Sony’s interesting Remote Play handheld for PS5, officially announced earlier in the year, appears to have leaked. Video footage of what appears to be a prototype unit is being shared around social media, as well as photos of it in various states of disassembly. Effectively, the device looks like an extended elongated DualSense controller, with a small LCD tablet screen in the middle.
The footage, which does appear to be legitimate, shows that the unit has a touchscreen. It also has a few buttons along the top, presumably for powering up the device and controlling its volume. The Japanese giant’s already said that this will feature all of the unique functionality of its PS5 controller, including adaptive triggers and haptic feedback.
It’s worth underlining once more, however, that this is not a true handheld like the PS Vita with its own processor. Instead, this works in conjunction with Remote Play, so you’ll need to own a PS5 in order to utilise it. The goal for this product is so you can continue playing around your house, or when your television is occupied. It’s a niche idea, but one we suspect may find a small target market.
While it hasn’t been officially confirmed, we’re also fairly confident this is going to eventually work with Sony’s upgraded PS Plus Premium cloud gaming offering. Earlier in the year, the platform holder announced plans to add PS5 games to its streaming suite, although it did admit it’s still in the “early stages” of rolling out this expanded functionality.
[source twitter.com]
Comments 123
This is literally just an Android tablet
Honestly it looks so damn stupid.
Then again it IS so damn stupid.
They couldn't have even put an OLED screen on what's probably a $300 device.
Just get a damn Switch.
@Voltan I wonder if they're going to be able to keep the cost quite low, though. Obviously it's going to be more than DualSense, but as you point out, it probably shouldn't be that much more.
I was originally thinking $199.99, but maybe they could do it for $149.99.
Personally, as someone who uses Remote Play on my Retroid Pocket 3+ quite a lot, I do understand the use for this.
If the price is low then I may get one for the times when the partner wants the TV, now if they add the premium tier cloud streaming to it as well then that will make it more worth it.
Hope the app gets updated, i ended up buying the unofficial ps play app and it works superbly, official app didnt detect razer kishi 2 attached.
Not gonna lie.. i'm intrigued and kinda interested in this.
I understand this will probably be for a very specific target audience only but this thing looks like it was specifically made for me, lol. However, pricing is key for me. Absolutely abysmal battery life (less than 2 hours or so) could be another dealbreaker. Will probably order it from PS Direct either way and simply return it if it doesn't live up to my needs but I'm very much interested generally.
@get2sammyb
I think that is highly unlikely. I would be be shocked if they list this thing for less than the $249-$349 range.
Wondering how much this is going to cost considering for example a Steam Deck cost 400$, can natively play games including PS games like GoW, HZD etc and also can be used for remote play via Chiaki
@Smiffy01 Yeah that PS Play App is an absolute game-changer. Flawless experience compared to the official one.
@evan23 It really shouldn't cost that much, though. If they price it that high it's seriously overpriced. As the user above mentioned, a Steam Deck costs $400 and has actually processors and stuff in it.
@dschons Rumour is four hours of battery life.
@get2sammyb Yeah, I've heard that too. But as we know those are mostly best case scenarios with sound off, lowest brightness etc. That said, I don't know anymore whether that estimate was such a scenario or a more realistic one but four hours I'd be totally fine with.
They should just release a dedicated SteamDeck app and let the Windows version recognize the Ally built-in controller also
Missed opportunity. They could even charge for the App on Steam and people would buy it.
@get2sammyb A name brand quality tablet with an OLED screen costs about $200 by itself. When you attach a Sony controller to it plus add in some Sony tax you can easily be at $300 or more.
I dunno man, the screen looks like Xperia I used to remote play on going back 7yrs
I guess at the very least you can use it as a big clunky and overpriced backup controller.
@get2sammyb Knowing Sony's greed, I don't see why they would sell is cheaper than their overpriced Elite controller. I'd say the minimum price will be 250$, or 300+€.
@evan23 It's not OLED, though. They already said it's LCD.
Honestly I call fake lol, looks like one of those Chinese Android knock offs, and I would at least expect a PS logo on the back of it.
@Smiffy01 what's that like over the offical app? like what other benefits?
Now that I have a kid I sort of want this? Disgusted with myself but it seems convenient.
That said I'm skeptical that it will work better than an iphone+backbone, which worked so poorly I returned the backbone promptly.
(wii) U better believe it! 😅
I don't understand why anyone would buy this when you can use your phone with attachable controller. You can also get a controller mount that you can mount to your phone. I guess if you don't already have an attachable controller, could get this if price is somewhat similar.
@CutchuSlow presumably because that Phone or Tablet doesn't have "Sony Playstation" branded on it 😐
I mean, this thing is dumb, but it's so dumb that I can't help but kinda love it. We are at the crossroads of ambition and stupidity, and I'm always here for that.
@Smiffy01 I bought a 6.4 inch phone just for remote play and one of those Dualsense adapters. The official app works, but not everytime, sometimes it gives some errors.
@HotGoomba Switch doesn’t play PS5 games. That’s the difference. And as someone who uses RemotePlay daily this is very interesting.
@get2sammyb I might have to try this unofficial app. The Sony app works fine for me but I have nothing to compare it to.
@Sil_Am Cool, i just use my phone for playing in the house if Mrs is watching crap on the telly,i put Retroarch on it too.
@HotGoomba That’s a weird comment, I can’t play PS5 games on my Switch when I’m relaxing in bed. This device from Sony would allow me to do that.
My wife watching almost every night a criminal TV shows on TV, so in my opinion this handheld is useful for me.
@pip_muzz but what if it is Sony branded? I remember when the PS4 came out, Sony released a phone mount for the PS4 controller. It didn't last long tho, the hinges broke. And I think Sony phones were the only one's that had remote play back then. Other than the ps vita.
I think they should re-release the ps vita. That little device was awesome.
I don't have much interest in handheld gaming, but if I can extend my living room to outside and play games under the tress in the summer I'll love this thing.
And IF it let's me stream from PS Plus that will be a serious win.
@get2sammyb same here. I use it for all my baby-toddler naps while I hold him as well as when my little girl watches her educational programming. So I’d get loads of use as my backbone has probably 30 hours or so of use in the last months.
Just when i thought Sony would get back to smaller nice design hardware this comes out and is even uglier than PS5. Come on Sony i use to love looking at my PS consoles in the entertainment center. Now i try and hide them. PS5 Pro better be premium looking. This thing is a Hard Pass for me.
Using my iPhone + PS-branded Backbone One controller seems to meet my requirements. The only restriction of that combo is the lack of dual sense haptics. Not sure about gyro moment as I’ve not tried any games that would benefit from that yet.
For this device to succeed, Sony need to make the experience seamless, better than anything the market currently offers and at a competitive price.
Oh and support it appropriately too.
If a pregnancy test can run Doom, then this handheld could at least do that without Remote Play.
If its any more than £150 it's not really worth it, I got a backbone one controller (ps edition) on prime day for £70 (usually £100) just plug and play with my phone and it works exceptionally well and feels really good. If you have a decent size phone screen the smaller size is fine. If you use a foldable (depending on how well it holds it) it will be just the same as project Q looking at this. The thing with remote play is they don't need loads of power for project Q really just the screen because all processing is done on the ps5. So if its any more than £150 it's not worth it, get a backbone and just use what you already have.
This is suspect. The video shows an android OS running on this thing. Not something a PlayStation product would indulge in. See PlayStation Vita. They might have some underlying core functionality, but I don't see Sony going as far as keeping the UI right down to the touch screen back, menu, and app drawer menu on the screen.
Additionally disassembly adds even more questionability to this product. This isn't standard design for a playstation product. Lots of structs and in a PlayStation Controller, as someone who has taken many Dual Sense controllers a part to mod, something feels rediculously off about this product. we should be seeing ribbons for the button membranes coming in from the left and right of the controller. Two Power connectors, etc. I don't recall a 3.5mm jack being a part of the original spec for this thing.
If its a fake, its a decent one, but something is seriously off with what is being shown here. I don't think its the real deal.
@Berzep I'd be more worried about what the wife might be planning lol
@Delsus that’s when I got mine! I was looking at the Backbone One for a while and the £30 off was a sweetener incentive for me to buy. All going well so far 😊
Considering how poorly the PS Vita TV, PSP go, PS One Classic, and PS 3D monitor display sold, I would really recommend everyone waiting at least 3 months, maybe 6, if it’s stupidly over priced, like $299, as they will be clearing it out half price by then. I bought my PSVR for$199 w/ the camera and Gran Turismo like a year after launch. Maybe 2. I mean if you have the money, sure, but I’d wait.
If it’s priced to sell at $149 then it’s probably ok. It’s a $70 controller and what looks to me like a small cheap touchscreen, it’s not going to be some high end iPad with the latest processor and camera. It needs wifi to stream and that’s about it. Amazon sells a 8” Fire for about $50. They’re trash,I’ve owned a few, but it was a fully functioning tablet,and this is just a $70 controller with a screen, not a fully functioning tablet.
I’ll be preordering one.
I’m getting a Steam Deck. I keep reading articles about this thing to see when it makes sense. Still doesn’t
With my luck there will be "Your device doesn't support DS controller" as any device where I've tried remote play...
@get2sammyb This is Sony we're talking about... I can't imagine this being less than $299.
That UI is absolutely abysmal. This product feels and looks like an afterthought.
@B_Lindz I'm sure it's a prototype with software that isn't finished, or even there at all. It looks like a stock build of android. I really doubt Sony will sell this as an android device. Though I'm sure someone will root/jailbreak it.
I hope this prompts Sony to improve remote play in general. Right now it does work but the image quality on PC is very poor even at its highest quality. It also doesn't use a hardware accelerated presentation layer so framepacing and sync are terrible.
If I could play this anywhere and not just in my house, it's a buy. Just to play somewhere else in my house for a huge cost, no thanks
A backbone on a modern smartphone… now does the OS play games by Cloud and not just remote? If so? That is something new.
If not, this is DOA. People can already do this.
I heard it's just a glorified remote play device. Can't even play games outside your house network. IMHO, it's pointless. Then they're going to price it £300-£400 which is going to be ridiculous...If they will let me play on this device while my kids are playing on the console then this could be somethimg else. But other than that no way.
Useless totally
Legit looks like one of those mid-2000's fake leaks of a handheld console
This thing is hideous and looks very awkward to hold. Your hands are like 10 inches (25cm) apart.
@mateofrito @AhmadSumadi You're both right, this device is (hopefully) good for streaming PS5 games and is probably decent for at-home use for some people.
But for most people, this probably isn't worth it, since this isn't really a portable device, as you need a constant internet connection to use it, and many PS5 users would probably just use their TV anyways.
so yes, this device does have its use cases, and it does have a potential audience. but for most people, it's just not worth it. most people would just benefit more from getting a switch or just using their phone or laptop and a controller.
but hey, if you think this product could benefit you, more power to you.
@get2sammyb I connect a dual sense to my galaxy tab S7 tablet, mostly to play persona 5 royal when I can, and it works pretty good but the tablet has to be stationary of course, and I don't seem to get much vibration from the controller. This could be a useful device if the price is reasonable
@get2sammyb Yeah i use remote play quite a lot. Mainly on an ipad with dualsense. So I'll defo be picking this up.
It's cool it actually has a UI.............. But it's basically a Dual sense connected to a tablet???
Will be a complete nightmare dropping it and smashing the screen? Are the screens replaceable OR once you break it or crack the screen then your buggered LOL
@SJR I’m the same as £199 and might be tempted
If this stream direct from the cloud without remote play I’m all in. I’m on vacation this week and have been remote playing and it has been working great with my iPhone and backbone.
@GreatAuk I agree the concept of a stretched Dualsense comes off bizarre. Yet they make it flesh, I’m imagining holding this thing feels really odd all we really wanted is the typical mount style regular controller dimensions yet they deal us some crazy
Price also leaked: 200 bucks.
Still loving Sony's audacity in planning to release what is essentially a smartphone touchscreen with half a DualSense either side. It's cool when someone DIYs, for example, a GameCube controller onto the side of a Switch, less so when a major company calls that a product and puts a ship date on it.
Yes, I am still mad at Sony for giving up on the Vita. That was a proper console, premium design and feel. I agree with John Linneman at Digital Foundry - this is crap, basically. Vita means life, what does Project Q mean?
Hundreds of cheap deals on it on Facebook Marketplace in a year or two, right alongside PSVR 1/2 and future eWaste.
@HotGoomba I’m certainly not saying this will sell millions upon millions, but there is a market to create some sort of in home Switch like device.
@Scottyy $200 is the absolute most they can price this at so that makes sense and is a good guess.
That has to be fake surely?! Especially with the phone "back", "home" and "tabs" buttons on the right of the touchscreen. I'm fairly certain it's fake, but if it's not, it's a godawful design.
@CutchuSlow Right now Sony is beta testing server streaming directly to the Project Q without even having your PS5 running. Which would make it totally different than just a remote play app like phones can use currently
Remember all those years when a new PS would be expected and the Internet was filled with fan made photoshopped concept controllers of what the next PS was going to come with? Touche, Sony.
I'm the market for this, but this device still seems unappealing compared to the many other cheaper or better (or both) remote play devices.
To me the shape looks a little cumbersome with the controller grips to being part of the body. It looks like it would be less sturdy if you dropped it than the solid tablet/bar shape of the Switch.
@get2sammyb Seeing as how Sony is willing to sell the PSVR2 for $550 (more than the actual console) then I have no doubt in my mind that this will be $300+, maybe $250 at an absolute minimum.
@Genghis_Schlonng oh really? So I can use it even if I don't have a PS5?
That's just android tablet glued to sawed off dualsense, as lazy as it can get. I'm sure it will be expensive too 😕
@Scottyy Your source?
Personally I don't mind just taking the PS5 up to the bedroom and plugging it into the TV there - much bigger and with better audio than this. Gives me a good workout too, like carrying a fridge upstairs.
My issue with this is not the functionality of it. If that is the user purpose Sony identified in R&D then fair enough (even though i'd really only consider this if it was a dedicated handheld device and i dont thinkthis is what people were asking for).
No. My issue is that Sony has a reputation for developing attractive technology. Whereas this....no.
@get2sammyb it's not correct to say it doesn't have a processor, it most definitely has a processor to run the os (most likely android) and system software, it's just most likely not a processor and GPU optimized for a native gaming experience.
My hopes however is that the hacking/homebrew community will open this device to expand it's software capabilities. Perhaps the mobile chipset project q has will be powerful enough to do emulation up to ps2/Wii. It'll most definitely be able to run game pass and moonlight streaming once jailbroken.
Should have just created a remote play format that uses people’s phones or tablets. This design has a very limited market imo.
@NotSoCryptic The 3.5 jack is on the dual sense, why shouldn't be on this thing? This remote will be played most exclusively with headphones.
If they'd actually made a portable PS5 I'd be into it. But this? No.
@sanderev portable ps5 that can both stream and play games digitally. Monkeys over at sony these days care more about poo of duty than their legacy.
@Max_the_German
Advertisement sheet is leaked on the internet.
It's probably going to be $249/£249, but even if it were $99/£99 I wouldn't be the slightest bit interested.
What's the point?
What happens with games that use the DualSense touchpad?
If their past strength on handhelds is any kind of indicator, than this is sure to be a banger. Performance mode gonna be steady 60fps for sure.
This handheld finds a part of its target audience in people who have their console in the living room but the TV is being used by someone else in their household.
In that case I tried remote play but the stuttering was throwing me off. There is a somewhat barebone, but efficient solution to this problem besides remote play which I use from time to time and works great: I bought a smaller 15'' portable monitor (it has a case in which it folds like a tablet, but it's just a monitor) that has USB-C and Mini HDMI inputs and I also bought a 5m HDMI to Mini HDMI cable. I plugged my PS5 to that monitor via cable and flawlessly enjoyed gaming laying on my couch. It was in 1080p but there are 4k models (ASUS Rog, Viewsonic, etc.). Also, I use the monitor in my everyday work because it connects to my laptop via USB-C.
It is a simplistic solution, but for me it works the best. Just throwing it here in case someone finds this useful.
If the streaming is rock solid (it won’t be) and it’s less than £100 (it won’t be) then I’m day one (I won’t be).
@CutchuSlow I imagine you'd at least need a PS5 profile with games purchased at some point that you can log in and access. You also would need a PS Plus Premium membership. Here's the article: https://www.engadget.com/sony-is-testing-ps5-game-cloud-streaming-for-ps-plus-premium-users-181027926.html?src=rss
It the device had dedicated software/firmware installed into the device I would have that extra amount of consideration to get one.
@NotSoCryptic I agree that it doesn’t look like the usual Sony standard. But I got the feeling that this was developed in an „agile“ process, with methods of start-up businesses. What executives love to do these days if they think that their company is more like a ship than a nimble boat.
I see a Big Jimbo sitting in his office on a lovely spring day earlier this year, thinking about the success of mobile gaming in general and of Switch, SteamDeck, and the foreseeable Microsoft‘s purchase of King in special. And Big Jimbo says to his subjects „We need a product for mobile gaming NOW“. And because Big Jimbo is a gamer through and through, he doesn’t care about the experience at all.
@get2sammyb I’m the same, this would be perfect for me. Having young children who always seem to be watching something on the telly, it’s ideal for a bit of Diablo in the kitchen. I will be preordering this for sure… as long as it’s less than £200
@SgtTruth But people with a Switch don't have to be anywhere near WiFi to play so that already is a plus point over this. Your 90% estimation seems high to me as I know plenty of people who only ever use their Switch on their commute to and from work. Or on any long journeys.
Your other point about the Wii U makes me laugh. I adore my Wii U but please don't use that as your argument. It was widely hated, mocked and massively underperformed at market. Many, many PlayStation fans laughed and ripped it to pieces during its time on sites just like this so for you to now use it as an example of Sony doing things right is even more laughable.
On a separate note, what happens if a game uses the DualSense touchpad with this thing? No-one seems to have answered that yet.
No OLED is a no-go. My phone and PSPlay is better.
@__jamiie Use the touchscreen for touchpad inputs like loads of us already do with our phones with attached controllers
The price is going to make or break this thing’s success. I like to play games in bed sometimes and my bed isn’t in view of my TV.
To anyone saying “just get a Switch,” that defeats the purpose of this being for PlayStation games. Whether someone already has a Switch or not is entirely irrelevant if you want to play The Last of Us without using the TV. 😂
If this runs more smoothly than other Remote Play solutions, that’ll be a selling point for sure.
I personally don’t care for the discourse from anyone who already knows this device isn’t for them. I respect that. However, you have no place judging or trying to dissuade others from purchasing it.
@fromjtov Well they do say a fool and his money are easily parted. If youve already got a phone and controller you already have "remote play"
Removed - trolling/baiting
@fromjtov Everyone has the right/place to judge others. You don't have to agree. You don't have to listen. You can choose to completely ignore.
They also have the place to try and dissuade anyone from buying this abomination. Again, you don't have to be involved. But they have their place.
@Genghis_Schlonng so if I got this and ps premium, there is a chance that I could stream cloud games, without having to own a PS5?
@__jamiie Or simply use any 2 button combination like the psplay app allows you too. Seriously though how often do you really need the touchpad in most games ??
@Smiffy01 Genuine questions.
Do you think this is a potentially useful product despite the fact that everyone slated the Wii U GamePad for doing the same thing 11 years ago?
Do you think that Sony will overprice it to the point it would never become a casual purchase?
Do you think that Sony should focus more on games that aren't Spider-Man, give up on PS4 and show us what PS5 can actually do?
Do you think Sony should make some PSVR2 first party games or abandon the hardware and leave it to Indies?
@__jamiie
1. Not necessary, most people have the necessary equipment to carry out remote play.
2. Almost certainly going to be overpriced.
3. Yes, time to move on from ps4 but i suppose as Nintendo have proved you can still fleece customers with dated technology
4. Really surprised Sony jumped in again with VR Its proven a niche pastime time and again. I can see the psvr2 reaching the casual market sooner due to price cutting eventually.
@Smiffy01 maybe it’s my choice of titles but I’m finding the touchpad less utilised so far than PS4. Another thing I’m concerned is they might be locking down haptic functions to specifically this official remote play device now
I guess if you want something a little more portable than using a laptop with Remote Play installed, this is nice.
@SystemAddict Honestly cant remember using touchpad on ps5, maybe astros playroom perhaps.
@CutchuSlow I have no idea, they haven't announced anything official about that yet. But that would be pretty awesome
@__jamiie That’s called narcissism. You can hold whatever beliefs you want, but claiming it’s your place to judge and dissuade others is wrong.
This isn’t about who’s spending their money where. This is about people like you who don’t understand what boundaries are and who think they deserve to have influence over other people. You have no power over anyone other than yourself.
I’m sure you’ll have some authoritative retort that matches the others you’ve posted. I don’t care. Hold whatever opinion you want, but learn how to respect people who disagree with you. All the best. ✌🏼
@Smiffy01 “Do not be the judge of people; do not make assumptions about others. A person is destroyed by holding judgments about others.”
@SystemAddict I would wager that the touchpad is only on the dual sense for back compat with ps4 titles
@Smiffy01 having been an avid user of remote play on my iPhone I can honestly say it’s absolutely terrible , this is very welcome for my needs 👌
@Mikey856 Is anyone ever going to step up with a standalone screen for this stuff? Device is gona be crap but we’ll be intrigued by a 7-8” phablet native 16:9 which in an the age of TV on the go is ironically considered dated and some basic latency optimisation more powerful devices could have had long ago
Why does it appear to be coated in, let's call it, "gentlemen's relish"?
This is going to sell 100s of units.
I really like the idea of a super easy to use/seamless remote play device for around the house. I have and use my Steam Deck for it all the time, but the setup is a pain in the ass and kinda 'shady'. It also has lost config a few times resulting in a bunch of extra work. Battery life isn't great either.
I'd buy this for under 200 usd as long as it works (and works well) over local network, not just only internet.
This just looks awful - although i'll change my mind if those controller bits are able to slide away from the screen a la switch
@sop Don't have time to go back and read what I wrote, but this is where I was coming from if it wasn't communicated properly:
3.5mm jack design on that unit is not in line with sony's typical design philosophy or components used. What's in there is cheap dollar store quality parts.
As far as it including a 3.5mm jack, I'm not sure that this thing would have it. I guess the goto factor would be the dual sense has one. Fine. All their headsets have 3.5mm plugs on them, I think most of the wireless ones include the nzones, so that would make sense. Especially if you want to run the party chat through the device. You'd need a properly shield 3 point interface plug to do that with... this is not. I'd also argue there should be a USB A or Bluetooth interface for this thing too.
over all the port is suspect, not the fact that it has one.
So will we have something to play on it or not?
If it's literally a tablet and dualsense controllers on the sides it better be worth it.
If it's locked down then get a Logitech G Cloud or equivalents or use your own tablet at that point.
Android support of apps, phone games, emulators, casting my phone to a TV if I wanted as reverse remote play which is hilarious to do of a delay involved and more as well as remote play app makes it better than a locked down remote play app, screen and buttons streaming handheld.
I'd still rather take a Wii U for local wifi to the console then wifi/streaming to a PS5 with a good connection it may be further and more you can do with it but I mean too much inference than a local with Wii U approach I prefer even if 70 feet line of sight and walls limit it I can take the Wii U with a power bank, not doing that with another other console (most of them are big and heavy anyways) or a laptop or other things and another handheld in a bag I could but eh.
The PS1 + LCD or GameCube and third party screen or the screen controllers for PS2/GameCube/Xbox were ok but small and awkward and not split screen capable either.
But the Series S + screen is like that coming back again even if eh digital only console not into but still it works.
@NotSoCryptic I am sorry to contradict, but Sony has had a 3.5 jack in basically every device they produced from the Walkman on. It's still there on Xperia flagship phones (the only one), on the PS4 and PS5 controllers, on PSP and Vita. Not clear to me why in this case it should be "not in line with sony's typical design philosophy or components used".
@sop you don't read so good do you.
I'm not talking about omission.
@Max_the_German hmm possibly. I like your point of view on this.
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