In today's world, where entertainment preferences often clash within shared living spaces, finding a solution that satisfies everyone can be a challenge. If you’ve ever wanted to play your PlayStation 5 while your partner is deep into their favorite Netflix series, you’ve likely faced the all-too-common battle over the TV. But what if there was a way to seamlessly enjoy your gaming experience without interrupting their viewing?
Enter the PlayStation Portal, Sony’s innovative handheld streaming device designed to bring Remote Play gaming to life.
Solving the One TV Dilemma
It’s a quiet Sunday afternoon. You want to unwind with your PS5, but your partner is locked into a Netflix binge. This is where the PlayStation Portal comes in handy. Acting as an extension of your PS5 rather than a standalone console, the Portal allows you to stream your games via Remote Play, effectively letting you take your PlayStation experience anywhere within your home.
I decided to put this to the test by playing Fortnite on my PlayStation Portal. More specifically, I launched a game mode I directed myself—The Rat Game UK (which, by the way, you can check out by searching for it in Fortnite’s discovery tab!). The setup was seamless, and I was eager to see how well the device performed.
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things I noticed was the Portal’s sleek and premium build. The device essentially consists of a PS5 DualSense controller split in half, with an 8-inch LCD screen nestled in between. It’s sturdy yet comfortable, maintaining the high-quality design language that PlayStation fans have come to love. The ergonomic feel ensures long gaming sessions remain comfortable—something handheld gamers will appreciate.
Performance & Connectivity
A major factor that determines the PlayStation Portal’s usability is your Wi-Fi strength. Unlike a traditional handheld console, the Portal relies entirely on Remote Play, meaning that a strong and stable internet connection is essential for smooth gameplay. In my test, I played on my apartment balcony, and the experience was surprisingly lag-free, with responsive controls and no noticeable latency.
The DualSense features, such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, are fully integrated, making the experience feel just like playing on a standard PS5 controller. It’s an excellent way to retain the immersive elements of PlayStation gaming, even when away from the main console setup.
Audio and Display
For a streaming device, the audio quality is surprisingly crisp, thanks to the built-in stereo speakers. While you can use a PlayStation Link headset for a more immersive sound experience, the onboard speakers do a solid job of delivering in-game audio.
The LCD display, while not OLED, holds up well with vivid colors and sharp details. Character models, level designs, and visual effects in Fortnite looked fantastic. However, an OLED display would have taken the visuals to the next level, making darker scenes appear even richer.
Limitations & Drawbacks
As great as the PlayStation Portal is, it does have some limitations. The most significant one? It does not have built-in games or offline functionality. Since the device is completely dependent on a Wi-Fi connection and Remote Play, you won’t be able to take it on the go like a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. This means that unless you have stable internet access, its portability is quite restricted.
That being said, if you’re using it within your home network, it’s a fantastic way to game when your primary TV is occupied.
Final Verdict: Is the PlayStation Portal Worth It?
The PlayStation Portal isn’t for everyone, but for those in shared living spaces, it’s a game-changer. It allows you to continue gaming while your partner watches their favourite shows, making it an excellent companion device for PS5 owners.
If you already have a strong home network and need a secondary screen for PlayStation gaming, this is an easy recommendation. However, if you’re looking for an all-in-one handheld gaming system, you might be better off with something that offers native gameplay without relying on Remote Play.
So, what do you think? Is the PlayStation Portal the solution to your gaming and entertainment conflicts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this review, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for the next episode of Beyond the Pixels!
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