Sony has shown off the latest prototype of an electric vehicle it plans to release in collaboration with Honda. However, social media users are heavily weighing in since the ride was operated with a Playstation 5 controller.
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More Details On Sony’s Electric Vehicle & Demonstration
According to Video Game Chronicle, the Sony Honda Mobility was established in 2021. The joint venture plans to release the companies’ “first electric vehicle model” by 2025.
The electric vehicle will reportedly be called “AFEELA.” The car is intended to provide consumers with a “premium entertainment experience” while potentially prioritizing “autonomous driving tasks.”
Electrek adds that AFEELA plans to feature dual-motor all-wheel-drive. Additionally, it will operate from 0-62 mph within 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.
Furthermore, the outlet reports that the car may even feature “large displays in both the front and back seats.” This could allude to a “PS5-level” gaming device being placed in the vehicle.
Closest look yet of the Afeela EV by Sony Honda Mobility #CES2024 pic.twitter.com/GcbWnPwxBg
— Autoblog (@therealautoblog) January 9, 2024
On Monday, January 8, the company held a press conference to display Sony’s latest AFEELA prototype. Honda CEO, Toshihiro Mibe, brought the vehicle out on stage with a PS5 controller.
Check out the footage below.
Social Media Reacts
Social media users have entered The Shade Room’s comment section to share their reactions to Sony and Honda’s latest innovation. However, many appeared to be fixated on the vehicle being operated by a PS5 controller during the demonstration.
“And be like that damn submarine that sank?!? Nah I’m straight.”
“So the Submarine with the controller didn’t teach any lessons?… I can’t even play GTA without hitting a pedestrian or my joystick getting stuck. This can’t work”
Furthermore, users also chimed in via X, formerly known as Twitter.
me driving my afeela when my controller suddenly gets stick drift https://t.co/54ISlTXG4p pic.twitter.com/Fy0XcP3oUt
— vel 🏳️⚧️ (@64_vel) January 9, 2024
Me hacking someone's AFEELA car and driving it with my duel sense Sony controller. https://t.co/PtdSPnSEgk pic.twitter.com/fkls9kh7Bz
— Box Office Buz (@boxofficebuz) January 9, 2024
To note, the OceanGate submersible, which went missing below sea levels in June 2023, was reportedly operated by a $30 game console controller, per The Shade Room.
In July, the company suspended all search operations for those onboard the submarine. At the time, it was reported that the sub may have imploded, killing all five passengers.
RELATED: UPDATE: OceanGate Suspends All Operations Following Titan Submersible Implosion
Will The Vehicle Operate With PS5 Controller Once It Hits The Market?
According to Electrek, the Honda CEO explained that using the PS5 controller during his demonstration was “for the purpose of stage showcase only.”
Additionally, the outlet adds that, at this time, AFEELA’s price point remains unclear.
Video Game Chronicle adds that the AFEELA prototype will be available for virtual testing in a ‘Gran Turismo 7‘ video game update, reportedly arriving later this year.
