A year after its release, Sony has just announced a major update for its PlayStation Portal which radically transforms the device. Initially designed as a simple streaming accessory from the PS5, the Portal can now directly access games via the cloud, without requiring a console. Sony’s “console” finally becomes a little more useful, without competing with real portable consoles.
Cloud gaming comes to Portal
The main new feature of this update is the introduction of cloud streaming in beta. PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers will be able to access more than 120 PS5 games from the PlayStation Plus catalog directly from the Portal, with a resolution of up to 1080p/60 FPS. To benefit from this, you will need a stable internet connection:
- Minimum 7 Mbps for 720p
- Minimum 13 Mbps for 1080p
Specific features of the DualSense controller are preserved, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers and touchpad (emulated on screen). The service will be available in 30 countries, including France.
Limitations to take into account
This beta version, however, has some notable restrictions. Some features are not available such as:
- Trial versions of games
- Group voice chat
- 3D audio
- In-game purchases
- Streaming PS4/PS3 games
In addition, the service requires a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription at €16.99 per month, which is added to the purchase price of the Portal (€219).
For iPhone and iPad owners, the Portal could represent an interesting alternative for accessing PS5 AAA games on the move, even if the total price (device + subscription) remains substantial. The quality of the experience will largely depend on the available internet connection.
Xbox has a real chance to play with this kind of product. With the success of Game Pass and Microsoft’s server infrastructure, the Seattle firm has a path ahead of it to release its equivalent of Portal and hurt Sony.
Note: iPhoneSoft uses affiliate links whenever possible. When you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission, which helps us maintain this site and at no extra cost to you.
