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| PlayStation Portal pictured above the Sony Honda Afeela 1 EV |
In an unexpected fusion of gaming and mobility, the recently updated PlayStation Portal is shifting gears from handheld to hardwired. Sony Honda Mobility has announced that its upcoming, tech-centric Afeela 1 electric vehicle will feature integrated PS Remote Play, powered by the Portal’s technology. This move aims to transform passenger seats into personal gaming suites, but it may come with a significant catch that has dedicated gamers pausing for thought.
A Gaming Console on Wheels
The vision is compelling: a seat-mounted display, tapping into the Afeela’s premium audio system for immersive sound, all controlled by a familiar DualSense controller. According to the official announcement from Sony Honda Mobility, this integration seeks to leverage the PlayStation Portal’s streaming capabilities to bolster the vehicle's infotainment offerings.
The press release outlines the need for a stable 15 Mbps internet connection for optimal performance, with the vehicle expected to provide both Wi-Fi and built-in 5G cellular connectivity to reduce buffering. The in-car display, as shown in promotional material, also appears to be larger than the Portal’s own 8-inch LCD screen, offering a potentially more expansive view from the passenger seat.
For more details on the partnership and its vision, you can read the official announcement here.
The Caveat: A Step Behind the Standalone Device?
However, this automotive gaming upgrade might already be in the slow lane. The biggest potential drawback is the reliance on a traditional Remote Play setup. This likely means the system would depend on a PS4 or PS5 console running back at a user’s home, mirroring the Portal’s original function.
This stands in stark contrast to the recent evolution of the standalone PlayStation Portal device itself. Thanks to a major software update, the handheld can now play purchased PS5 games directly, without needing the console to be actively running. Furthermore, PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers have access to an even broader library via cloud streaming. Sony Honda Mobility’s release did not clarify if the embedded Afeela system will gain these more advanced, console-independent capabilities post-launch.
A Rocky Road for In-Car Gaming
The automotive industry’s journey with high-end gaming has been bumpy. Tesla’s ambitious plan to integrate a full Steam app, for instance, ultimately stalled. Sony and Honda are hoping to avoid a similar fate by focusing on a more streamlined, first-party experience.
They aren’t alone in seeing the car as a new entertainment arena. With traditional console sales facing headwinds, Microsoft has partnered with LG to bring its Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming service to various vehicle platforms, signaling a broader race for dominance in the passenger seat.
The Verdict and The Vehicle
For PlayStation enthusiasts tempted by this feature, the Afeela 1 EV is slated to begin deliveries in California by mid-2026. The initial premium model will carry a price tag of approximately $102,900, with a more affordable trim expected to follow a year later.
Ultimately, while the idea of seamless gaming during a road trip is enticing, the current integration seems to offer fewer features than simply bringing your own updated PlayStation Portal. Until the in-car system matches the standalone device’s ability to play games without a running home console, the most dedicated players might still prefer to keep their Portal in their backpack—even while riding in an Afeela.
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| PlayStation Portal mounted in backseat of Sony Honda Afeela 1 EV |