Exploring the Sony Honda Mobility’s AFEELA prototype, where cutting-edge technology meets the gaming world.

Sony Honda Mobility’s (SHM) journey into the automotive industry takes an exciting turn with the unveiling of the AFEELA prototype, a collaborative venture that marries Sony’s technological prowess with Honda’s automotive expertise. First teased as the “VISION-S” at CES 2020, AFEELA has evolved significantly, hinting at a 2026 release date that promises to reshape our driving experiences.

Our firsthand look at AFEELA in Los Angeles revealed a car that is as much about technological innovation as it is about mobility. While specifics like price and battery size remain under wraps, Sony and Honda have provided a tantalizing preview of what’s to come, focusing on an immersive in-car experience that extends to gaming, customizable interfaces, and potentially groundbreaking autonomous driving capabilities.

At the heart of AFEELA’s appeal is its emphasis on a “software-defined vehicle,” promising an in-car experience that’s both customizable and updatable over the air. The prototype showcased a variety of tech-focused features, including a customizable front “media bar,” auto-opening doors with facial recognition, and a giant wraparound screen that transforms the cockpit into a digital command center.

Perhaps most intriguing for gaming enthusiasts is the integration of PS5’s “remote play” feature, allowing passengers to stream games directly in the car. While the current prototype indicates some limitations due to screen dimensions and internet latency, the concept opens up new possibilities for entertainment on the road.

Despite the excitement surrounding AFEELA’s tech demos, there are reminders that much is still in flux. From undecided aspects like the yoke steering wheel and steer-by-wire technology to the ongoing debate over autonomy levels, SHM emphasizes that what we see today could change by the time AFEELA reaches production.

The pursuit of Level 3 autonomy is ambitious, with SHM leveraging machine learning and a comprehensive sensor suite, including LiDAR, to enhance safety and driver assistance features. However, achieving such a level of self-driving capability by 2026 remains a challenging goal, highlighting the balance SHM must strike between innovation and feasibility.

Sony’s influence is evident in AFEELA’s focus on the user interface and in-car entertainment, promising a seamless and engaging experience that leverages Sony’s experience in software development. In contrast, Honda’s manufacturing and distribution expertise underpins the project, ensuring that AFEELA benefits from a solid foundation in automotive design and production.

As SHM prepares for a 2025 preorder launch in the U.S., the road ahead is filled with decisions and milestones that will ultimately determine AFEELA’s place in the automotive landscape. With Sony and Honda’s resources and expertise driving the project forward, AFEELA represents a bold step into the future of driving — where technology, entertainment, and autonomy converge to create a truly unique vehicle.