Sony has once again redefined handheld gaming with the launch of the PlayStation Portal, a dedicated remote play device that complements the PlayStation 5. If you’re looking for a seamless way to enjoy your PS5 games on the go, this handheld gadget might be your next best buy. In this PlayStation Portal Review, we break down its design, performance, connectivity, and whether it justifies its price tag.
Let’s dive in and see if the PlayStation Portal truly lives up to the hype!
Key Features at a Glance
- 8-inch LCD Display with 1080p resolution for crystal-clear visuals.
- Adaptive Triggers and Haptic Feedback for PS5-level immersion.
- Remote Play Exclusive: Requires a stable Wi-Fi connection and PS5.
- Lightweight Design: Sleek and portable for gaming on the move.
Design and Build Quality | PlayStation Portal Review
Sony has nailed the design for the PlayStation Portal. Featuring an 8-inch LCD screen neatly placed between two DualSense-inspired controllers, the device feels familiar and premium. The ergonomic layout ensures that long gaming sessions are comfortable, whether you’re lying on the couch or traveling.
- Weight: At just over 500 grams, it strikes the right balance between portability and durability.
- Buttons and Controls: It retains the full DualSense functionality, including adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, which elevate your gameplay experience.
The PlayStation Portal is sleek and functional, making it a perfect companion for PS5 owners who want to untether themselves from the living room.
Performance and Display
The 8-inch 1080p LCD screen delivers sharp visuals, ensuring your PS5 games look crisp and vibrant. While OLED enthusiasts may notice the lack of deeper blacks and contrast, the display performs admirably for its price range.
- Resolution: 1080p at 60fps for a smooth experience.
- Colors and Brightness: Bright and vivid enough for indoor use but struggles slightly under direct sunlight.
The device relies on Sony’s Remote Play technology to stream your PS5 games. When connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, the latency is minimal, and gameplay feels responsive.
Pro Tip: For the best experience, ensure a Wi-Fi speed of at least 15 Mbps.
Connectivity: Is It Seamless?
One of the standout points in this PlayStation Portal Review is its connectivity. The device exclusively supports Remote Play, meaning you must own a PS5 and have a strong Wi-Fi connection to use it. Unfortunately, there’s no Bluetooth or native app support, which limits its versatility compared to other handheld consoles.
- Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi ensures smooth and reliable performance.
- No Bluetooth: Lack of Bluetooth for third-party headsets is disappointing.
- Audio: 3.5mm audio jack included for wired headphones.
Sony’s focus on Remote Play makes it ideal for in-home gaming rather than fully portable gaming like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.
Battery Life: How Long Can You Play?
The PlayStation Portal offers around 5-7 hours of battery life depending on your usage. While it may not match the Nintendo Switch, it’s decent for a streaming device. A USB-C fast charger ensures you can top up the battery quickly.
- Charging Time: 1.5-2 hours for a full charge.
- Battery Usage: High-intensity games drain the battery faster.
Pros and Cons of the PlayStation Portal
Pros:
- Seamless Remote Play experience for PS5 games.
- Immersive haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
- Lightweight, ergonomic design for comfort.
- Crystal-clear 1080p display.
Cons:
- No native app or Bluetooth support.
- Requires constant, stable Wi-Fi connection.
- Limited to PS5 Remote Play; cannot be used independently.
How does the PlayStation Portal compare to other handheld gaming options? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | PlayStation Portal | Steam Deck | Nintendo Switch OLED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 8-inch 1080p LCD | 7-inch 1280×800 LCD | 7-inch 720p OLED |
| Game Compatibility | PS5 Remote Play Only | PC Games (Steam) | Nintendo Exclusives |
| Battery Life | 5-7 hours | 2-8 hours | 4.5-9 hours |
| Price | $199 | $399+ | $349 |
The PlayStation Portal excels in delivering a focused PS5 experience but falls short for users seeking a more versatile handheld.
Should You Buy the PlayStation Portal?
The PlayStation Portal is perfect for PS5 owners who want a high-quality remote play experience without shelling out for more expensive handheld devices. It’s not a replacement for a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck but serves as an excellent companion for PlayStation enthusiasts.
If you have a strong Wi-Fi connection and love PS5 gaming, the PlayStation Portal is a no-brainer.
Final Verdict: PlayStation Portal Review
The PlayStation Portal review fills a niche space in the gaming market. While it’s not the most versatile handheld device, it shines in what it’s designed for: streaming PS5 games seamlessly. With its impressive display, adaptive controls, and comfortable design, it’s an excellent option for in-home gaming.
Rating: 8/10 🌟
Where to Buy | PlayStation Portal Review
You can grab the PlayStation Portal from leading retailers:
For more gadget reviews and gaming insights, check out our guides on 3MGadgets.com.
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If you’re a PS5 owner looking to enhance your gaming experience, the PlayStation Portal review is worth considering. While it has a few drawbacks, its ability to deliver high-quality, low-latency PS5 gameplay on a handheld device makes it stand out.
What do you think about the PlayStation Portal? Let us know in the comments below!
Image Credit: Insert Sony PlayStation Portal images where applicable.
PlayStation Portal Review – FAQs
Is the PlayStation Portal worth buying?
If you already own a PS5 and want a convenient way to play your games remotely, the PlayStation Portal is worth considering. It provides an excellent streaming experience for PS5 games with minimal latency and solid visuals. However, it’s not a standalone console, so it’s ideal for those who want to enjoy their PS5 in another room without occupying the main TV.
What is the point of the PlayStation Portal?
The PlayStation Portal is designed as a remote play device that lets you stream games directly from your PS5. It’s perfect for playing PS5 games on the go within your home, freeing up your TV for other uses. It’s essentially a handheld extension of your PlayStation 5.
Is PS Portal stable?
Yes, the PlayStation Portal delivers a stable performance as long as you have a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection. The device is optimized for low-latency streaming, providing smooth gameplay for PS5 games when connected to the same network.
Can you play PlayStation Portal without PS5?
No, the PlayStation Portal cannot function without a PS5. It is not a standalone gaming console but a companion device that streams games from your PlayStation 5.
Can the PlayStation Portal be used away from home?
Yes, the PlayStation Portal can be used away from home, provided you have access to a stable and fast internet connection on both your PS5 (left in Rest Mode) and the Portal device. Remote Play allows you to stream games over the internet.
Can you use a PS4 for PlayStation Portal?
No, the PlayStation Portal only works with the PlayStation 5. It is specifically designed to connect to the PS5 using the Remote Play feature.
Can I play Portal on my PS5?
The PlayStation Portal is not something you play on the PS5; rather, it is a device you use with your PS5 to stream your games remotely. It mirrors the PS5 gameplay experience to its handheld screen.
Can you play PlayStation without an Internet connection?
While you can play installed games directly on the PS5 without an internet connection, the PlayStation Portal requires an active internet connection to stream games via Remote Play.
Does PlayStation Portal work offline?
No, the PlayStation Portal does not work offline. It relies on a stable internet connection to stream games from your PlayStation 5.
Can you play online games without PlayStation Network?
No, to play online multiplayer games, you need an active PlayStation Network subscription, such as PlayStation Plus.
Does PlayStation have an internet browser?
No, as of now, the PlayStation 5 does not have a dedicated internet browser. Sony chose to focus on gaming and streaming features instead.
Why did Sony remove the internet browser?
Sony removed the internet browser on the PS5 to prioritize system performance, security, and gaming capabilities. The decision allows the console to focus on its core functionality of delivering an exceptional gaming experience.
Can you screen mirror on PS5?
The PS5 does not natively support screen mirroring from mobile devices or computers. However, some third-party apps and hardware solutions can enable limited screen-sharing capabilities.
How do I get internet on my PlayStation?
To connect your PlayStation 5 to the internet:
Choose Wi-Fi or a wired LAN connection and follow the on-screen prompts. Once connected, you can access online features, download games, and use Remote Play on devices like the PlayStation Portal.
Go to Settings > Network > Settings.
Select Set Up Internet Connection.