Afeela electric vehicle innovates with native integration for streaming PlayStation 4 and 5 games

Sony Honda Mobility, a joint venture formed by Japanese technology and automotive giants, has confirmed an innovative feature for its first electric vehicle, the Afeela. The model will be the first on the market to offer native integration with the PS Remote Play system, allowing users to stream games directly from their PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 consoles to in-car screens. The initiative redefines the concept of on-board entertainment, transforming the vehicle into an extension of the living room.

The ad details that the functionality was designed to optimize the time spent in the vehicle, whether on long trips or during the battery recharging process. Passageiros will be able to access their game libraries at any time, while the driver will only be able to use the resource when the car is parked, ensuring safety. Esta approach aims to create a mobility ecosystem that goes beyond simple transport, focusing on the user experience.

To use the service, Afeela owners will only need their DualSense controller and a stable internet connection, as the car system will act as a receiver for content transmitted by the home console. The technology utilizes the dashboard’s panoramic screen and the vehicle’s premium audio system to provide an immersive experience, cementing the company’s vision of a car as a connected digital device.

The strategic partnership behind the project

The creation of Sony Honda Mobility in 2022 marked the union of two powers with complementary expertise. On the one hand, Sony contributes its vast knowledge in sensors, imaging technology, software and digital entertainment, including the robust PlayStation ecosystem. Do another, the Honda offers decades of experience in engineering, manufacturing and automotive safety, ensuring the soundness of the vehicle design.

The central objective of the collaboration is to develop premium electric vehicles that stand out for their intelligence and interactivity. The Afeela is the first fruit of this vision, conceived not just as a means of transport, but as a “mobile entertainment space”. The integration of features such as the PS Remote Play is a fundamental step towards materializing this concept and differentiating the product in an increasingly competitive EV market, where software becomes as important a differentiator as hardware.

How game streaming will work in the vehicle

The PS Remote Play system on the Afeela operates identically to its implementation on other devices, such as smartphones or the PlayStation Portal. The user’s PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console must be turned on or in rest mode at home and connected to a high-speed internet network for the transmission of audio, video and commands to occur smoothly.

Inside the car, the infotainment system, which is powered by technology from Qualcomm, acts as the client that receives the signal. Users access the functionality through a native application in the vehicle’s interface, eliminating the need for any intermediate device, with the exception of the DualSense controller, which must be paired with the car’s system.

The experience is designed to be flexible, with rear seat passengers able to use individual screens, while the front panoramic screen is available to the driver and front passenger when the vehicle is stationary. Testes preliminaries demonstrated high compatibility with a wide range of games, from adventure titles to games that require fast responses.

Connectivity requirements and the onboard experience

To ensure a stable and uninterrupted gaming session, Afeela relies on a robust internet connection. The vehicle will come equipped with integrated 5G connectivity, but will also be able to use Wi-Fi hotspots. Sony’s minimum recommendation is a download speed of 5 Mbps for basic operation of Remote Play.

However, for an ideal experience, with high resolution and low latency, the manufacturer suggests a connection of at least 15 Mbps. Isso is crucial to minimize delay in commands, especially in action games or online competition, where every millisecond counts for satisfactory gameplay.

It is important to highlight that this functionality is not based on cloud gaming, like the service offered in the PlayStation Plus Premium catalog. The system mirrors the user’s physical console, meaning all game processing happens at home. Isso guarantees full access to the player’s personal game library and saves, but also creates a dependency on the quality of the internet connection both in the vehicle and at home.

The onboard experience is complemented by the Afeela’s hardware. The premium sound system and high-definition screens have been calibrated to offer total immersion, transforming the car’s cabin into a personal entertainment environment. Sony Honda Mobility is betting that this deep integration will be a strong attraction for the technology consumer public.

The Afeela as a software platform on wheels

Sony Honda Mobility’s vision for the Afeela transcends that of a simple automobile, positioning it as a digital platform in constant evolution. The vehicle is built on the Snapdragon Digital Chassis platform from Qualcomm, which offers robust processing power to manage not only driving and safety functions, but also a complex entertainment and connectivity system. Essa advanced software architecture allows the car to receive “over-the-air” (OTA) updates, similar to a smartphone. Isso means that new features, performance improvements and applications can be added over time without the need to visit a dealership. The inclusion of PS Remote Play is just the first example of the potential of this platform, which in the future could integrate other streaming services for movies, music and even productivity applications. The company defines the Afeela as a device that adapts and improves over time, ensuring that the customer’s investment remains relevant for years to come and offering a dynamic and customizable ownership experience.

Demos and release schedule

Integrating games into Afeela is not a new idea. Desde the first presentations of the prototype at events such as Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the Sony Honda Mobility already demonstrated the vehicle’s entertainment potential. In previous editions of the event, the company showed demonstrations where it was possible to control aspects of the car using a DualSense controller and carry out game streaming tests, generating great expectation in the market.

The production model, which keeps these promises, has a well-defined release schedule. Pre-sales are scheduled to begin in 2025, with the first deliveries scheduled for early 2026, starting with the Califórnia market, in the Estados Unidos. Expansion to other regions from América to Norte and, subsequently, to other global markets, will follow the pace of the company’s production capacity.

The vision for the future of mobility

Sony Honda Mobility describes the Afeela as a vehicle that turns commuting time into an engaging and productive experience. The addition of PS Remote Play is a pillar of this philosophy, directly serving an audience that seeks to maximize every moment of their day, whether for leisure or work. The focus on software and continuous updates defines the car as a living product, which evolves with emerging needs and technologies.