Sony is working on a new handheld device codenamed Q-Lite. Though details are scarce and Sony is yet to officially confirmed the rumor and speculation about this unannounced device’s specifications, performance, price, and potential release window has been swirling.
Sony has been absent from the handheld gaming market since the commercial failure of the PlayStation Vita compared to its rival, the Nintendo 3DS. However, with the growing market for cloud gaming and the popularity of remote play and subscription services like PlayStation Now, there might be renewed interest in a handheld companion for the PlayStation 5.
Table of Interests
Design: Renders and Rumors
@PS_Vortex, a Twitter user, shared stunning renders of the Q Lite design that are sure to leave you speechless. If these renders are accurate, the Q Lite console could be a sleek device with a futuristic and minimalist design.
The minimalist aesthetic of the Q Lite design, as depicted in the renders, promises a visually appealing and cutting-edge gaming experience.
Rate this PlayStation Q-Lite design!
Tell me, there’s gonna be a Q-Pro with native gaming capabilities, Sony🤞🏻
Designer: Andrea Gallarini and Nicola Pezzotti
Credit – https://t.co/na5bEZmme5 pic.twitter.com/3387JegAlz
— Pure PlayStation (ピュア プレイステーション) (@Pure_PS) April 7, 2023
Sony PlayStation Q-Lites Specs
Sony Q Lite is likely to feature low-end specs to make it affordable when comparing with other cloud-based consoles. Devices like Logitech G-Cloud and Abxylute’s Cloud Gaming Console have ultra-low powered SoCs for driving video feed for cloud gaming. Sony is not expected to skimp on costs, but the Q-Lite’s processor may be closer in power to Logitech G-Cloud than Razer Edge. It could have around 4GB of RAM to outperform few competitors.
- Price: Expected retail price around $200.
- Release date: Speculated to be released in November 2023.
- Processor: Likely to have a lower-end SoC based on ARM.
- RAM: Expected to have around 4GB of DDR4 RAM.
- Storage: May come with eMMC storage.
- Screen: Rumored to feature an 8-inch LCD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
- Wi-Fi: Expected to support Wi-Fi 6E for optimal wireless connectivity.
- Operating system: Could be based on Android or a custom fork of PS5’s OS.
- Streaming services: Not expected to support other streaming services out of the box.
Recent reports suggest that the Q-Lite may feature an 8-inch LCD display, and fans hope for a 16:9 aspect ratio to avoid scaling issues. It would be considered a success if the onboard chip could support a high-speed Wi-Fi connection, preferably Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 6E is the latest wireless standard, and it would make sense for Sony to support it, especially considering that the PS5 already supports it internally.
Furthermore, the device will allow users to connect with PlayStation 5 using remote play. That is indeed an in-demand feature that will help a lot of gamers out there who don’t want to sit on a chair or couch to play.
Rumor: PlayStation is working on a handheld device codenamed "Q-Lite."
– Connects directly to your PS5 using Remote Play
– Always online device
– Features adaptive triggers
– 8" touch screen
– Releasing before the rumored PS5 Pro in Holiday 2024(via @InsiderGamingIG) pic.twitter.com/4C0X6oLNrA
— Kami (@Okami13_) April 5, 2023
Sony Playstation Q-Lite Price
Current reports suggest that the PlayStation Q-Lite could retail for around $200, according to Tom Henderson’s appearance on the Iron Lord podcast. This price point would make it more affordable, especially when comparing with Logitech G-Cloud, costing $349.99.
Looking at the Abxylute, which retails at $229, and considering the Q-Lite’s cloud-based nature with no hardware onboard, $200 seems to be the sweet spot to avoid confusion about its capabilities and attract potential buyers.
Release Date: November 2023?
Speculation about the potential release window for the Q-Lite points to November 2023, based on Henderson’s claims on the Iron Lord podcast. Rumors suggest that Sony may launch the Q-Lite alongside the rumored PlayStation 5 or PS5 Pro.
Streaming Services And Operating System
Insider Gaming reports that the Q-Lite may not have out-of-the-box support for other streaming services. It is still unknown what operating system the Q-Lite will run, but speculations point towards an Android-based OS, as Sony’s mobile and TV brands use it. However, it could also run a customized version of the PS5’s OS or an entirely new operating system.
The PS5 currently runs a customized version of FreeBSD, a spin on the original Unix operating system. However, seeing what OS Sony opts for in the Q Lite console will be interesting.
