PlayStation Portal Remote Player: the Future of Gaming or a Missed Opportunity

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Sony unveils their long anticipated Project Q, officially named PlayStation Portal Remote Player! Learn more about the release date, price, and what the fans thought.

PlayStation Portal Remote Player

Project Q Meets Mixed Reactions From Community

In a recent announcement, PlayStation unveiled the pre-order trailer for their latest innovation, the PlayStation Portal Remote Player, formerly known as Project Q. Project Q had created quite a buzz since its initial announcement in May, promising to revolutionize gaming by allowing players to stream and play games from the PlayStation 5 on a remote handheld device. However, the reception from the gaming community has been far from enthusiastic, with many expressing disappointment and skepticism.

Project Q to PlayStation Portal Remote Player

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PlayStation's Project Q was finally unveiled as the PlayStation Portal Remote Player. The concept was simple yet ambitious: a handheld device enabling gamers to play their favorite PlayStation 5 titles without needing a TV or a dedicated living room setup. On the surface, it seemed like a dream come true for avid gamers who craved portability and flexibility in their gaming experiences. The pre-order video did not mention the price, but on the website would list that it costs $199.99.

Release Dates

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Sony has officially announced the PSPRP’s release dates. It will be available on November 15, 2023, in the UK, US, France, Germany, Benelux, Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Austria. Canadian and Japanese gamers can get their hands on it earlier, with availability set for September 29, 2023.

A Mixed Reaction from Gamers

Disappointed for Not Being a True Handheld

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While the concept of the PlayStation Portal Remote Player had the potential to be a game-changer, the reaction from the gaming community was far from favorable. The pre-order trailer release saw an onslaught of negative comments and critiques. Gamers couldn't help but voice their discontent, citing several reasons for their disappointment.
One of the main points of contention was the timing of this release. With handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck and the Nintendo Switch already established in the market, many gamers questioned the need for a remote-only play device from PlayStation. They argued that these existing platforms had already perfected the art of gaming on the go, making the PlayStation Portal Remote Player seem redundant.

Another recurring sentiment among gamers was the desire for a new PSP (PlayStation Portable) or a revival of the PS Vita. These previous handheld consoles allowed players to take their gaming experiences outdoors, free from the constraints of a home Wi-Fi network. In contrast, the PlayStation Portal Remote Player will tether players to the vicinity of their PS5, limiting its appeal to those seeking genuine portability. There are several comparisons of it being akin to the failed Nintendo WiiU console, where players would be able to take the tablet screen of the console to play elsewhere in the home.

Portability Considering Other Family Members and Streaming

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Amid the reaction, several hard core supporters gave a ray of optimism. A more genuine effort into game streaming might start with the PlayStation Portal Remote Player. Since the PS5 console can function as a local remote server, turning it into a full-fledged streaming and remote-play device should only require a software update.

Other fans have said it would be helpful, especially if they share a home with someone who doesn't enjoy video games. Other family members can utilize the living room or the room with the TV for other purposes, such as watching the news or having company over.

Source:
PlayStation Portal Remote Player Store Page

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