Prepare for a New Era of Game Console Road Trips
In an unexpected move that might lead to either a renaissance of in-car entertainment or the world’s most expensive carpool karaoke, Sony and Honda have declared that the upcoming Afeela 1 will support PlayStation Remote Play. Yes, the dream of gaming while stuck in traffic is about to flourish like a weed in a neglected garden.
This zany collaboration between two behemoths of tech and automotive wasn’t a spontaneous idea hatched over a cup of questionable coffee. Nope! It was actually born out of a shiny new joint venture known as Sony Honda Mobility, which came into existence in 2022. Their grand objective? To create battery-powered electric vehicles that would make Mother Nature weep with joy.
So, What’s Cooking with the Afeela 1?
The first shiny fruit of this partnership, the Afeela 1, is set to roll into California driveways by the cheerful year of 2026. And what’s the big news, aside from the fact that living spaces are about to shrink even further? Buckle up, because Afeela cars will allow passengers to immerse themselves in the gaming world thanks to PS Remote Play. Yes, those beloved PS4 and PS5 games can now be enjoyed in the midst of a scenic drive—or while waiting in a parking lot for someone who said “only five minutes.”
Let the Games Begin—Sort of
Now, before everyone gets the wrong idea, it’s essential to clarify that only the PS Remote Play feature has been laid down in stone. The cloud streaming through PlayStation Plus? Not so much… unless baby steps are the preferred method of travel. That means gaming enthusiasts will need a fully functioning PS4 or PS5 console sitting at home, beaming its magic to the car like some kind of vehicular wizard. It’s basically household tech on the move!
According to Sony Honda Mobility, they cheerfully state, “With PS Remote Play, users can remotely access and control their PS4 or PS5 console at home directly from the car’s interface using the Afeela In-Vehicle Infotainment system.” Yes, because who wouldn’t want to push the limits of multitasking while navigating through rush hour?
Cue the “Epic” Road Trip
This brainchild of hybrid ingenuity is said to deliver a thrilling experience for passengers, easing the agony of road trips that inevitably include the age-old saga of “Are we there yet?” From the cozy confines of the car, passengers can dive into their digital adventures with an integrated display and audio quality that might make the Grammy committee sit up and take notice. And who knew backseat gaming would make a comeback?
Izumi Kawanishi, president and COO of the venture, waxed poetic about how “the introduction of PS Remote Play embodies Afeela’s vision for mobility: transforming the traveling space into a captivating and emotional one.” One wonders what kind of adventures await during mundane drives to the grocery store.
Keeping Up with the Joneses (or Teslas)
Believe it or not, this isn’t the first time driving has morphed into a retro gaming arcade. Tesla took a trip down gaming lane back in 2022 when it introduced a native Steam app for its cars. And just like that childhood pet that went on “vacation,” they decided to drop support for Steam last year. Talk about commitment issues!
Meanwhile, Microsoft waved its magic wand in September, announcing that automobiles using LG’s webOS Automotive Content Platform could also start streaming games through Xbox Cloud Gaming. All that is required for this digital delight is an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and an automotive data plan. Because why not add another monthly bill to the chaotic landscape of adulting?
In summary, the Afeela 1 is ushering in a new era for travelers: an opportunity to settle into the driver’s seat for a wild ride, because what’s more thrilling than dodging potholes while trying to execute the perfect finishing move? Buckle up; it’s going to be a bumpy, yet entertaining, ride.
