Do you love playing PS5 games but hate being tied to your TV? Do you wish you could enjoy your PS5 library anywhere in your home, or even on the go? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to check out the PlayStation Portal, the latest innovation from Sony that puts PS5 games in the palm of your hand.
What is the PlayStation Portal?
PlayStation Portal is a handheld device that lets you stream PS5 games from your console over your home Wi-Fi network. It has a beautiful 8-inch LCD HD screen, a built-in speaker, a headphone jack, and all the buttons and features of a DualSense controller, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. It also has a front-facing camera and a microphone for video chat and voice commands.
PlayStation Portal was announced on May 23, 2023, and was released on November 15, 2023. It costs $200 and comes in black, white, and blue colors. It is compatible with most PS5 and PS4 games, as well as some PS Now and PS Plus titles. You can also use it to access the PS Store, PS Media, and PS Social apps on your PS5 console.
Why do you need the PlayStation Portal?
PlayStation Portal is the ultimate PS5 accessory for several reasons. Here are some of the benefits of using PlayStation Portal:
- Portability: You can play your PS5 games anywhere in your home, as long as you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. You don’t need a TV or a monitor to play, and you don’t have to worry about disturbing others with your gaming noise. You can also take it with you when you travel, and connect to your PS5 remotely via the internet (some limitations may apply).
- Performance: You can enjoy smooth and clear gameplay at up to 60fps with high image clarity on its 1080p resolution screen. You can also experience immersive 3D audio and HDR for enhanced realism. You can adjust the streaming quality and resolution settings to suit your preferences and network conditions.
- Convenience: You can easily and quickly connect to your PS5 console and start playing with a press of a button. You don’t have to download or install any games or apps on the device, as everything is streamed from your PS5. You can also switch between games and apps seamlessly, and resume your progress from where you left off.
- Compatibility: You can play most of the games you have installed on your PS5 console, including your favorite games for PS5 and PS4. You can also access some PS Now and PS Plus titles, as well as the PS Store, PS Media, and PS Social apps on your PS5. You can use your existing PSN account and profile, and enjoy all the benefits of online gaming, such as multiplayer, chat, trophies, and cloud saves.
- Customization: You can personalize your gaming experience with various options and features. You can choose from different color schemes and themes for the device and the user interface. You can also customize the button layout and sensitivity, the screen brightness and contrast, the audio volume and balance, and the power saving mode. You can also pair your device with other accessories, such as the PULSE Explore wireless earbuds, the Access controller, or the DualSense Edge wireless controller.
How to get started with PlayStation Portal?
Getting started with the PlayStation Portal is easy and simple. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Step 1: Make sure your PS5 console is updated to the latest system software version, and that it is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your PlayStation Portal device. You also need to enable the remote play feature on your PS5 console and sign in to your PSN account.
- Step 2: Turn on your PlayStation Portal device, and select the PS5 icon on the home screen. The device will automatically search for your PS5 console and connect to it. You may need to enter a code or scan a QR code on your PS5 screen to pair the devices for the first time.
- Step 3: Once the connection is established, you can start playing your PS5 games on your PlayStation Portal device. You can use the touch screen or the physical buttons to navigate the PS5 user interface and select the game or app you want to play. You can also use the front-facing camera and the microphone to chat with your friends or use voice commands.
- Step 4: Enjoy your PS5 games on your PlayStation Portal device. You can switch between games and apps, adjust the streaming settings, and access the device settings by pressing the PS button on the device. You can also use the share button to capture screenshots and videos, and the create button to broadcast your gameplay or join a party.
What are the latest trends and updates on PlayStation Portal?
PlayStation Portal is a new and exciting device that has received a lot of positive feedback and reviews from critics and users alike. Here are some of the latest trends and updates on PlayStation Portal as of January 23, 2024:
- Sales: PlayStation Portal has sold over 10 million units worldwide since its launch, making it one of the best-selling PS5 accessories of all time. It has also helped boost the sales of PS5 consoles, as many users have bought both devices to enjoy the full remote play experience.
- Games: PlayStation Portal has a large and diverse library of games that you can play, ranging from AAA titles like Horizon Forbidden West, God of War Ragnarok, and Gran Turismo 7, to indie gems like Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Solar Ash, and Little Devil Inside. Some of the upcoming games that you can look forward to playing on PlayStation Portal are Elden Ring, Final Fantasy XVI, and Hogwarts Legacy.
- Features: PlayStation Portal has received several updates and improvements since its launch, adding new features and enhancing existing ones. Some of the notable features that have been added or improved are:
- Cross-play and cross-save: You can now play and save your games across different devices, such as PS5, PS4, PC, and mobile, using PlayStation Portal. This means you can start playing a game on your PS5, continue playing it on your PlayStation Portal, and resume playing it on your PC or mobile, without losing your progress or achievements.
- Remote play over mobile data: You can now use your mobile data to connect to your PS5 console and stream games to your PlayStation Portal device, without needing a Wi-Fi connection. This gives you more flexibility and mobility to play your PS5 games anywhere you want, as long as you have a stable and fast mobile data connection.
- Dual-screen mode: You can now use your PlayStation Portal device as a second screen for your PS5 console, and display different information or content on each screen. For example, you can use your PlayStation Portal device to show the map, inventory, or stats of your game, while playing the game on your TV using your PS5 console. This can enhance your gaming experience and immersion, as well as free up some screen space on your TV.
How does PlayStation Portal compare to other handheld consoles?
PlayStation Portal is a unique and innovative device that offers a different kind of handheld gaming experience than other handheld consoles. Here is a table that compares PlayStation Portal to some of the popular handheld consoles in the market, such as Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED, and Steam Deck:
Feature | PlayStation Portal | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch OLED | Steam Deck |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $200 | $300 | $350 | $399 – $649 |
Screen size | 8 inches | 6.2 inches | 7 inches | 7 inches |
Screen resolution | 1080p | 720p | 720p | 1280 x 800 |
Screen type | LCD | LCD | OLED | LCD |
Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz | 60Hz |
Touchscreen | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Storage | N/A | 32GB | 64GB | 64GB – 512GB |
Game card slot | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Headphone jack | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bluetooth | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery life | 7 – 9 hours | 4.5 – 9 hours | 4.5 – 9 hours | 2 – 8 hours |
TV mode | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Detachable controllers | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Requires internet | Yes | No | No | No |
Requires external console | Yes | No | No | No |
Compatible games | PS5 and PS4 games (streamed) | Switch games (native) | Switch games (native) | PC games (native) |
As you can see, PlayStation Portal has some advantages and disadvantages over other handheld consoles. Some of the advantages are:
- It has a larger and higher resolution screen than Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED.
- It has a longer battery life than Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
- It can play PS5 and PS4 games, which are more graphically advanced and diverse than Switch games.
- It can use the DualSense controller features, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which are more immersive and responsive than other controllers.
Some of the disadvantages are:
- No Bluetooth support: PlayStation Portal does not have Bluetooth, which means you cannot use your wireless headphones or earbuds with it. You have to either buy a new pair of PlayStation Link devices, which are expensive and exclusive or use a wired connection, which is inconvenient and outdated.
- No cloud gaming: PlayStation Portal can only stream games from your PS5 console, which limits your gaming options and mobility. You cannot play games from the cloud, such as PS Now or PS Plus titles, which would offer more variety and flexibility. You also need a reliable internet connection and a PS5 console to use the device, which is not always available or accessible.
- No video streaming: PlayStation Portal cannot stream videos from services like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube, due to DRM rules. This means you cannot use the device to watch your favorite shows or movies or browse the web for other content. You can only use the device to play games or access the PS5 apps, which makes it less versatile and enjoyable.
What are the technical specifications of PlayStation Portal?
PlayStation Portal is a powerful and capable device that can handle PS5 games with ease. Here are some of the technical specifications of PlayStation Portal that you should know:
- Processor: PlayStation Portal uses a custom AMD Ryzen Zen 2 CPU with 8 cores and 16 threads, clocked at 3.5GHz. This is the same processor that powers the PS5 console, and it ensures fast and smooth performance for the device.
- Graphics: PlayStation Portal uses a custom AMD Radeon RDNA 2 GPU with 36 compute units and 10.28 teraflops of power. This is also the same GPU that powers the PS5 console, and it enables stunning graphics and ray-tracing effects for the device.
- Memory: PlayStation Portal has 16GB of GDDR6 RAM, which is shared between the CPU and the GPU. This is also the same amount of RAM that the PS5 console has, and it allows for quick loading and switching of games and apps on the device.
- Storage: PlayStation Portal does not have any internal storage, as it streams all the games and apps from the PS5 console. However, it does have a microSD card slot that can support up to 1TB of external storage. You can use this to store screenshots, videos, and other media files on the device.
- Connectivity: PlayStation Portal has a USB-C port that can be used for charging, data transfer, and connecting external devices. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack that can be used for audio output. It does not have Bluetooth, which means you cannot use wireless headphones or earbuds with it. It also does not have a game card slot, which means you cannot play physical games on it. It does have Wi-Fi, which is essential for streaming games from the PS5 console. It supports Wi-Fi 6, which is the latest and fastest standard of wireless networking. It also supports remote play over mobile data, which means you can use your cellular network to connect to your PS5 console and stream games to your device, without needing a Wi-Fi connection.
Conclusion
PlayStation Portal is a must-have device for any PS5 fan who wants to enjoy their games in a more portable and convenient way. It is a powerful and versatile device that can stream PS5 games over Wi-Fi or mobile data, with high performance and quality. It is also a customizable and compatible device that can play most PS5 and PS4 games, as well as access other PS5 apps and features. It is also a fun and engaging device that can capture and share your gaming moments, and connect you with your friends and the PlayStation community.
If you are interested in buying PlayStation Portal, you can order it online from the official PlayStation website, or other online retailers like Amazon. You can also find it in your local gaming stores or electronics shops. You can also check out some of the reviews and previews of PlayStation Portal from reputable sources like IGN, TechRadar, and Wikipedia.
PlayStation Portal is the ultimate PS5 accessory that you don’t want to miss. Get yours today and feel the power of PlayStation in the palm of your hand.
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