The Sony PlayStation Showcase this May left many fans excited for a new handheld streaming device called Project Q. Although there was no price announcement at Sony’s big event, it appears Microsoft might have actually revealed the cost of the item. This was due to the Federal Trade Commission’s case against Microsoft, over the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which has revealed a great deal of inside information. Among such information was a projection from Microsoft speculating that Project Q will likely enter the market at an MSRP of under $300. Although there is no definite confirmation, Microsoft knows the industry well enough to make an accurate prediction.
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This particular information, which was reported by Stephen Totilo, appears to be a footnote from a brief filed by Microsoft’s lawyers. It is not surprising Microsoft is trying to keep pace with Sony, as the famed “console wars” continue to make headlines. The fact that the FTC has been building a case against Microsoft and using its information to examine the overall effects an Activision Blizzard deal would have on Xbox competitors, indicates even more reveals could potentially be on the way.
What Is Project Q and Is It Necessary?
Project Q is a handheld streaming device, which will allow gamers to play PS5 titles on its screen. It is not a console like the Nintendo Switch, but rather a way to use Remote Play with a Wi-Fi connection. This means all games will still have to be installed on the PS5 console and the device itself will play no part in storing games. Project Q will have DualSense controls on both sides of the screen and if the device uses Remote Play the same way as cellular devices, the PlayStation console will have to be turned on while the device is in use.
Since the very beginning of the Project Q announcement, PlayStation fans have been wondering if it is even necessary. There is already a device on the market called the Backbone One, which is an officially licensed PlayStation product that uses Remote Play in the same way. Even Xbox has a their own officially licensed version of this product.
While Project Q differs from the Backbone with the use of DualShock controls and has its own screen opposed to requiring a smartphone, there is no indicator it will use Remote Play at a higher capacity. Those without an extremely good wireless connection will likely be doomed to a less than optimal gaming experience. If Sony’s device arrives in stores on the upper range of what Microsoft predicts, it may suffer a lack of demand by those who believe it is not worth the cost.
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Whether you’re a fan of the Backbone or not, it makes one wonder if this is bad business on the part of Sony. While Sony provided an official license for the product, it appears the Backbone was simply a place holder in the market until its project was released. Despite the fact that Project Q might be $200 more expensive, there could easily be competition between these items. Perhaps Sony wanted to further distance itself from a product also licensed by Microsoft, but it is also possible Sony used the Backbone partner simply to meet demand until it could do something similar.
Source: Gamescout
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