PlayStation’s Next Handheld is More PS TV Than Vita

Given the Nintendo Switch’s popularity, the early success of the Steam Deck, and the excitement around new handheld devices like the ASUS ROG Ally, you would think Sony would be cooking up something new in its kitchen. After all, this is the company that brought us the brilliant PSP and Vita devices. Unfortunately, Sony is also responsible for the PlayStation TV that sounded good on paper, but was quickly forgotten.

During today’s PlayStation Showcase, Sony confirmed some of the rumors that the company’s next handheld device will probably be disappointing to fans who have been anxiously awaiting a successor to the Vita. Instead, “Project Q,” as it’s called internally, is a streaming companion for the PlayStation 5 with an 8″ screen. It basically looks like a DualSense controller, but instead of the touchpad in the center, there’s a screen.

Along with the streaming device, Sony announced its first official wireless earbuds that will offer lossless audio on PlayStation 5 and PC. More details on both these accessories will be revealed in the months ahead, but the handheld is truly being treated like an accessory rather than a device — Sony did spend less than a minute announcing both of these products today. Depending on the pricing of the streaming device, however, it could prove popular with some PlayStation 5 owners.

PlayStation Showcase 2023 – Accessories Sneak Peek Video