Sony Project Q vs. Valve Steam Deck? Which handled is best?

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Since Sony’s Project Q announcement, the handheld gaming scene has been buzzing with excitement. Some good, some bad.

A comparison between the upcoming Sony Project Q and Valve’s Steam Deck is essential to understand better what each device brings to the table.

This article breaks down their specs, designs, performance, and pricing while incorporating charts, statistics, and quotes for a more comprehensive perspective.

Project Q, designed as an accessory to the PS5, uses Remote Play to connect it to the console, unlike the standalone Steam Deck. Both devices sport different designs and specifications, as detailed below:

Side by Side: Specs & Design Face-off

At first glance, comparing specs might seem like a simple task. But hold onto your hats – things are about to get complicated since these contenders differ more than you’d think:

Steam Deck

• Display: 7-inch delight, 1280×800 crisp 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

Sony Handheld Project Q

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

In terms of performance, the Steam Deck lags behind the power of PS5 when used by Project Q; however, this does not make the steam deck obsolete as various factors have to be taken into consideration.

Remote Play reliability may affect Project Q enjoyment, while the Steam Deck maintains steady performance due to its on-device hardware.

When comparing prices, the Steam Deck has three tiers depending on storage capacity:

Although no specific pricing details have been released for Project Q, estimates place it in the $200-$300 range as it relies on PS5 hardware and doesn’t include its storage.

Each device has its brag-worthy points:

• Steam Deck: Massive game selection, playing nice with PCs, and giving the spotlight to indie stars
• Project Q: Handheld heaven for PlayStation loyalists, along with sweet, exclusive PS5 content

But make no mistake; if there’s one thing to keep in your back pocket, it’s that Sony seems like they’re going to invest a ton into Project Q.

Jim Ryan, President & CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment during the PlayStation Showcase:

“It also highlights the tremendous popularity and power of the PS5 as the global development community rallies to push its advanced capabilities to the limit,” Ryan said, following the event. “We’re investing heavily in the future with innovative best-in-class hardware like PlayStation VR2 and the newly revealed Project Q, and our expansion into PC, Mobile and Live Service gaming is transforming how and where our content can be enjoyed.”

The bottom line

In simple terms, deciding between Sony’s Project Q and Valve’s Steam Deck depends on what you personally prefer, need, and what gaming equipment you have.

For example, if you’re someone who owns a PlayStation 5 and find and built a community of friends who all play together online, then the Steam Deck isn’t for you.

On the other hand, PC gamers don’t need to hear why ditching our Steam library for a PlayStation 5 is a good idea. Truthfully, PC gamers don’t listen to anyone (bless their hearts), so I’m not even going to bother.

But just in case, it’s important to compare the good and bad of each before diving in head first. Either or though, you’re not getting a bad console.

If you do prefer to go the Steam Deck route, do yourself a favor and check out our best Steam Deck accessories post. This otta keep you busy for a while.

Have any thoughts on this? Drop us a line below in the comments, or carry the discussion over to our Twitter or Facebook.

Editors’ Recommendations:

• Sony’s Project Q vs. Nintendo Switch – how do they compare?
• Can Steam Deck play Minecraft?
• Asus ROG Ally gunning for Steam Deck in portable gaming war
• Does the Steam Deck have a touchscreen?

Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.