Sony has officially unveiled more details about its PlayStation Portal Remote Player, formerly known as the PlayStation Project Q. This encompasses the price, full specifications, and the functionality that users can anticipate from the dedicated handheld remote play device.
The device has been crafted to effectively stream PS5 games over Wi-Fi to the device’s 8-inch IPS 1080p display, operating at a smooth 60 frames per second. It bears a resemblance to the PlayStation DualSense controller; in simpler terms, it mirrors a screen attached at the midpoint of a split DualSense controller.
As a natural progression, the PlayStation Portal comes complete with all inherent DualSense features, such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. This assures users of an immersive gaming experience even during remote play.
According to Hideaki Nishino, Senior Vice President of Platform Experience at SIE, “PlayStation Portal will establish a remote connection to your PS5 via Wi-Fi, facilitating swift transitions from gaming on your PS5 to your PlayStation Portal.” He further added, “PlayStation Portal can engage in supported games installed on your PS5 console and utilize the DualSense controller.”
Nonetheless, Sony does point out that the PlayStation Portal Remote Player won’t extend its support to PS VR2 games, which mandate the use of the headset, and “games streamed through PlayStation Plus Premium’s cloud streaming.”
The remote player incorporates a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio. However, it’s important to note the absence of Bluetooth compatibility. Consequently, existing wireless headsets, including Sony’s Pulse 3D, won’t function with the PlayStation Portal. Instead, Sony has introduced their proprietary technology known as ‘PlayStation Link.’ To complement this innovation, they are introducing new headsets and earbuds named PlayStation Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore, respectively, both delivering “lossless audio.”
Pricing and Availability of PlayStation Portal, Pulse Elite, Pulse Explore
The PlayStation Project Q will be priced at $199 (approximately Rs 17,000) in the US. While Sony hasn’t revealed an exact launch date, their target is to release it later this year. As for the pricing of PlayStation Portal in India, it remains undisclosed. This isn’t surprising, given that the global launch of the PSVR 2 system has already taken place in various regions, except for India.
The Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore will have price tags of $149 and $199, respectively. Sony has indicated that further details regarding the launch date will be provided “shortly.”
