PlayStation Portal, which we heavily criticized when it was released, is no longer a simple remote gaming device. Thanks to the update, it is now able to stream PS5 games without a console.
Sony understood, or rather heard. In a press release published on PlayStation Blog On November 19, 2024, the manufacturer presents a new update PlayStation Portal — its remote play device that connects to the PS5 so you can play anywhere. And in fact, it is no longer just a device for remote gaming: PlayStation Portal can now become a real portable console.
Sony mentions “ Support for cloud streaming on PS Portal », a feature still in beta that will be exclusive to PlayStation Plus Premium members (the most expensive service plan) and available in France. The idea is to cut the cable between the PlayStation Portal and the PS5 so the accessory can play games on its own, thanks the magic of streaming. A product that Microsoft was supposed to release to support its Xbox Game Pass.
PS Portal can stream games without PS5
It is possibly a “game changer”. PlayStation Portal, which was widely criticized upon its release due to its limited use. With the ability to stream without a PS5, interest is much greater and some can get into it even without owning a PS5. Which would make PlayStation Portal a good Trojan, despite its high cost (€16.99 per month for PlayStation Plus Premium).
Please note that the catalog that PlayStation Portal has access to is limited: Sony is talking about more than 120 games (PS5 only) – including Ghost of Tsushima, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Monster Hunter Rise AND Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Image quality will be limited to 1080p and 60 fps. And of course you will need a good internet connection to enjoy it in good conditions (at least 13 Mbit/s).
Additionally, while support for DualSense specs (haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, speaker, touchpad, gyroscope) is guaranteed, certain options will be missing. Sony talks about creative touch, 3D sound and in-game transactions, since it is still a beta version, there may be bugs.
Note that cloud saves allow you to start a game on the PlayStation Portal and then continue it on PS5 without doing anything – thanks to automatic syncing. It is very interesting from an ecosystem point of view.