The first real images of Sony Project Q have been released and allow us to get closer to the design of the new gaming device from the Japanese company.

There are no surprises. The images show an 8-inch screen flanked by controls clearly inspired by the PS5’s DualSense controller. And that’s the point a PlayStation 5 peripheral and not the portable console that many expected in response to the new generation of portable gaming machines like Steam Deck, ASUS Ally, a large number of models coming from China and the same Nintendo Switch for its ability to play on the go.

Sony Project Q is nothing like that. It won’t work on its own, but as an accessory for the PS5. As far as we know, only games that are already installed on the console can be played remotely or connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

The idea is to play on the go by streaming directly from the user’s console, which is a big difference from cloud gaming services like PlayStation Now. Sony says Project Q “will use advanced remote playback technology to minimize latency issues that often plague game streaming”.

Although Sony hasn’t revealed the full specifications of Project Q, leaked images indicate that the device will run on Android or a Linux-based operating system. This will allow for flexibility and functionality beyond remote game streaming. Images show units with different control unit configurations, indicating possible customization options.

Along with the device, Sony will be launching its own PlayStation headset. They will work with both PS5 and PCs, and will also connect to smartphones via Bluetooth. Sony claims that they will use new technology to make the headphones offer lossless sound. The company has extensive experience in the field and a complete range of headphones.

Sony Project Q will be available this year, in time for an important Christmas campaign. Does it excite you? Well, no. Not the answer we expected from Sony to movements on handheld consoles and that the PlayStation Vita 2 will have to wait.