PlayStation Portal: Everything You Need to Know About the New Handheld Device

What is PlayStation Portal?

PlayStation Portal is a new handheld device from Sony that allows you to stream PS5 games over Wi-Fi using Remote Play technology. It was announced as Project Q during the PlayStation Showcase in March 2023, and it will launch on November 15, 2023 for $199¹.

Why should you buy PlayStation Portal?

PlayStation Portal is designed to make Remote Play as easy and convenient as possible. It has an 8-inch 1080p LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate, which is larger than the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck. It also has the same button layout and grips as the DualSense controller, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a touchpad. It can even wake up your PS5 just by turning it on, so you don’t have to worry about switching devices or inputs.

PlayStation Portal is ideal for gamers who want to enjoy their PS5 games anywhere in their home, or even outside if they have a strong Wi-Fi connection. It is also compatible with PS4 games that support Remote Play, so you can access your entire PlayStation library on the go. PlayStation Portal is not a standalone console, so you will need a PS5 to use it, but it is a great accessory for PS5 owners who want more flexibility and portability.

How does PlayStation Portal compare to other handheld devices?

PlayStation Portal is different from other handheld devices in the market, such as the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck, because it does not run games locally, but streams them from your PS5. This means that it does not have its own CPU or GPU, but relies on your PS5’s processing power and internet connection. This also means that it does not have its own storage space, battery life, or game cartridges, but uses your PS5’s resources and settings.

The advantage of PlayStation Portal is that it can deliver the same graphics and performance as your PS5, without compromising on screen size or controller features. The disadvantage is that it depends on your PS5’s availability and your Wi-Fi’s stability, so you may experience lag, latency, or disconnection issues if either of them is not optimal. You also cannot play games offline, or use PlayStation Portal as a second screen or a multiplayer device.

What are the reviews of PlayStation Portal?

PlayStation Portal has received mixed reviews from critics and users. Some praised its design, display, and controller features, and said that it was a great way to play PS5 games in different rooms or scenarios. Others criticized its dependence on PS5 and Wi-Fi, and said that it was too expensive, limited, and niche for a handheld device.

Here are some of the reviews of PlayStation Portal from different sources:

• IGN: "The PlayStation Portal is a fine device for a bizarrely narrow audience. It’s not a bad product by any means, but it’s also not a particularly compelling one either. It’s a niche device for a niche use case, and unless you’re absolutely dying to play your PS5 games in bed or on the toilet, you’re probably better off saving your money for something else."²
• Tom’s Guide: "The PlayStation Portal might not be the glorious return of Sony handhelds like the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Go, but the ability to play PS5 games — even if they’re streamed — seems enticing. If you’re a hardcore PlayStation fan who wants to play your PS5 games anywhere in your house, then the PlayStation Portal might be worth checking out."³
• Radio Times: "The PlayStation Portal is a great device for those who want to play their PS5 games on the go, but it’s not without its drawbacks. The device relies heavily on your internet connection and your PS5’s availability, which can limit its usability and functionality. It’s also quite pricey for a device that doesn’t have its own library of games, and it faces stiff competition from the Nintendo Switch and the Steam Deck."⁴

Where can you buy PlayStation Portal?

PlayStation Portal will be available on November 15, 2023 for $199. You can pre-order it from PlayStation Direct or Best Buy. You will also need a PS5 to use it, which you can buy from various retailers or online platforms. You can check the availability of PS5 consoles here.