When the PlayStation Portal launched a year ago, it was nothing more than a companion device for the PS5. Users could only stream their PS5 games to the handheld. The latest update that started rolling out on November 19 is a game-changer that will turn the PlayStation Portal into cloud gaming handheld device.
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s VP of Product Management Hiromi Wakai called the PlayStation Portal “an ambitious product” and said the company was excited by the positive response it received. The upcoming update will bring audio refinements including;
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Speaker audio output adjustment to make the volume lower when the audio level is set to minimum
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You will now be able to adjust settings of your PlayStation Link device from the PS Portal Settings menu, allowing you to optimize the volume and sidetone volume.
In addition to the audio refinement, the update will bring the beta version of support for cloud streaming on the PlayStation Portal. This will allow PlayStation Plus Premium members to stream select games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog rather than playing only games installed on their PS5 console.
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This improved capability means PlayStation Portal owners can stream games directly from PlayStation severs even if they don’t have a PS5 console. This expanded capability also broadens the market for the PlayStation Portal.
Features that will be added to PlayStation Portal during the Beta
Wakai highlighted features that will be added to the PlayStation Portal during the Beta phase which includes streaming up to FHD resolution at 60fps. The full list of features that will come to the PS Portal includes;
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Stream select PS5 games in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog
- Over 120 PS5 games from the PS Plus Game Catalog, including Dave the Diver, Ghost of Tsushima, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Monster Hunter Rise, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, will be accessible on PS Portal via cloud streaming*
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Streaming up to 1080p/60fps**
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DualSense wireless controller features, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, speakers, touchpad (emulated on the touch screen for PS Portal), and motion sensor***
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PlayStation Plus Cloud storage
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Save data and game progress can be stored up to 100GB and will be automatically synced with your PS5 console, making it easy to switch seamlessly between local and streaming gameplay, and between multiple devices.
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The minimum internet speed required to stream at 720p is 7Mbps while those who want to stream at 1080p will need 13Mbps. At the moment, the streaming feature is only restricted to PS5 games as games from previous generation consoles are not supported.
How to access the streaming feature on PS Portal
To access the streaming feature after updating your PlayStation Portal to the latest system software, follow the steps below:
- Open ‘Quick Menu’
- Navigate to ‘Settings’
- Select ‘Cloud Steaming (Beta)’
- Toggle the option on as it will be off by default
A new option will be added to your ‘Home’ screen that gives you access to games via cloud streaming. You can turn this off at any time and your ‘Home’ screen will revert to the standard version.
Are you excited about the streaming feature added to the PlayStation Portal? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
