PlayStation Portal Now Lets You Stream Your PS5 Games Over the Cloud

Sony’s PlayStation Portal has evolved from a simple remote play device into a more robust handheld gaming solution, offering cloud streaming for PS5 games—albeit for PS Plus Premium subscribers. What started as a way to stream games from your PS5 console is now much more flexible, allowing users to enjoy select digital PS5 games directly on the handheld via cloud streaming.

Starting today, PS Plus Premium members can stream a growing list of PS5 titles they own, including big-name games like Astro Bot, Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Ghost of Yotei. This new cloud functionality expands the PlayStation Portal’s capabilities, making it a much more enticing option for PS5 owners on the go—provided you have a solid internet connection.

The Power of Cloud Streaming

While the PlayStation Portal was initially a remote play device tethered to your main PS5, the new cloud streaming functionality takes things a step further by enabling you to access digital titles without needing to have your PS5 nearby. For PS Plus Premium members, the process is simple: stream the games directly from Sony’s cloud service, eliminating the need for a physical connection to the console.

In essence, this makes the PlayStation Portal a go-anywhere device for PlayStation gamers, closer than ever to the dream of a true portable PS5 experience. While the PlayStation Vita never fully realized this vision, the Portal is slowly closing the gap by offering a versatile, cloud-powered gaming solution.

Naturally, you’ll still need a stable and fast Wi-Fi connection for the best experience. Cloud gaming heavily depends on bandwidth, so if you’re on a slower connection, the quality might not be ideal. However, for those with access to a reliable connection, the Portal is shaping up to be a much more compelling option for mobile gaming.

Key Features of the Latest PlayStation Portal Update

Along with the new cloud streaming capabilities, Sony has rolled out several additional features in this latest update, further enhancing the Portal’s usability:

• New Home Screen & Search Tab: The updated home screen now includes a search tab, making it easier to quickly find and access the games available for cloud streaming. This feature streamlines navigation, ensuring users can spend less time searching and more time gaming.
• 3D Audio Support: The update also introduces 3D audio support for both remote play and cloud streams when using wired headphones or Sony’s PlayStation Link headsets. This is a welcome addition for audiophiles, as it creates a more immersive experience by enhancing the spatial quality of the audio.
• Passcode Lock & Network Status: For added security and convenience, users can now set a passcode lock on their PlayStation Portal, ensuring that unauthorized users can’t access their device. Additionally, the network status screen in the Quick menu provides real-time information on your internet connection, helping you monitor the quality of your stream.
• In-Game Purchases and Multiplayer Invitations: For those who enjoy making in-game purchases or social gaming, the new update allows you to buy content without leaving your cloud streaming session. If a friend is playing the same game, you can also receive invites and join their game seamlessly from the Quick menu, making multiplayer gaming more accessible than ever.

A Step Toward the Future of PlayStation Handhelds

With these updates, the PlayStation Portal is becoming a much more attractive device for gamers, but it’s still not quite the Vita 2 fans were hoping for. Sony has clearly been working on improving the Portal’s functionality, but the dream of a next-gen native PlayStation handheld is still alive. Reports suggest that a next-generation handheld device from Sony could be in development, with rumors pointing to a potential release alongside the PlayStation 6 within the next two years.

Until then, the Portal may just be the closest thing PlayStation fans have to a portable console. It’s a step in the right direction, with cloud streaming offering greater flexibility and accessibility, but there’s still room for improvement. Whether Sony plans to fully realize the potential of the PlayStation Portal or unveil a more dedicated handheld in the near future remains to be seen.

Should You Buy the PlayStation Portal?

If you’re a PS Plus Premium member and enjoy playing your PS5 games on the go, the PlayStation Portal is worth considering. It’s no longer just a remote play accessory; it’s now a viable cloud gaming device. While it still has some limitations—primarily around internet speed and overall portability—it’s a promising step toward the future of handheld gaming on PlayStation.

For those looking to stream games without being tethered to a console, the PlayStation Portal is now much closer to offering the experience we’ve all been waiting for. It’s a solid option if you’re already in Sony’s ecosystem, but whether it will continue to evolve into the ultimate portable PlayStation device remains to be seen.