The PlayStation Portal has recently undergone a significant transformation, making it an even more exciting device for gamers. With the ability to play select PS5 games from the cloud, it offers a whole new level of gaming convenience. Let's delve deeper into this remarkable development.

Unlock the Potential of Gaming on the Go with PlayStation Portal

Enhanced Gaming Experience with Cloud Streaming

The $199 PlayStation Portal has just become a game-changer with the announcement that it can now play select PS5 games from the cloud. This means that gamers no longer have to be tied to their home consoles. Imagine being able to enjoy titles like Ghost of Tsushima, Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart while on the move. It's a big deal for those who initially dismissed the accessory. According to The Shortcut's testing, the PlayStation Portal only occasionally worked outside of the home WiFi with a strong connection before. But now, with the new firmware update, there is a less complex relay system, allowing for a more seamless remote play experience.

PlayStation Plus Premium: The Key to Cloud Streaming

Not everyone will be able to take advantage of "Cloud Streaming Beta on PS Portal" immediately. Sony's blog post reveals a catch or two. Firstly, cloud streaming of PS5 games is exclusive to PlayStation Plus Premium members. This makes sense as it is one of the biggest perks of the highest-tier online subscription, along with getting free games monthly. Secondly, a steady connection is required to pull off this remote play functionality. Sony states that streaming at 720p requires a minimum 7 Mbps, while 1080p streaming requires a minimum 13 Mbps. However, with the improvements, the PS Portal should work much better than before.

Value and Future Prospects

Although it's not the offline-capable PSP 2 that many gamers hope for in 2025, the PlayStation Portal is a significant step forward. With Microsoft working on an Xbox handheld and the Asus ROG Ally X appealing to gamers, it seems that the PlayStation Portal is laying the groundwork for a potential PSP 2 handheld. At just $199, it offers great value for gamers who want to enjoy gaming on the go. Walmart currently has the PlayStation Portal available for $199, making it an even more attractive option.