Sony PlayStation Portal Remote November 2023 – Price, Specs, Review, and Order (Handheld Gaming Console)

So you know Sony’s PlayStation Portal, right? It’s like this handheld gaming powerhouse; which allows PlayStation 5 owners to stream and remotely play their existing PS5 games without needing a TV. Unlike Valve’s Steam Deck, the PSP is more like a DualSenser controller that has been split in half and carefully affixed to a spacious smartphone.

Even better, It’s light, compact, and brimming with powerful features that promise to engage you whether you are a hardcore gamer or a newbie. In this guide, I’ll share with you what makes the Sony PlayStation Portal the best handheld gaming console, its detailed features, and whether it is really worth buying at $324.

So, without further ado, let’s begin!

What Does the PlayStation Portal Do?

At the first instance, the PlayStation Portal, colloquially known as PSP, is a portal to a collection of PlayStation classics, new indie gems, and AAA titles. It’s more than just a handheld gaming device; it’s a multimedia powerhouse that requires PlayStation 5 and wifi, and then you can easily play your favorite games. You can even stream your games if you have a solid wifi of between 5-15Mbps.

Sony PlayStation Portal – In-Depth Review

PlayStation Portal Remote Design

Sony’s latest foray into portable gaming, the PlayStation Portal, is a bold design choice that’s both familiar and innovative. They’ve essentially split a Dualsense controller and placed an eight-inch touchscreen smack in the middle. The result? A device where the grips and layout are instantly recognizable to any PlayStation aficionado.

The classic white-on-black aesthetic is maintained, lending it a sleek, futuristic look. What catches the eye are the transparent face buttons and direction pad paired with the contrasting black analog sticks.

It’s a stylish nod to the traditional PlayStation design but with a modern twist. Sony has smartly relocated the PlayStation and mic mute buttons from the center of the Dualsense to the inner edges of the Portal’s left and right halves, making them more accessible in this new format.

But it’s not just about looks. The Portal comes equipped with motion controls, immersive haptic feedback, and adaptive resistance triggers, all features that have become synonymous with the PS5 experience.

The absence of a clickable touchpad might raise some eyebrows, but the touchscreen compensates for this, providing a similar functionality. And yes, the controls feel just as great as they look – responsive, intuitive, and satisfying to use.

On the practicality front, the Portal’s top features two speaker holes along with thin, flat buttons for power, syncing, and volume control. A microphone hole is subtly placed on the screen’s bottom edge, while the back houses essentials like a 3.5mm headset jack and a USB-C port for charging.

Screen

The PlayStation Portal’s screen, an eight-inch 1080p LCD with a 60Hz refresh rate, is where things get a bit divisive. While it’s certainly adequate, it doesn’t quite dazzle, especially when compared to the OLED screens of its rivals. This is an area where the Portal seems to lag a bit behind.

For starters, the 1080p resolution on an LCD screen is pretty basic by today’s standards. Sure, it does the job, but when you stack it against the OLED Nintendo Switch, which looks better even at 720p, the difference is noticeable.

OLED screens typically offer better contrast and a much wider color range, making for a more immersive and vibrant viewing experience. That’s not to say the Portal’s screen is a letdown. It still delivers a clear and bright display, and your games look good and are enjoyable to play.

But for those who’ve experienced gaming on an OLED screen, the Portal’s LCD might feel like a step back. Despite this, when you’re playing, the Portal does feel remarkably similar to holding a Dualsense controller.

The immersive experience that Sony is known for is still very much present, thanks in part to the screen’s ination with the device’s other features. The haptic feedback and adaptive triggers contribute significantly to this, making each game feel engaging and responsive.

Performance

The PlayStation Portal impresses with its seamless pairing capability with the PlayStation 5. Video and audio sync perfectly with the action, making for an immersive experience. However, there’s a bit of a hiccup with the touchpad functionality.

The Portal uses two Dualsense touchpad-sized rectangles that pop up when you tap the touchscreen during gameplay. While innovative, the execution is hit or miss, especially when you’re used to the tactile feedback of a physical touchpad.

On the bright side, when playing on a home network, the performance is top-notch. There’s no lag, no delay, and the Portal consistently maintains a smooth 60fps. This level of performance ensures a smoother gaming experience that feels very much like using a handheld Dualsense controller. The integration of Dualsense features into the Portal, especially for remote play, is a noteworthy achievement.

Limitations

Yet, the Portal isn’t without its shortcomings. The lack of Bluetooth support is a significant limitation, especially in an era where wireless connectivity is almost a given. While the built-in speaker performs adequately, the streaming quality can be inconsistent.

It’s not always the buttery-smooth experience you get on the original PS5. Streaming frame rates, smoothness, and overall gameplay quality can vary considerably. It’s serviceable, but don’t expect the same level of performance as you’d get playing directly on a PS5.

For audio, if you’re not using the built-in speaker, you’ll need to rely on wired headphones, as the Portal only supports audio output through its 3.5mm jack. This could be a drawback for users who prefer the convenience of wireless audio devices.

What I Didn’t Like About Design

Well, the PlayStation portal is not 100% perfect. The Portal, resembling a tablet, comes with thick bezels, which might not appeal to everyone. Moreover, unlike competitors like the Switch, Steam Deck, or even the PlayStation Vita, there’s a glaring absence of any protective element for the lower part of the Portal’s screen. This could be a concern for users prone to the occasional mishap, as a hard drop might spell trouble for the device.

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Advantages Of Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player

• Dual Sense Integration

The Portal can seamlessly integrate Dualsense features into its design which consequently gives you a unique and immersive remote-play experience.

• Home Network Compatibility

With top-notch performance on home networks, the Portal ensures a smooth gaming experience without any lag or delay.

• Built-in Speaker

The built-in speaker allows for audio playback directly from the Portal, making it a great option for gaming on the go.

• Remote Play Capability

The Portal allows users to remotely play PS5 games, giving them the freedom to access their favorite titles from anywhere.

• Wired Headphone Support

While lacking wireless audio support, the Portal does have a 3.5mm jack for wired headphones to provide users with an alternate option.

• Stable and Secure Connection

The Portal has a strong and reliable connection that ensures smooth gameplay without any interruptions or issues.

• 1080P 60FPS Video Quality

The Portal delivers high-quality gaming video quality output at 1080P and up to 60 frames per second for an immersive gaming experience.

• User-Friendly Interface

The interface of the Portal is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it accessible to users of all ages and technical abilities.

• Portable Design

The compact and lightweight design of the Portal makes it easy to carry and play games on the go.

• Backward Compatibility

The Portal is compatible with PS5 games, allowing users to access a wide range of titles from previous PlayStation consoles.

• Lightweight & Handy Feel

The Portal’s design and weight make it comfortable to hold for extended periods, so you can easily play long gaming sessions.

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Drawbacks Of the Sony PlayStation Portal Remote

• Limited Cloud Gaming Support

The Portal doesn’t support cloud gaming, restricting its potential as a comprehensive gaming device.

• Lack of Bluetooth Support

The absence of Bluetooth connectivity limits wireless audio options, requiring users to rely on wired headphones via the 3.5mm jack.

• Touchpad Functionality

The touchpad, replaced by touchpad-sized rectangles on the touchscreen, lacks the tactile feedback of a physical touchpad, leading to a mixed user experience.

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Should You Buy the Sony PlayStation Portal?

Deciding whether to buy the Sony PlayStation Portal isn’t straightforward. It’s a niche device, blending a remote streaming screen with its own controls. For PS5 owners who desire a high-quality portable device for remote play, the Portal might fit the bill, especially if budget isn’t a major concern.

The device shows promise with its integrated controls, designed to mirror the PS5 experience. However, the streaming functions feel somewhat limited. While it’s enjoyable to use, it can also be a source of disappointment for avid PS5 gamers. The major drawbacks are the lack of cloud gaming support, lack of Bluetooth support, and inconsistent frame rates when streaming which could have expanded its utility significantly.

Indeed, the PlayStation Portal currently offers the best experience for Remote Play on a Sony device. But it’s not without its flaws. The screen, while adequate, doesn’t quite match up to the visual quality one might expect from a device designed to complement the PS5. This, coupled with the so-so battery life, leaves room for improvement.

For those considering the Portal, it’s essential to weigh these factors. It’s a device that excels in certain areas, like providing a dedicated, portable way to enjoy your PS5 games remotely. However, it’s not a comprehensive solution for all your gaming needs. The absence of features like cloud gaming and the screen’s underwhelming performance compared to the PS5’s capabilities are points to consider.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you play PlayStation Portal anywhere?

Well, you can play the PlayStation Portal almost anywhere where the internet facility is available. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can stream your PS5 games remotely. This makes it great for gaming on the go.

Is the PlayStation Portal compatible with PS4?

No, the PlayStation Portal is specifically designed for the PS5. It does not support the PS4, focusing instead on delivering a high-quality remote play experience for the latest PlayStation console. This means you’ll need a PS5 to get the most out of the Portal.

Can you play PlayStation Portal without the internet?

No, an internet connection is essential for the PlayStation Portal. The device relies on streaming from your PS5 console, so without an internet connection, you won’t be able to access your games. It’s important to have a reliable internet connection for the best gaming experience with the Portal.

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Final Thoughts on Sony PlayStation Portal Remote Player

In a nutshell, In my view, the Sony PlayStation Portal Remote is a fascinating piece of tech with its strengths and weaknesses. I appreciate its innovative design that integrates Dualsense features for a unique, portable PS5 experience. However, I can’t overlook its shortcomings, like the touchpad issues, variable streaming quality, and the lack of Bluetooth support. For me, it’s a device that’s perfect for certain situations, especially for PS5 enthusiasts craving mobility. But if you’re expecting a handheld that completely mirrors the PS5 experience, the PlayStation Portal might fall short of those expectations.