The PlayStation Portal update allows users to play some games without a PS5, but there's a catch

The PlayStation Portal has received a new system update that adds support for cloud streaming for select PS5 games, but the feature is still in beta. At launch, the PlayStation Portal allowed users to stream their PlayStation 5 games directly to a handheld device from anywhere in the world, as long as both devices had a stable Internet connection. Now, thanks to the latest update to the handheld device, fans can stream certain games on the portal without the need for a PS5 console, but a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription is required.

Unfortunately, Sony's latest handheld device doesn't allow users to play games like the good old days of the PlayStation Portable. But it didn't take long for engineers to hack the PlayStation Portal and play PSP games without the need for a PlayStation 5. Although Sony has since patched the hack, the portal is becoming much more attractive thanks to the new system. Update that adds the highly requested cloud streaming feature.

related to

PlayStation 5 Pro Review

The PlayStation 5 Pro brings a mid-generation power bump, but it's the PSSR's power that could be the game-changer.

PlayStation Portal update adds cloud streaming

While PlayStation Portal has been a financial success for Sony, a common criticism of the device is that it allows users to stream directly from their PlayStation 5 console instead of from the cloud. Now, thanks to a new system update on November 19 (users in Europe are set to receive the update on November 20), PlayStation Portal owners will be able to stream select PS5 games without the need for a console, according to New. PlayStation blog post. However, there is a catch. Since these games come directly from the PlayStation Plus game catalog, users will have to subscribe to the premium tier of the subscription service, which allows users to stream many games directly from PlayStation's servers.

PlayStation Portal has received various updates since its release, but the most recent one is sure to be its biggest yet. According to Sony, users will be able to stream 120 PS5 games from the PlayStation Plus game catalog. Marvel's Spider-Man, Ghost of Tsushima, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apartand much more. The new cloud streaming feature will support up to 1080p at 60 FPS with the usual DualSense controller features, such as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, motion sensor, touchpad, and more.

For those wishing to use PlayStation Plus Premium's cloud streaming on the PlayStation Portal, users need a Wi-Fi connection with a minimum 5Mbps upload and download speed as well as a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. To access the beta feature, simply update the PlayStation Portal to the latest system software, open the “Quick Menu” and navigate to “Settings”. From here, select the “Cloud Streaming (Beta)” option and turn on the feature. A new option will appear on the PlayStation Portal home screen that allows the user to access games via cloud streaming.

PlayStation Portal

While not exactly a PSP successor, PlayStation Portal solves the age-old problem of having to share a TV at home. This remote play device allows users to stream what's happening on their PlayStation 5 to the large 8-inch 1080p LCD screen. What makes the PlayStation Portal unique is that it is packed with all the advanced technologies of the DualSense wireless controller, such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. One downside is that it doesn't support Bluetooth for wireless audio, but it does work with PlayStation Pulse earbuds and headsets, while also sporting a 3.5mm audio jack for wired audio.

time to play

6-8 hours

brand

PlayStation

weight

529 grams

Headset compatibility

3.5mm, PlayStation Link

Performance

8 inch LCD

Output resolution

1080p

Release date

November 15, 2023

Expand