want to know what you think. Would you be at all interested in an official Remote Play handheld from Sony? Do you even use Remote Play? Have your say in our polls, and then explain your stance in the comments section below.

Would you be interested in a PS5 Remote Play handheld from Sony? (2,635 votes)

  1. Yes, it sounds great to me15%
  2. Yeah, I'd at least check it out15%
  3. Maybe, I'd need a lot more info20%
  4. Nah, I don't really see the point28%
  5. No, I couldn't care less22%

Do you use PS5 Remote Play at all? (2,408 votes)

  1. Yes, I use Remote Play all the time5%
  2. Yeah, I use it now and then18%
  3. Not really, I've tried it once or twice38%
  4. No, I've never used Remote Play38%