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There is no way, in our lifetime, that Project Q should exist in the Playstations catalogue. It is a stain and disrespectful to the handheld legacy that Sony has been developing in the decades past. Looking at it vs its older handhelds, it is hard to see this as nothing but a quick cash grab in the sea of Android gaming tablets. Which, we have already told you that you should not buy.
When you look back on Sony’s history with the PlayStation brand it’s hard not to be frustrated as someone who yearns for the best that technology can bring. PlayStation, if you are uninitiated, has had a long legacy with handheld gaming. Those, that were largely successful and supported throughout the years. Knowing this, we have to dig into Sony’s rich history with handhelds and why – Project Q is nothing but a shadow of what Sony can really do when they want to truly innovate in the gaming space.
In the realm of portable gaming, few names have left a lasting mark as significant as PlayStation. From the early days of the PlayStation Portable (PSP) to the innovative PlayStation Vita, Sony’s handheld consoles revolutionized the way we experienced gaming on the go. The PlayStation was meant to be a competitor to Nintendo with their DS line of consoles. In total, the PlayStation portable line sold over 80 million units sold. There is so much good to be found in the PlayStation portable, and it’s a tragedy that all of that innovation is lost in the PlayStation Project Q.
There is so much to go through as to what made these handhelds so special – so let’s go over some of the highlights.
Source: Wikipedia
Cutting-Edge Technology:
PlayStation handhelds were at the forefront of technological advancements, pushing the boundaries of portable gaming. The PSP, released in 2004, boasted impressive features such as a vibrant widescreen display, powerful graphics capabilities, and a built-in Wi-Fi connection, providing an immersive gaming experience comparable to its console counterpart. The PlayStation Vita, released in 2011, took it a step further with its OLED screen, touch-sensitive rear panel, and innovative dual analog sticks, offering console-like precision on a handheld device.
The PlayStation GO was truly a device that was ahead of its time. Released in 2009, the PlayStation Go, also known as the PSP Go, brought a new level of portability and convenience to handheld gaming. The PlayStation Go was a remarkable departure from its predecessors, featuring a sleek, compact design that emphasized portability. It introduced a slide-out form factor, where the screen smoothly slid up to reveal the controls, providing a seamless and space-efficient solution. The compact size and sliding mechanism made it easy to carry the PlayStation Go in a pocket or bag, allowing gamers to enjoy their favourite titles wherever they went.
The PlayStation Go made a bold move by adopting a digital-only approach, forgoing physical game discs in favour of digital downloads. This decision paved the way for a new era of portable gaming, eliminating the need to carry multiple game cartridges and providing immediate access to an extensive library of games. With the ability to store and manage games internally, the PlayStation Go offered unparalleled convenience and ease of use.
A Stellar Game Library:
One of the defining aspects of PlayStation handhelds was their exceptional game library. These handhelds hosted a wide range of captivating titles that spanned various genres, catering to the diverse tastes of gamers. From the iconic “God of War: Chains of Olympus” and “LittleBigPlanet” on the PSP to the critically acclaimed “Persona 4 Golden” and “Uncharted: Golden Abyss” on the PlayStation Vita, the handhelds delivered unforgettable gaming experiences. Moreover, PlayStation handhelds had access to PlayStation Network, allowing players to download and play digital versions of their favourite console games.
Cross-Platform Connectivity:
PlayStation handhelds were not confined to standalone gaming experiences. Sony embraced the concept of cross-platform connectivity, allowing players to connect their handheld consoles with their PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 systems. This connectivity unlocked a whole new level of gaming possibilities. Players could transfer save files, access cross-platform multiplayer, and enjoy features like remote play, where they could stream and play their console games directly on the handheld device. This integration between handhelds and home consoles blurred the lines between portable and traditional gaming, creating a seamless ecosystem for players.
Innovation in Controls and Features:
Sony constantly pushed the envelope when it came to handheld controls and features. The PSP introduced a multifunctional analogue nub that enhanced gameplay precision, while the PlayStation Vita integrated dual analogue sticks, front and rear touch panels, and motion sensors, granting developers a vast array of creative possibilities. These innovations allowed for unique gaming experiences that were not possible on other handheld devices, creating a distinct advantage for PlayStation handhelds.
Multimedia Powerhouses:
Beyond gaming, PlayStation handhelds doubled as multimedia powerhouses. They offered capabilities for playing music, watching videos, and even browsing the internet. The PSP, in particular, gained popularity as a portable media device, with its ability to play high-quality videos, store music, and display photos. This versatility added tremendous value to the handheld consoles, making them more than just gaming devices.
The PlayStation handhelds, both the PSP and the PlayStation Vita, will forever hold a special place in the hearts of gamers worldwide. Their cutting-edge technology, outstanding game library, cross-platform connectivity, innovative controls, and multimedia capabilities set new standards for portable gaming. While the era of dedicated handheld gaming consoles may have evolved with the rise of smartphones, the legacy of PlayStation handhelds remains unparalleled. These devices showcased the immense potential of handheld gaming and left an indelible mark on the industry, solidifying their status as true icons in gaming history. This is why it is such a tragedy that all of this history, this solid legacy of gaming goodness is doomed to remain in the halls of history.
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