PlayStation's next console sounds like a huge departure from tradition

Heads up, a new PlayStation console is reportedly in development. And no, it’s not the PlayStation Pro (although that is apparently happening, too).

According to prominent industry insider Tom Henderson (via Insider Gaming), Sony is currently working on a new handheld PlayStation console which will (obviously) allow users to play their favourite PS5 games on the go. The device is reportedly codenamed the ‘Q Lite’, and will look pretty similar to a DualSense controller, except with an 8-inch touchscreen slapped in the middle of it.

Before we get into it, take a look at our review for the PS VR2, which released for PS5 owners earlier this year.

If that screen size is accurate, it’ll actually be a pretty sizeable console, and will be bigger than the current competitor handhelds on the market. For reference, standard Nintendo Switch consoles have 6.2-inch screens. The OLED version bumped that up to 7-inches, which is also the same size as the Steam Deck’s screen.

What’s more, Henderson claims that as well as all the usual stuff you’d expect from a handheld console, the Q Lite will include adaptive triggers for haptic feedback, so it’ll be just like playing on your PS5, except from the palms of your hands.

Unfortunately, the handheld will reportedly have a major downside. According to the report, while the Q Lite doesn’t utilise cloud streaming, it works using the PS5’s Remote Play feature. Although the device’s adaptive streaming will apparently be able to display games with up to 1080p resolution and 60FPS, it’ll require a constant internet connection to function. Therefore, unless you’re willing to use your phone as a mobile hotspot, or you only go to public places that have free wi-fi, you’re not going to be able to use this thing out and about like you can with the other gaming handhelds that are available right now.

Henderson alleges that the handheld will release before the PS5 Pro (which he believes will come out in late 2024), and after the overhauled PS5 with a detachable disc drive (which he says is thought to be releasing around September this year). If this is all true, it seems likely that the handheld could release in early 2024.

At the time of writing, none of the devices that Henderson claims are in development have been officially confirmed by Sony, so take the information with a pinch of salt for now. If what he’s saying is accurate, hopefully it won’t be too long before we get an actual announcement.