Cloud Gaming Officially Launches on PlayStation Portal
Starting today, cloud streaming is officially available on the PlayStation Portal, allowing users to play games on this handheld device without needing to connect to a PS5.
A Long-Awaited Update
More than two years after its release and following a year-long beta test, the PlayStation Plus handheld now supports standalone game streaming. This update significantly enhances the device’s independence and usability.
How It Works
The PlayStation Portal still requires a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription to access cloud streaming. While the device isn’t running games locally, the latest system update brings it closer to becoming a true successor to the PSP.
Official Announcement from Sony
The official PlayStation blog confirmed the launch of cloud streaming on the Portal for all users with a compatible subscription, almost a year after its beta testing phase began.
Freedom From the Console
With this update, the PlayStation Portal finally operates untethered, eliminating the need for any additional setup or connection to a PS5 console.
Improving the PlayStation Portal's Appeal
At launch in 2023, the device received criticism for its limited power and dependence on a PS5 to play games. Unlike previous handhelds like the PSP and PS Vita, which allowed offline play, the Portal initially functioned only as a remote screen for PS5 gameplay, limiting its practical use.
This update transforms it from being just an accessory into a more standalone gaming device.
Author's summary: The new cloud streaming feature finally frees the PlayStation Portal from its dependence on the PS5, making it a more independent and versatile handheld console.