Sony is reportedly developing a new handheld gaming console. The device is tentatively named the Q Lite, but no official name has been announced yet, reported Insider Gaming. This will mark Sony's return to the handheld console market after its withdrawal from the market with the discontinuation of the PlayStation Vita.
The PlayStation Vita was sold for over eight years before it was discontinued in 2019. Despite its strong fanbase, it fell short of meeting Sony's worldwide sales targets and was unable to compete with the Nintendo 3DS. The increasing popularity of smartphone gaming also contributed to its poor sales, as smartphones became increasingly better for gaming with each generation.
ALSO READ: PlayStation 5 To Get Accessibility Tags: Here's How The Feature Will Work
According to the Insider Gaming report, the Q Lite is being developed to work with PlayStation's Remote Play feature, allowing users to remotely control their PlayStation consoles and stream content from them. Rather than being an independent gaming platform, it will function as an accessory to the PS5. Additionally, Sony has no plans to market the Q Lite as a cloud streaming device.
The Q Lite is rumoured to feature an 8-inch, 1080p LCD panel and will support gaming at 60fps. However, it will need to remain connected to the internet at all times. The report also suggests that the Q Lite could be released before the end of 2023, possibly around the same time as the rumoured detachable drive PS5. It is expected to be launched before the announcement of the PlayStation 5 Pro in 2024.
ALSO READ: PS Plus Free Games For April: Check Out Titles Available Now
Sony is reportedly taking steps to ensure the Q Lite does not face the same fate as its predecessors. By integrating it with PlayStation's Remote Play feature, Sony is making it a complementary device rather than a standalone platform. With its improved hardware and an established user base, the Q Lite could be a promising entry for Sony into the handheld gaming console market.