PlayStation Adds Cloud Gaming to the Portal
Sony has announced that the PlayStation Portal handheld console will now support cloud gaming. This long-awaited update lets players stream select digital PS5 titles directly to the handheld without connecting to a console.
Background and Context
The PlayStation Portal launched quietly, with only a small portion of PlayStation 5 owners—about 3% as of last summer—purchasing it. The device essentially mirrors a PS5 over Wi-Fi, limiting its independence compared to full-fledged portable systems.
Cloud Gaming Integration
According to Sony’s latest statement, owners can now access cloud streaming through the PlayStation Plus Premium tier. This upgrade makes it possible to play compatible PS5 games from the cloud library, granting more freedom in how and where the device is used.
“PlayStation Portal owners can now use cloud gaming, including select digital PS5 games from their own library,” Sony confirmed.
Subscription Requirement
Despite the positive news, access comes at a cost. Cloud gaming is limited to subscribers of PlayStation Plus Premium, Sony’s top-tier plan priced at $17.99 per month or $159.99 per year. For those already subscribed, the new feature adds tangible value to the otherwise niche handheld.
Market Comparison
The update positions Sony closer to competitors like Valve’s Steam Deck, which popularized the concept of portable gaming with access to vast libraries anywhere and anytime. Still, while the Steam Deck functions as a standalone gaming PC, the PlayStation Portal leans heavily on PlayStation’s ecosystem and services.
Author Summary: Sony enhances the PlayStation Portal with cloud gaming, but limits the feature to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers, blending accessibility with exclusivity.