The PlayStation Portal is a handheld gaming accessory for the PlayStation 5, developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment, first released on November 15, 2023.[10] It is used to stream video games and other media from a PlayStation 5 via the Portal's Wi-Fi connection using Remote Play technology. The Portal is able to control the console using its own built-in screen and DualSense-like controller[11][12] styled like a handheld game console,[13] although it does not run any games or media natively on its own.[14]
Hardware and technicals
The PlayStation Portal's main hardware features include an 8-inch LCD HD screen and "all of the buttons and features of a DualSense controller".[15] It runs on a Snapdragon 662 system-on-chip.[16] Software-wise it runs on a heavily modified version of Android 13.[16] Unlike the Nintendo Switch or Sony's own previous PlayStation Vita and PlayStation Portable, the PlayStation Portal is not a standalone game console and only functions as a streaming receiver for PlayStation 5.[17][18] In November 2024, Sony rolled out test versions of the device's software to give cloud gaming access to players with Playstation Plus Premium.[19]
Connectivity
The PlayStation Portal connects to a paired PlayStation 5 through a local area network instead of directly, using the Portal's Wi-Fi connection.[20] The controller commands and video stream are transmitted over the local network, which means that a broadband Internet connection is not required at home other than for authentication purposes or to play online multiplayer games.[20] When outdoors or remote, an Internet connection is required; the Portal itself does not feature 4G/5Gcellular connectivity,[21] instead connecting to a Wi-Fi access point elsewhere, which may also include tethering to an existing cell phone's connection.[21]
Due to the lack of a web browser, the PlayStation Portal was initially unable to connect to most public Wi-Fi hotspots which require access to a captive portal for authentication. A system software update rolled out on June 19, 2024, allowing users to connect to these public networks.[22] This was initially limited to the 2.4 GHz radio band, but another firmware update released in July added support for 5 GHz public Wi-Fi networks.[23]
Publications have noted that the quality of the stream, both locally and remote, is highly dependent on the home router, and generally recommend the PlayStation 5 to be hardwired to the router using Ethernet instead of wirelessly.[24][25]
Development
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The device was announced as Project Q on May 23, 2023.[26]
Reception
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Following its announcement, there was a degree of doubt about the potential of the device.[27] However, the PlayStation Portal has reportedly been a sales success, becoming the best-selling PS5 accessory in the United States in 2024.[28] Eleven months on from its U.S. launch, an estimated minimum of 420,000 units had been sold in the country.[29]
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