A significant software update has fundamentally changed the proposition of Sony's PlayStation Portal, turning what was once a niche remote-play accessory into a potentially essential handheld gaming device this festive season.
From PS5 Add-On to Standalone Streamer
Originally launched in November 2023, the PlayStation Portal was designed solely for Remote Play, requiring a constant Wi-Fi connection to a user's PS5 console. However, a recent update released by Sony has unlocked a new, powerful capability: cloud streaming.
This means the Portal can now function independently of your PS5. Users can stream a vast selection of digital PS5 games directly, either from their own library or from the PS Plus Game catalogue, with no need for downloads. At launch, this feature supports thousands of titles, including major games like Astro Bot, Borderlands 4, God of War Ragnarök, and Grand Theft Auto V.
Theoretically, this opens the device to a new audience. As Nathan Bliss, Gaming Editor, notes, you could now purchase a Portal without owning a PS5, buy games on the PlayStation Store, and play them via streaming, provided you have the necessary subscription.
Performance and Practicality
The cloud streaming technology impressed in testing. With a stable internet connection, performance is described as excellent, with only minimal input delay. The device's 8-inch, 1080p 60fps LCD screen presents games like God of War Ragnarok superbly, and the experience remains playable even for online titles like Fortnite.
Its ergonomic design, essentially a DualSense controller with a screen in the middle, is a major strength, offering haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. Weighing just 550g and offering around three hours of battery life, it's a portable package. Its price point of £199 also adds to its appeal, especially when found on sale.
The Caveats: Subscriptions and Connectivity
However, there are notable drawbacks. The primary one is that accessing any cloud streaming, including your own owned games, requires an active PS Plus subscription. This ongoing cost affects the value proposition for those buying the Portal as a first Sony device.
A more frustrating limitation for a device released in 2025 is the complete lack of native Bluetooth support for audio. Users are restricted to Sony's proprietary PlayStation Link headphones (like the Pulse range) or wired headphones via the 3.5mm jack, requiring a third-party adapter for standard Bluetooth headphones.
Final Verdict: Who Is It For?
For existing PS5 owners with a PS Plus subscription, the updated PlayStation Portal comes highly recommended. The ability to instantly stream games without needing the console powered on is a game-changer, offering genuine flexibility.
For those without a PS5, it presents a more complex decision. It becomes a dedicated gateway to the PlayStation ecosystem and its exclusive titles, but the mandatory PS Plus subscription represents a recurring cost that must be factored in. Despite its limitations, the update has successfully repositioned the PlayStation Portal from a luxury add-on to a compelling, standalone handheld contender.
