Highlights

• PlayStation Portal introduces remote play with PS5, streaming games over Wi-Fi.
• Featuring an 8-inch LCD display, adaptive triggers, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
• Priced at $199.99, targeting PlayStation enthusiasts without standalone gaming features.
• Alongside, Sony announces premium audio accessories: Pulse Explore and Pulse Elite.

Sony has taken a bold step into the future of handheld gaming with the announcement of the PlayStation Portal. This new device is not a standalone gaming console but a remote player that takes on a unique role within Sony’s ecosystem.

It connects to the PS5 over a Wi-Fi network using PS Remote Play to stream popular titles, provided they are downloaded on the console.

The announcement heralds an innovative approach that leverages the PS5’s capabilities in an entirely new way. Let’s dive into the specifics.

PlayStation Portal: What is it?

Unlike the PlayStation Vita and other handhelds, the PlayStation Portal is not expected to play games on its own.

Instead, the device is rumoured to integrate directly with the PS5, offering a new way to experience PlayStation games.

Key Features

• Display: 8-inch LCD panel, 1080p screen resolution, 60Hz refresh rate.
• Controls: Grips, controller, adaptive triggers similar to the DualSense wireless controller.
• Audio: 3.5mm audio jack for wired earphones.
• Connection Requirements: At least 5Mbps Wi-Fi and 15Mbps internet speeds for optimal gaming performance.
• Price: $199.99
• Functionality: It’s expected to serve as a remote player for PS5 games without standalone gaming capabilities. Will make use of internet streaming to run games on its display
• Target Audience: Likely aimed at the avid fans who are already embedded within the PlayStation ecosystem.

Where does the PlayStation Portal Stand?

This unique approach to gaming aligns with Sony’s vision of creating a seamless ecosystem where the PlayStation Portal is designed purely as an accessory for the PS5 console.

It’s not a stand-alone gaming unit like other handhelds in the market but a complementary device that offers a new way to experience the power of the PS5.

Its role is to bring the PS5 gaming experience into a portable form factor, allowing fans of the console to continue their gaming adventures even when away from the main system.

While some may view these limitations as restrictive, others might appreciate the focus on integrating the PS5 experience into a handheld device.

The PlayStation Portal’s sole purpose is to serve as a conduit between the player and their PS5, enhancing the PlayStation ecosystem’s continuity.

PlayStation Portal: Potential Comparisons

• Nintendo Switch: At a similar price but with independent gaming features.
• Steam Deck: A much more versatile option as a handheld with a decent battery backup, good performance and an access to the entire Steam library, which the Switch definitely lacks.
• ROG Ally: A Windows 11-running handheld, the Ally can also run a bevy of games on its system but its battery life, at least in reviews, has been subject to some concern.

Sony’s New Audio Accessories: The Pulse Explore and Pulse Elite

Alongside the PlayStation Portal, Sony has also priced the Pulse Explore at $199.99 and the Pulse Elite at $149.99.
These premium audio accessories are designed to offer a combination of lossless audio and low latency, providing a superior gaming experience.

Key Information

• Pulse Explore: Same price as the PlayStation Portal.
• Pulse Elite: Priced at $149.99.
• Launch Date: Not announced yet.

FAQs

Ques) What is PlayStation Portal, and how does it function with the PS5?

PlayStation Portal is Sony’s new handheld device that serves as a remote player for PS5 games. It doesn’t support standalone gaming but connects to the PS5 over Wi-Fi using PS Remote Play, streaming games that are downloaded on the console.

Ques) How does the PlayStation Portal compare to other handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch?

Unlike other handheld devices like the Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation Portal is designed solely as a PS5 accessory. While the Switch offers independent gaming, the PlayStation Portal focuses on remote play with the PS5, aiming at fans entrenched in the PlayStation ecosystem.

Ques) What are the Pulse Explore and Pulse Elite, and how are they priced?

These are Sony’s premium audio accessories designed for lossless audio and low latency. The Pulse Explore is priced at $199.99, the same as the PlayStation Portal, and the Pulse Elite is priced at $149.99.

Ques) What are the hardware specifications and price of the PlayStation Portal?

The PlayStation Portal features an 8-inch LCD display with 1080p resolution, adaptive triggers like the DualSense controller, and requires a minimum of 5Mbps Wi-Fi for optimal performance. It is priced at $199.99.