Awesome Features of the PlayStation PortalFor the PlayStation Portal, Sony is taking a radically different approach to handheld gaming. Leaning into the Remote Play feature first introduced through the PS3, the latest PS5 accessory is designed strictly for streaming games from your PS5 console. It doesn’t matter if you’re at home or out of town: You’ll have access to their console from anywhere in the world as long as connection speeds are good enough. What sets the PS Portal apart from using Remote Play through a computer or mobile device is that it features a fully functional DualSense controller with the same advanced haptic and adaptive triggers. The touch pad is replicated through the 8-inch LCD touch screen that features a native 1080p resolution at a smooth 60Hz; as an extra touch, the PS Portal also features dual internal speakers, a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio and a microphone. The PlayStation Portal was released on the 25th November 2023 at a competitive price of $200, it’s definitely worth the money for those who live in a home with one television or are looking to play their favorite PS5 games in bed. When it comes to uses beyond the home, internet connection speeds will ultimately determine how enjoyable the PS Portal experience is. Regardless, as a singular-use Remote Play device, it’s one of the best portable ways to play PS5 games. But what sets it apart from the current handheld devices on the market? Is it merely a way to stream PS5 games you already have installed on your PS5 onto a handheld for remote play, or does it offer something more?Let’s delve into the top features of this intriguing device and see how it stacks up against the competition.

1. Beautiful 8-inch LCD screen and solid internal speakersLike other devices that use Remote Play, the PS Portal can only stream as high as 1080p at 60 frames per second. Considering that Sony has touted the 4K/120Hz capabilities of its current gen system, some might consider that a downgrade. However, the 8-inch LCD screen makes the most out of those limitations.Pixel quality is phenomenal on the PS Portal, and games look fantastic when internet speeds are stable. Whether you’re playing Spider-Man 2 or Gran Turismo 7, these games look amazing on the screen. Colors are bold and crisp, and blacks look great. The brightness is also good enough for the screen to be playable in bright daylight. Most mobile phones and tablets don’t look as good as the PS Portal when streaming PS5 games.Then there are internal speakers that pump out clear audio and the right amount of volume — if you’re in a quiet enough area, at least. Just be mindful that many of Sony’s first-party games use spatial audio, which will require headphones or Sony’s Pulse Explore earbobs.

2. Works on any Wi-Fi connectionThe PlayStation portal's Wi-Fi connectivity feature enhances the gaming experience by allowing seamless online play, downloads, and updates. With a stable Wi-Fi connection, players can access multiplayer modes, engage in real-time gaming, and enjoy a wide range of online content directly through their PlayStation console. This feature not only provides convenience but also ensures a smoother and more immersive gaming environment for users.The fact that users can be at an office and play Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is actually pretty cool. PS5 games aren’t the only games users can play either: The Portal can also run the downloadable Playstation, PS2 and PS4 games that are available on Sony’s latest system. This all adds up to a pretty robust catalog of games on the go.But while you can take the Portal anywhere, you’ll need to be somewhere with a stable Wi-Fi connection to actually use it. According to Sony, the PS Portal requires at least 5Mbps Wi-Fi speeds, though 15Mbps is recommended.

3. Long Lasting BatterySince it doesn’t require the same processing power of a typical laptop, smartphone or tablet, the PS Portal has a significantly long battery life. Sony promises around seven to nine hours per charge. Juicing up the PS Portal takes around two hours from when it’s empty, which is fairly standard for modern mobile devices.

While offering a convenient way to stream PS5 games, the PlayStation Portal has certain limitations. It requires a stable broadband internet Wi-Fi connection, with a minimum speed of 5Mbps, though 15Mbps is recommended for a smoother experience. A PS5 console with an active PlayStation Network account is essential, and the console must be online, either fully powered on or in Rest Mode, or paired with the Portal device.

In conclusion, the PlayStation portal stands out as a dynamic gaming platform, offering a compelling blend of cutting-edge technology and diverse entertainment options. From its intuitive interface to the immersive gaming experiences enabled by features like seamless Wi-Fi connectivity, the portal caters to both casual and dedicated gamers alike. While ongoing advancements may bring further refinements, the current iteration showcases a robust and enjoyable gaming ecosystem, solidifying its position as a leading choice for enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive and engaging gaming experience.