Flashspoter - PlayStation Portal is again a topic of discussion following a string of significant updates that have substantially increased the device's functionality compared to its initial launch in late 2023. If previously Portal was only considered a limited Remote Play device, now Sony has brought a full cloud streaming feature that changes the way players access their games. As a result, this device is getting closer to Sony's vision of bringing the PlayStation gaming experience anywhere as long as there is an adequate internet connection.
At the beginning of its launch, PlayStation Portal immediately raised many questions. At around $200, the device lacks Bluetooth support, is awkward in size, and can only be used to remote the PS5. For many players, the benefits are still far less than other handheld devices such as the Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. But things started to change in 2024 when Sony released cloud streaming support for Premium PS Plus games, allowing users to play without having to turn on the PS5 at home.
The most important update is arriving. Sony has gone ahead and made the Cloud Streaming option available for PS5 games that are in the digital libraries of the users. Essentially, PS Portal users having a PS Plus Premium subscription are given access to a plethora of PS5 games and can run them straight off the cloud without any kind of connection to the PS5. So, games like Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Ghost of Yōtei, and Grand Theft Auto V are some of the titles that can be played via this newly launched service. Also, hundreds of games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog can be streamed as well.
Not stopping there, this latest update also brings a new interface (UI) that is neater with three tabs, Remote Play, Cloud Streaming, and Search. The Search Tab can even display a QR code that instantly directs users to purchase or access a specific game through the PlayStation app.
Sony also added important features for a more comfortable gaming experience, such as 3D Audio for games that support the technology, passcode lock to make the device more secure, and Network Status Screen to monitor network quality. The Cloud Streaming-only update also includes in-game Purchase Support directly from the Portal, accessibility options such as screen reader and text size adjustments, as well as the ability to accept game invitations directly during cloud streaming sessions.
These improvements make PlayStation Portal finally able to provide a reliable gaming experience. In many cases, cloud streaming is actually more stable than Remote Play which depends on the user's home network. Even some players report being able to play heavy games like Ghost of Yōtei or Spider-Man 2 stably via a phone's tethering connection, something that's almost impossible via Remote Play.
Nevertheless, the shortcomings of PlayStation Portal still have not disappeared completely. The absence of Bluetooth remains a big issue. Users still have to use PlayStation Link audio devices such as Pulse Explore or Pulse Elite if they want to hear sound wirelessly without delay. In addition, the large, tablet-like design of the device with controllers attached to both sides also makes it less practical for travel. Portals are still not an ideal choice if you want to play games on the go or when you are in a hotel with a bad internet connection.
In the midst of Sony's official update, there are also interesting rumors from the community. A finding on the PSN briefly surfaced the text “Buy this game, and then stream and play instantly on PS Portal or PS5,” hinting that Sony may be planning to allow all digital games, including PS4, to be streamed directly to the Portal with just a PS Plus Premium subscription. If true, this would make Portal the most flexible PlayStation handheld device of all time.
In addition, this rumor also raises speculation about Sony's strategy towards the PlayStation 6 era. Some leaks say that Sony is preparing a PS6 handheld device that can run games natively and also utilize the cloud for PS5 and PS6 libraries. If combined with increasingly mature cloud features, Sony could make a big comeback in the handheld world after the PS Vita era.
For players, all these developments signal that the PlayStation Portal is already far from “confusing”. Although not yet perfect, the device is now a much more attractive option for PlayStation fans who want the flexibility to play on the go.
Source Engadget, PlayStation Blog, VICE Gaming
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