PlayStation Portal takes more steps towards becoming a handheld PS5
Sony updates PlayStation Portal with a new high-quality streaming mode and improvements to the cloud streaming experience
Sony has dropped a signifiant update for its PlayStation Portal handheld gaming machine, as the PS5 companion device continues to come into its own after an understated start as a simple Remote Play facilitator.
Firstly, there’s a new 1080p High Quality mode that “prioritises high video quality and uses more data” compared to the standard 1080p mode that prioritises stable performance, Sony says. After downloading the firmware update, the mode is available by heading to Quick Menu > Max Resolution.
Essentially it means you’ll be able to play at a higher bitrate as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection able to keep up. The option applies when using the PlayStation Portal for Remote Play from a PS5 console, or when cloud streaming games from the PlayStation Plus library or owned digital games.
The latter is a relatively new addition to the Portal, which frees it somewhat from the need for connection to the PS5 at home in the living room. Indeed, Sony says around half of people using the Portal subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium, so it is making further improvements to benefit the cloud streaming experience.
There’s a new pop-up keyboard from the search screen, making it faster to find games in your library. Game invites will push notification to the user too. It’s also possible for folks to create and sign into a PlayStation account from the Portal.
It has been a couple of years since Sony released the Portal and it has steadily become a worthwhile addition to any PS5 owner’s set-up. Late last year, the addition of PlayStation Plus games was followed by streaming access to owned games. Sony said this enabled gamers to play side-by-side with a pal using their PS5, or to game while someone is using the main console to watch a movie, for instance.
It still not quite a handheld PS5 or a Vita 2 but it’s is getting closer. Conceivably now, you can buy the PlayStation Portal for a couple of hundred bucks, get a PS Plus Premium membership, enjoy games from that library, and digitally buy the games you want to play without the need for a PS5 console at all.
Chris Smith
