Sony's Project Q Raises More Questions Than Answers

Imagine being part of a household with a single large TV, where multiple gamers reside. It's not always possible to dominate the TV, as others may want to watch movies, TV shows, or play their own games. A solution to this dilemma would be to transfer games to a portable device, freeing up the TV and maintaining domestic harmony. This is essentially the concept behind Sony's Project Q, a handheld device that allows users to stream games from their PS5 via WiFi using Remote Play. The scenario Project Q aims to address is real, and the problem it's trying to solve is legitimate. However, the issue lies in the fact that Remote Play already exists and works well on devices consumers already own, such as smartphones and iPads, with or without additional accessories. Project Q does offer some benefits, including full support for DualSense controller functions and a more comfortable design. Nevertheless, it's challenging to overlook the fact that similar devices, like the PlayStation Vita and Wii U, have failed in the past despite their ability to function as remote screens for home consoles. These devices didn't fail due to their remote play capabilities but rather due to other factors. The Vita, in particular, offered more than Project Q, with its own games, second-screen functionality, and the ability to work outside the home. Project Q will not play its own games, work outside the home, or offer second-screen functionality, making it a tough sell. The success of Project Q will depend heavily on its pricing. If it's positioned as a budget-friendly, single-purpose device, it might attract consumers. However, if it's priced as a premium product, similar to the DualSense Edge, it may struggle to find an audience. The PS5 ecosystem is already expensive, with the console itself costing $500, and accessories like the PSVR 2 and premium controllers adding to the cost. If Project Q is priced competitively, around $150, it might find a niche audience. On the other hand, if it's priced too high, it may fail to gain traction. As it stands, Project Q seems like an answer to a problem that's already been solved, and its market may be limited.