The PlayStation Portal, officially released on November 15, 2023, is Sony’s dedicated Remote Play handheld device designed to bring the PS5 gaming experience to a portable format. Priced at $199.99 / £199.99, the device has quickly gained attention for its affordability and specific use-case within the PlayStation ecosystem.
Specifications and Components
Display and Design:
- Screen: The PlayStation Portal features an 8-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1080p, capable of running games at 60 frames per second. This offers a sharp and smooth visual experience for a handheld device.
- Controller Integration: The device integrates two halves of a DualSense controller on either side of the screen, including key features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. However, the traditional touchpad is replaced by touch areas on either side of the screen, and the light bar is omitted.
Connectivity:
- Wi-Fi Only: The PlayStation Portal requires a Wi-Fi connection for Remote Play. Sony recommends a minimum of 5Mbps for basic functionality and at least 15Mbps for optimal performance. It is important to note that the device does not support 4G/5G connectivity but can be tethered to a mobile phone’s internet connection.
- Audio: Notably, the PlayStation Portal does not support Bluetooth audio. Instead, it uses Sony’s new proprietary PlayStation Link technology for wireless audio. This means only specific new Sony headsets and earbuds, like the Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore, are compatible. A 3.5mm headphone jack is available for wired audio options.
Battery Life:
- Battery: While specific battery capacity details have not been disclosed, the PlayStation Portal is expected to offer around 7-9 hours of battery life, comparable to the DualSense controller.
Storage and Software:
- Storage: The PlayStation Portal does not function as a standalone gaming device and lacks internal storage for games. It streams games that are installed on a user’s PS5 console.
- Compatibility: The device does not support PS VR2 games or titles from the PS Plus Premium cloud streaming service. It strictly streams games that are already installed on the PS5.
Capabilities
The primary function of the PlayStation Portal is to act as a remote screen for playing PS5 games via Remote Play. This makes it ideal for households where the main television might be in use, or for players who wish to game in different locations within their home.
Advantages:
- Portability: The PlayStation Portal allows for a seamless transition from playing on the PS5 console to the handheld device, offering flexibility and convenience.
- DualSense Features: Retaining the advanced features of the DualSense controller enhances the handheld gaming experience, making it more immersive.
Limitations:
- No Native Game Support: The PlayStation Portal cannot run games natively or from cloud services, which limits its use to the immediate vicinity of a PS5 console.
- Audio Restrictions: The lack of Bluetooth audio support may be a downside for users who prefer using existing wireless headsets not compatible with PlayStation Link.
In summary, the PlayStation Portal is positioned as a complementary device for PS5 owners, enhancing the flexibility of where and how they can play their games. Its focus on Remote Play, coupled with the advanced controller features, makes it a unique offering in the handheld gaming market, albeit with specific limitations that potential buyers should consider.
For more detailed information, you can check out sources like PlayStation Blog, TechRadar, AnandTech, and Silent PC Review.