Everything You Need To Know About The PlayStation™ Portal
Published on 12th January 2024 by Guy Lanham
Over a decade ago, back in 2011, the PlayStation™ Vita was released and was a highly anticipated addition to Sony's range of PlayStation™ handheld consoles.
In 2023, Sony launched the PlayStation™ Portal. But, this is no standalone handheld console like the PlayStation™ Portable or Vita, this is the new remote way to play your PS5.
What is the PlayStation™ Portal?
Just as the name suggests, the PlayStation™ Portal is Sony's new system to play PS5 games portably. It acts like a portal to your PS5 console and is the perfect device for anyone who shares a living room TV or wants to play PS5 games in other rooms of the house. You can quite literally put the PS5 in the palms of your hands with this dedicated remote-play device!
The device feels like a seamless experience for PS5 gamers as the DualSense controller is spliced in half for the controls. These contain haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and comfortable handling of the device. This brings the remote play experience to the next level, as typical mobile gaming devices are devoid of immersion and comfort.
Also, the PS Portal features a beautifully crisp 8-inch LCD screen which can display 1080p at 60 FPS, so your next-gen games can still perform up to scratch.
How does the PlayStation™ Portal work?
As the PS Portal is not a standalone handheld console, the device requires that you already own a PS5 console. The Portal removes the need to game on your PS5 traditionally from your TV and acts as a second screen. To play remotely, your PS5 must be powered on or in rest mode and connected to the internet, whilst paired to your PlayStation™ Portal. The games you can stream must already be existing games in your library and installed on the PS5 console you're streaming from.
The PS Portal also has to be connected to a stable WiFi network to be able to stream games from your PS5. While a minimum of 5 Mbps is needed, PlayStation™ recommends speeds of at least 15 Mbps for stable streaming. We recommend doing an internet speed test if you're unsure of the average speeds you receive to see if your Wi-Fi is suitable.
PlayStation™ Link Accessories for Lossless Audio
Sony has announced new PlayStation™ Link accessories including the Pulse Explore Wireless Ear Buds and the Pulse Elite Headset. These will be compatible with both the PS5 and the new PlayStation™ Portal.
The PS Portal comes with a 3.5mm audio jack, however no Bluetooth. If you want wireless audio whilst immersing in your PS Portal, then you'll need either one of these accessories. Both the earbuds and headset provide low-latency, lossless audio, combating the common issues that come with Bluetooth connectivity which can impair immersion.
PlayStation™ Portal Pros
- Big 8" HD screen at 60 FPS
- Sleek, comfortable design
- DualSense features include haptic feedback and adaptive triggers
- Flexibility - Play wherever you like as long as there is a connection
- 3.5mm audio jack for easy headphone access
PlayStation™ Portal Cons
- Limited to an installed library of games on the PS5
- PS Plus Premium's cloud streaming and PS VR2 games are currently not supported
- No Bluetooth - PlayStation™ Link accessories required for wireless audio
The PlayStation™ Portal is the perfect device for gamers in busy households or for those who enjoy remote play. Keep an eye out for the PlayStation™ Portal as availability tends to be sparse.
FAQs
Can you use a PlayStation™ Portal without a PS5?
No, a PS5 system is required to use PlayStation™ Portal and only one can be connected to a PS5 console at a time.
Can PlayStation™ Portal be played anywhere?
The PS Portal can be played anywhere so long as you have an internet connection. It can even be played via a mobile hotspot. Although a minimum of 5Mbps of internet speed is required, we recommend at least 15Mbps for a better experience.
