Sony is getting ready to launch its newest handheld gaming device, Project Q. But, in case you didn't know, there's a twist: it's not a successor to the PlayStation Vita nor is it positioned to compete with the Nintendo Switch. The Project Q is designed to take advantage of PlayStation's Remote Play feature. This innovative approach means that the handheld device is more of an accessory to the PS5 and not a standalone console. This may or may not end up hurting its chances of selling well on the market. But, what will likely have a huge effect is how long its battery life is, and the rumors are saying that it won't get you very far.

According to Insider Gaming, a well-known source for gaming leaks, the Project Q could have a maximum battery life of 4 hours. This aligns with the Nintendo Switch, which can last for around 3 hours, give or take, when playing something like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on the go.

This relatively low battery life likely has something to do with the 1080p LCD panel of the 8-inch HD screen of the Project Q.

Since it's designed to play PlayStation 5 games at a 1080p resolution and a smooth 60 frames per second (FPS), it's no wonder its battery life isn't longer than it should be.

However, Sony can render all this talk about the Project Q and its battery life moot by selling it at an affordable price point. But, Sony has a reputation for putting hefty price tags on its products. So, the chances of that happening are slim to none. The Project might struggle to sell more units if it's priced at a $250 to $300 price point, as today's smartphones already provide similar Remote Play functionality, among other things.

We'll likely find out more about the Project Q at a later date after Sony Interactive Entertainment's CEO, Jim Ryan, promised to share more about it "in the near future."

Given that Insider Gaming claims that Project Q will be out by November, we should hear more about it in another State of Play or maybe even PlayStation Showcase in the next couple of months.

Speaking of Insider Gaming, this is the same source that reported on a new PS5 model and a PS5 Pro both coming out within the next few years.

Fingers crossed, we'll get more information about either or both consoles soon.