While we rightfully think about Nintendo and its history with handheld devices, Sony shouldn’t be overlooked. Gamers still fondly remember how good the PSP and PS Vita were and the games that came out. Now Sony has released the PlayStation Portal (cutely referenced as the PSP), which scratches that itch. It’s a handheld device that’s not a console but an accessory remotely playing your PlayStation 5. After having the Portal for some time, I think it’s an excellent purchase for anyone who loves PlayStation and playing with a handheld device.
PlayStation Portal is available now for $199.99.
Design: Simple Yet Effective
On paper, the design of the PlayStation Portal seems lazy. It’s a DualSense controller cut in half with a screen right in the middle. But once you have it in your hands, it feels pretty good. It’s not too heavy, and since you should be used to having a DualSense controller in your hands, the Portal feels natural. The screen is pretty good, with an 8” LCD screen. Some consumers are disappointed that it’s not OLED, but at least it’s gorgeous while playing.
What’s also great about it is having all the bells and whistles from the DualSense included. The adaptive triggers and haptic feedback are fully adapted, which helps it feel like a mobile PS5 experience. The only problem is the lack of a touchpad. They do makeup by having an area you tap on to mimic the function of a touchpad. But sometimes, it won’t pick automatically and takes a couple of tries. And if you’re trying to play Alan Wake 2 on the Portal, I have some bad news for you. The touch-screen doesn’t work with Alan Wake 2, meaning you can’t play one of the most popular games remotely. And who knows what other games also don’t have this feature?
Setting It Up
When you first boot it up, the setup is quite simple. You need to update it and have it connect to WiFi, then your home PS5 console. My setup took around 20 minutes from start to finish. What’s cool about it is that the start screen is a portal connected to your PlayStation. Once connected, you go through the Portal and start playing. It’s a cool little touch that makes you seem like you’re Doctor Strange, which makes starting up the PlayStation Portal a delight each time.
The PlayStation Portal in all its glory.
Performance: WiFi Is Key
The most important aspect before buying a PlayStation Portal is figuring out whether you have a good WifI. Since it’s run via remote play, the WiFi connection must be constantly good. It doesn’t just have to be your home WiFi; it works with any stable, strong internet connection. About 90% of the time, the Portal held up well under its constraints. That 10% only applies when considering updates and downloads.
When I downloaded a new game or installed an update,en the Portal became strain under pressure. The lag becomes noticeable and the speakers become unbearable. Usually, I would log off, or sometimes the Portal would lose connection with my PS5. Once the downloads are done, your portal should be good. However, that 90% quality felt good and smooth, with the Portal running at 60 fps. If you can get this kind of performance, then the Portal is well worth it.
Key Features Lacking
It’s baffling how the PlayStation Portal lacks two key features: Bluetooth and cloud streaming. If you want to use your AirPods or any other Bluetooth headphones, then you’ll be out of luck. The only option for wireless headphones is to use Sony’s Pulse Explore earbuds or Pulse Elite headset. Who knows if they’re worth the purchase, but the fact that you need to spend at least an additional $150 to just get wireless heading is ridiculous.
Also, the PlayStation Portal can’t run cloud streaming. It does a big disservice to anybody who bought PlayStation Premium, and it’s frustrating. Some players prefer to play games on the cloud, and that option is taken away from them if they buy this. For me, it affects accessing classic games. All of the PS3 games that are available from the catalog are now just staring you in the face.
