Sony is set to launch its highly anticipated handheld remote player, the PlayStation Portal, on November 15th. This portable device will allow users to stream PS5 games over Wi-Fi and features an eight-inch LCD screen running at 1080p resolution and 60fps. The Portal will be available for $199.99 in the US, UK, and other regions. Preorders for select countries have already begun on Sony’s official PlayStation Direct storefront.
According to Hideaki Nishino, senior vice president of platform experience at Sony Interactive Entertainment, the PlayStation Portal will connect remotely to your PS5 over Wi-Fi, allowing you to seamlessly switch from playing on your console to playing on the handheld device. It will be compatible with supported games installed on your PS5 and will use the Dualsense controller.
The PlayStation Portal features controllers on each side that resemble Sony’s PS5 DualSense controllers. These controllers support adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, giving users a similar gaming experience to using a dedicated DualSense controller. The handheld device will also have a dedicated media section on its home screen, allowing users to play media from their PS5. However, it’s important to note that the Portal does not have local storage capabilities, so a stable Wi-Fi connection is necessary to access games and media.
One surprising limitation of the PlayStation Portal is that it won’t work with Sony’s cloud streaming service for PS5 games. Sony clarified that games that require streaming on the PS5 using a PS Plus Premium membership are not compatible with the handheld device. As a result, the Portal is primarily designed for streaming games that users already have installed on their PS5. Users will need an internet connection with a minimum speed of 5Mbps, although Sony recommends 15Mbps for the best experience.
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Despite the limitations, early testing of the PlayStation Portal suggests a smooth and seamless gaming experience. IGN’s hands-on test of the device revealed no noticeable latency issues, which are typically a concern when streaming games over Wi-Fi networks.
The PlayStation Portal does not have Bluetooth capabilities, so connecting wireless headphones or Sony’s Pulse 3D headset is not possible. Instead, it uses a new proprietary standard called PlayStation Link wireless technology. This technology aims to deliver low-latency and lossless audio. Sony will also be launching wireless headsets and buds that support PlayStation Link.
The battery life of the PlayStation Portal has yet to be finalized, but Sony is targeting a similar battery life to the DualSense controller, which typically lasts around seven to nine hours.
It’s worth noting that the PlayStation Portal was previously known as Project Q and was officially announced by Sony in May. The rumored release date in November was confirmed in mid-August when Sony revealed pricing details for the device.
In conclusion, Sony’s PlayStation Portal offers gamers a convenient way to stream PS5 games on a handheld device. While it has some limitations in terms of cloud streaming and Bluetooth connectivity, the Portal’s impressive features and smooth performance make it an exciting addition to Sony’s gaming ecosystem. With its official launch just around the corner, PlayStation fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to get their hands on this innovative device.
