Cloud Gaming Finally Launches on the PlayStation Portal
Today marks the official start of cloud streaming on the PlayStation Portal, allowing gamers to play titles on the handheld without the need to connect to a PS5 console. This milestone arrives two years after the Portal's release and a year following its beta phase.
Key Features of the PlayStation Portal Update
- The device can now stream games directly, eliminating the need for connection to a PS5.
- A PlayStation Plus Premium subscription is required to access cloud gaming.
- The update moves the Portal closer to being a true successor to the PSP.
The official PlayStation blog announced: "Cloud streaming for the PS Portal will soon officially go live for everyone with a compatible subscription, less than a year after test beta."
Background and Reception
Upon its launch in 2023, the PlayStation Portal received criticism for its lack of standalone power and limited portability. Unlike previous Sony handhelds such as the PSP and PS Vita, which could run games independently, the Portal initially required a remote connection to a PS5 to play games. This limited its function to that of an accessory rather than a fully independent console.
Impact of the Update
With the cloud streaming feature activated, the PlayStation Portal now offers a more flexible and untethered gaming experience, enhancing its value and usability for gamers.
Author's summary: The PlayStation Portal’s new cloud streaming feature frees it from PS5 dependence, transforming it from an accessory into a more versatile handheld device.