The PlayStation Portal, which we strongly criticized when it was released, is no longer a simple remote play device. Thanks to an update, it is now capable of streaming PS5 games, without the console.
Sony understood, or, rather, heard. In a press release published on the PlayStation Blog on November 19, 2024, the manufacturer presents a new update to the PlayStation Portal – its remote play device, capable of connecting to the PS5 so that you can play anywhere. And, in reality, it's no longer just a remote play device: PlayStation Portal can now become a true portable console.
Sony mentions “ Support for cloud streaming on PS Portal », a feature still in beta, which will be exclusive to PlayStation Plus Premium members (the most expensive plan of the service) and accessible in France. The idea is to cut the cord between the PlayStation Portal and the PS5, so that the accessory can play games on its own, thanks to the magic of streaming. A product that Microsoft should have released to support its Xbox Game Pass.
PS Portal can stream games without PS5
This is possibly a “game changer” for the 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 might even get into it without owning a PS5. Which would make PlayStation Portal a good Trojan Horse, despite its high cost (€16.99 per month for PlayStation Plus Premium).
Please note, the catalog to which the PlayStation Portal has access is limited: Sony is talking about a little more than 120 games (PS5 only) – including Ghost of Tsushima, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Monster Hunter Rise et 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).
Furthermore, if support for the specificities of the DualSense is guaranteed (haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, speaker, touchpad, gyroscope), certain options will be missing. Sony talks about the creative touch, 3D audio and in-game transactions. As it is still a beta, bugs could appear.
Note that cloud saves will allow you to start a game on the PlayStation Portal, then continue it on the PS5 without doing anything – thanks to automatic synchronization. In terms of ecosystem, it's very interesting.
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