Sony continues to expand its offerings in the video game world and some time revealed a device that promised to be a bridge between the console and the portable game experience: the PlayStation Portal. Presented as a solution to players who want to take their PlayStation 5 games anywhere in the house, PlayStation Portal has generated a lot of discussion in the gamer community. But the big question is: is it worth buying a PlayStation Portal?
Before making this decision, it is essential to understand what the PlayStation Portal really offers. Instead of being an independent portable console, such as PS Vita or a hybrid, such as Nintendo Switch, this device is a platform for game streaming your PS5 via Wi-Fi.
This means that it does not run games natively, depending directly on the console to work. With this, we will explore all aspects of this device, its pros, cons and for whom it can really be advantageous. After all, is the PlayStation Portal the ideal gadget for you? Let’s find out!
What is the PlayStation Portal?
The PlayStation Portal is a Sony portable device released in November 2023 (in the US) that, unlike many may think, is not a direct successor to PS Vita. Instead of running games directly on the device, it acts as a secondary screen for PlayStation 5, allowing players to stream their games via Remote Play.
That is, the device can only be used when connected to the same Wi-Fi network as PS5, and does not work as an independent platform, such as Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck.
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In terms of design, the PlayStation Portal resembles a DualSense control with an integrated 8 inch screen. The screen is LCD, with 1080p resolution and 60 Hz update rate, which offers a very satisfactory image quality for a portable experience.
In addition, the device maintains all the features of DualSense control, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, ensuring that players have a faithful control experience to PlayStation 5, even on a smaller screen.
Who is the target audience of PlayStation Portal?
The PlayStation Portal is mainly directed to players who already have a PlayStation 5 and want the flexibility to continue their game sessions without having to occupy the main TV. If you live in a house where access to TV can be played, or simply want to play more relaxed in the comfort of your bed or sofa, the PlayStation Portal can be an interesting solution.
However, it is important to remember that to make the most of the PlayStation Portal, you need to have a good Wi-Fi connection at home. Game streaming quality depends directly on the stability and speed of the connection, and signal falls or a slow internet can negatively affect gameplay, resulting in delays or crashes. Therefore, players who do not have a reliable internet infrastructure may not have the best experience with the device.
The main benefits of PlayStation Portal
One of the main advantages of PlayStation Portal is the ability to offer a console experience in a portable format. For those who are used to the high quality graphics and soft gameplay of PlayStation 5, can continue to play with the same quality, but anywhere in the house, is a big attraction.
In addition, the PlayStation Portal maintains all DualSense features, which means you will still have access to features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, even playing remotely. For games that use these resources to increase immersion, this can make a big difference in overall experience.
Another positive point is the ease of use. Unlike more complex setups that involve multiple devices and settings, the PlayStation Portal is plug-and-play by just being connected to the same Wi-Fi as the PS5 to work. This makes it a practical solution for those who do not want complications, just want a quick way to continue playing their favorite titles without having to interrupt TV use.
PlayStation Portal Limitations
Despite the benefits, PlayStation Portal also has some significant limitations that need to be taken into account. The fact that the device depends fully on PlayStation 5 and the Wi-Fi connection is one of the main restrictions. This means that it cannot be used away from home or in places where there is no Wi-Fi network that supports streaming. For those looking for a truly portable experience, this can be a great disadvantage.
Another point that may be an obstacle is the fact that the PlayStation Portal does not support games via cloud gaming, unlike devices such as Xbox Cloud Gaming or PlayStation Now, which allow you to play a gaming library via cloud streaming. This limits the usability of the portal, which becomes dependent exclusively on the PlayStation 5 console, while other market solutions offer greater versatility.
Price and comparison with other devices
The price of the PlayStation Portal is also a factor that can influence the purchase decision. The gadget was officially launched in Brazil at the end of the first half of 2024 and can be found for an average price of $ 1500.00. However, when compared to other gadgets that offer similar experiences, such as Nintendo Switch or even Steam Deck, PlayStation Portal may seem limited due to its dependence on the PS5, which also means the need to purchase Sony’s console.
On the other hand, if we consider that the target audience of the PlayStation Portal already has a PlayStation 5 and only wants a way to expand its game experience at home, the cost can be more justified. For those who do not have a PS5, investing in console plus the portal may not be the most viable option, especially when other devices offer independent experiences at similar prices.
Is it worth buying the PlayStation Portal?
The answer to this question depends a lot on your player profile and your needs. If you already have a PlayStation 5 and look for a way to play more flexibility indoors, the PlayStation Portal can be an excellent addition to your setup. It offers solid graphic quality and maintains all the resources of DualSense, ensuring an immersive experience anywhere in your home.
However, if you are looking for a truly portable device that can be taken anywhere, or if you do not have a reliable internet infrastructure for streaming, the PlayStation Portal may not be the best choice. Alternatives like Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck offer a more complete and independent gaming experience, which can be more interesting for players who want greater versatility.
PlayStation Portal is an interesting proposal from Sony to expand PlayStation 5’s game experience to other areas of the house. It combines the graphic quality and immersion of the console with the convenience of a portable device, all with the ease of use that players expect from the brand. However, its limitations, such as dependence on a good Wi-Fi connection and lack of support for cloud games, can make it not the ideal choice for everyone.
In short, if you already have a PlayStation 5 and want a way to continue playing while the main TV is busy, the PlayStation Portal can be the perfect solution. On the other hand, if the idea of a completely portable and independent device is more attractive to you, it may be worth exploring other options on the market. After all, the final decision depends on what you expect from your game experience.