Sony has officially cancelled its PlayStation Remote Play-enabled car, the Afeela 1, part of a joint venture with Honda. The decision follows Honda's reassessment of its electrification strategy, which significantly altered vital technology and asset assumptions for the project. Initially aimed at enabling gaming on the go using PS4 and PS5 consoles, the Afeela 1 will no longer launch as planned. However, Sony and Honda will continue discussions about future ventures in the electric vehicle space, keeping the possibility of in-vehicle gaming alive despite this setback.
What led to the cancellation of the Afeela 1 car?The cancellation was primarily due to Honda's shift in its automobile electrification strategy, which changed the foundational assumptions regarding the technology and assets needed for the development of the Afeela 1.
The Afeela 1 was envisioned as the first step in a pioneering collaboration between Sony and Honda, focusing on integrating entertainment options into electric vehicles. The concept of in-vehicle gaming is not new, with other automotive companies also exploring similar features, signifying a growing trend in merging gaming with transportation.
Comments
It's a shame the road to in-car gaming hit a detour, but honestly, I'm not surprised. These ambitious tech collabs often face real-world speed bumps before they find the right lane.
Bummer that we won't be seeing a PlayStation on wheels anytime soon, but it's smart they're keeping the conversation going. The idea of gaming in the car still feels like an inevitable part of the future, even if this specific road trip got cancelled.