Sony handheld Project Q vs Steam Deck

Project Q is announced, let's compare with the popular Steam Deck

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A new Sony handheld is on the way, so let’s see how Project Q vs Steam Deck will turn out. It’s still early days for this new device from Sony, though Project Q serves as more of an accessory to the PS5. We’ll be discussing all the details you need to know if you’re curious about how it differs from the popular Steam Deck handheld.

For those unaware, the Steam Deck is basically a handheld PC gaming device, built by Valve and released back in 2022. It’s proved successful, with more companies jumping in to capitalize on the trend. Recently the ASUS ROG Ally is a huge entry to this space.

This comparison is close to yet another console vs PC gaming discussion, but with more compact devices as the focus. There are some pretty big differences between the two devices to get through.

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Sony handheld Project Q vs Steam Deck specs & design

Although Project Q is most likely a placeholder codename for now, that doesn’t mean the specs are completely unknown. However, the details are admittedly a little limited early on. There were many rumors about the Project Q, previously dubbed the Q Lite, which came to be true once PlayStation confirmed it’s existence.

As for the Steam Deck, we already know everything there is to know. It features PC specs, whereas the Project Q is not a standalone device (like the Steam Deck) and acts more as a peripheral for the PS5. We think of it as like the Wii U handheld. Therefore there is no 1:1 comparison between the two in many regards.

However, let’s first look at the Steam Deck.

• Display: 7-inch, 1280×800 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, 400 nit brightness
• Processor: AMD APU (Zen 2 processor, 8 RDNA 2 CUs graphics card)
• Memory: 16GB LPDDR5 5500 MT/s
• Storage: 64GB eMMC / 256GB NVMe SSD / 512GB high-speed NVMe SSD

As for design, the Steam deck features many bind-able buttons, gyro controls, thumbsticks, and left & right trackpads too. This is all housed on the simple black color option.

Now here’s what we know about Sony’s Project Q for the PlayStation.

• Display: 8-inch, 1920×1080 / 16:9 aspect ratio, rumored 60Hz refresh rate
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi (6E rumored), requires remote play with PS5

As for the processor, memory, and storage – that is technically the same as the PS5, Project Q uses remote play to your PlayStation. For reference, the PS5 features an AMD Zen 2 CPU, 16GB GDDR6 RAM, and a total of 825 GB storage space on the NVMe SSD.

The design of the Project Q is very similar to the PS5 controller, with a tablet-like screen in the center. Sony already announced that it will feature all of the buttons and features found on a DualSense wireless controller. This should include the built-in microphone, haptic feedback, and dynamic adaptive triggers.

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Sony handheld Project Q vs Steam Deck performance

Performance wise, the Steam Deck could be up against it. Project Q is using remote play to the more powerful PS5. However, remote play doesn’t go without it’s problems. Technically, the specs of the PS5 outclass the Steam Deck, as it’s built for up to 4K gaming at around 60 FPS. The Steam Deck on the other hand sits just under 1080p with it’s 800p 16:10 resolution.

However, the Project Q handheld screen is just 1080p, which is a lot closer to the Steam Deck. Even though the PS5 itself is more powerful, Project Q doesn’t need to make full use of it. We expect most games to run at a smooth 60+ FPS at 1080p on the Project Q. One important difference though is Remote Play. This is where it gets complicated, as Remote Play relies on your Wi-Fi connection. This can result in input lag as you need to stream the game, rather than play it directly on the device.

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Sony handheld Project Q vs Steam Deck price

Let’s start off with the Steam Deck when discussing price. After all, this is all confirmed. Jumping straight into it.

• Steam Deck 64GB: $399
• Steam Deck 256GB: $529
• Steam Deck 512GB: $649

As you can see, the Steam Deck has multiple price points, depending on the storage space you opt for. We think it’s unlikely that Project Q will have these differences, as the handheld probably won’t have storage of it’s own.

Since Project Q is not a standalone device and instead relies on the PS5 to play from, we can only expect it to be the cheaper device. It’s almost a PS5 controller with a screen built-in as we see it. Early estimations say the device could be around $200-$300. We would hope to see it at the lower end of this range, or even below if it hopes to compare to the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.

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Sony handheld Project Q vs Steam Deck FAQs

Is Sony handheld Project Q more powerful than Steam Deck?

The upcoming handheld Project Q for the PS5 is not a standalone device. It instead connects to your PS5 via Remote Play.

The PS5 is more powerful than the Steam Deck, and the Project Q handheld does actually feature a higher screen resolution than the Steam Deck.

Can the Steam Deck play PlayStation games?

The Steam Deck is not a PlayStation console – instead being a device based on the PC platform. Therefore, it is designed for PC gaming and does not support PlayStation games natively.

Of course, many games these days are cross-platform, and it is also possible to look into emulation on the Steam Deck.

Sony handheld Project Q vs Steam Deck : Final word

There we have it – Project Q vs Steam Deck. Comparing these two handheld devices isn’t as clear cut as other options out there. Steam Deck is a standalone device, whereas the Project Q acts as an accessory to the PS5, as Sony put it.

We have plenty of other comparisons to tuck into if you want to pit some of your favorite graphics cards, CPUs, controllers, keyboards & mice, or even VR headsets against each other.