With current demand skyrocketing following the launch of Sony’s new handheld, it leads one straight to the question of ‘is the PlayStation Portal worth it?’. The landscape of handheld gaming is ever-evolving, but Sony’s approach to a new portable console has left some fans puzzled. While the PlayStation Vita garnered a decent following, it didn’t quite reach the level of success achieved by its predecessor, the PlayStation Portable. However, with the recent resurgence of the handheld market sparked by the Nintendo Switch, many were hopeful that Sony would release a successor. Instead, we got the PlayStation Portal.
Priced at $200, the Portal is an expensive accessory for an already expensive console, but this isn’t to say that it doesn’t have any allure with its premium build quality and Cloud streaming capabilities. In this article, we’ll weigh in on whether the PS Portal is worth your time, attention, and investment.
Is the PlayStation Portal worth it?
If you’re already an owner of a PS5 console, then the PlayStation Portal could definitely be seen as a worthy investment. If you’re looking for a way to play your games outside of the living room or while your TV is in use, the PS5 Portal will suit you perfectly as it offers the convenience of untethered gaming and the familiar feel of the DualSense controller. However, it’s essential to have a stable internet connection and other limitations of the device, i.e. that streaming PS5 games is all it actually does.
Also, for those who prioritize affordability, the Portal’s $199.99 price tag does make it an attractive choice. While the combined cost of the Portal and a PS5 may seem high, it remains more accessible than other handheld gaming options on the market, such as the highly-priced Legion Go or ASUS ROG Ally which retail for around $600 at least.
Ultimately, the PlayStation Portal is a niche device that caters to a specific audience. If you value the convenience of handheld gaming, already own a PS5, have a stable internet connection, and are willing to part with the investment, the PS Portal can be worth it in providing an enjoyable gaming experience. However, for those seeking a more versatile and budget-friendly option, alternatives like Logitech’s G Cloud, the Nintendo Switch Lite, or the Backbone One controller might be worth your consideration.
How does the PlayStation Portal work?
The PlayStation Portal aims to compete in the renaissance of gaming handhelds, but it takes a different approach compared to its counterparts. Rather than installing games directly on the device, the Portal relies on Cloud streaming through Remote Play. This means that you can only play games on the handheld by streaming them from your PlayStation 5 via Sony’s PlayStation Link technology.
To fully utilize the PlayStation Portal, a stable internet connection is crucial. Sony recommends a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps, with a preference for 15 Mbps or higher. However, based on user experiences so far, it’s definitely advisable to have even higher bandwidth to ensure smooth gameplay. Insufficient internet speed can result in lag, freezes, and overall dissatisfaction with your gaming quality, speed, and performance.
Can I only play Remote Play on the PlayStation Portal?
When Remote Play came out back in 2006, you could only stream video and audio through a PS Vita or a PSP. However, we’ve come a long way from then! Remote Play was made available on Windows PCs and macOS back in 2016, and support was expanded to all Android smartphones following the release of PS4 7.00 system software in 2019.
So yes, the PS Portal will only let you stream games via Remote Play, but you can also access Remote Play on a variety of devices, including your phone, your computer, and other handheld consoles.
