(Image credit: Future / Phil Hayton)
Sony’s PlayStation Portal is changing the way gamers play. Now, players can stream PS5 games without needing their console nearby. This update turns what was once just a remote play device into a powerful gaming tool.
Released in November 2023 for $199.99, the PlayStation Portal originally allowed gamers to play PS5 games on an 8-inch screen while someone else used the TV. Now, thanks to PlayStation Plus Premium, players can stream over 120 PS5 games directly from the cloud.
“It’s like carrying your PS5 with you, but without the console,” says Marcus Chen, a regular Portal user who has tested the cloud gaming feature since its beta. He’s played games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Ghost of Tsushima without touching his PS5.
There is one catch, though. You’ll need a strong internet connection. To enjoy smooth gaming at 1080p and 60 frames per second, you need at least 13 Mbps. That’s faster than the average coffee shop Wi-Fi, so public networks may not work well.
What’s Working
- Crystal-clear gaming on an 8-inch LCD screen
- DualSense features like haptic feedback stay intact
- Quick switching between cloud and remote play
- No noticeable lag on good connections
What’s Missing
- No PS4 or PS3 games in cloud streaming yet
- Can’t play games bought directly from PS Store
- Bluetooth headphones won’t work – you need PlayStation Link accessories
- Some social features are still under wraps
The latest cloud gaming update for the Portal solves a big issue for PS5 owners. Before, if your PS5 lost power or was unplugged, you couldn’t play. Now, with a Premium subscription and an internet connection, you’re good to go anytime.
Battery life stays strong at 6-8 hours, which is enough for a great gaming session. The built-in controls feel just like a PS5 controller, with adaptive triggers that adjust tension based on the game.
Sales numbers show the Portal is catching on. It’s now the best-selling PS5 accessory in the US, with 420,000 units sold in less than a year. While not as high as the PlayStation Portable, that’s still impressive for such a niche device.
Setting Up Cloud Gaming
Credit : SpawnPoint
- Make sure your Portal’s updated
- Head to Settings
- Turn on Cloud Streaming (Beta)
- Look for the new cloud gaming option on your home screen
The update improves the Portal, but it’s not perfect. You still can’t watch Netflix or YouTube, and it only works with your phone’s hotspot if your cell service is really strong. However, for PS5 owners who want to play anywhere in the house or on the go, it’s getting close to a must-have.
Sony isn’t stopping here. Sources suggest more cloud gaming features are coming, like PS4 games and party chat. For now, though, the Portal does its job well: letting PS5 owners play without using the TV.
At $199.99, it’s not cheap. But for PS5 and PlayStation Plus Premium owners, it’s becoming a solid investment. Just keep in mind that your gaming experience depends on your internet connection.
The Portal’s cloud gaming update shows Sony is serious about portable gaming, but in a different way than with the PSP. It’s not trying to replace the Switch or Steam Deck. Instead, it’s becoming something unique: a way to access your PS5 even when it’s offline.
Sales numbers prove the Portal is catching on. It’s now the best-selling PS5 accessory in the US, with 420,000 units sold in less than a year. While not as high as the PlayStation Portable, that’s still impressive for such a niche device.
References
- https://www.theverge.com/2024/11/19/24300991/playstation-portal-cloud-streaming-update-beta-ps5-games
- https://www.polygon.com/playstation/481928/playstation-portal-cloud-streaming
- https://esquiresg.com/sony-playstation-portal-review-2024/