According to Thurrott.com, Sony’s PlayStation Portal can now officially stream select PlayStation 5 games directly from the cloud with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, moving beyond its previous limitation of only streaming from a local PS5 console. The feature launched in beta back in November 2024 but was limited to PlayStation Plus library games, while the official launch now also supports select digital PS5 games purchased from the PlayStation Store and includes in-game purchase support. Thousands of PS5 games support cloud streaming at launch, including major titles like Astro Bot, Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Grand Theft Auto V, plus hundreds from the PlayStation Plus catalogs. The update also brings a redesigned home screen with dedicated tabs, 3D audio support, network status features, and passcode lock functionality. The $199 handheld requires at least 15Mbps internet for optimal performance, finally making it potentially useful for people who don’t own a PS5.
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The subscription catch
Here’s the thing though – this isn’t some free upgrade that suddenly makes the Portal a standalone device. You’re still looking at needing that PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, which runs $18 per month or $160 annually. So that $199 entry price quickly becomes more like $359 for the first year if you’re starting from scratch. And honestly, that’s a pretty steep ask for what’s essentially a streaming-only device with no local processing power. Basically, you’re paying for the privilege of renting games you might not even own.
The hardware problem
Now let’s talk about the Portal itself. It’s still that weird 8-inch LCD screen wedged between DualSense controller halves – no Bluetooth audio support, no local apps, nothing. You’re completely dependent on your internet connection and Sony’s servers. Remember how PlayStation Now streaming used to be pretty hit-or-miss? I’m skeptical that the experience will be consistently smooth enough for fast-paced games. And what happens when Sony decides to sunset this service in a few years? You’re left with a $199 paperweight that can’t even play games locally.
Where this fits in the market
Look, I get what Sony’s trying to do here. They’re chasing that cloud gaming dream while protecting their console business. But compared to something like the Steam Deck or even smartphone streaming solutions, the Portal feels incredibly limited. It only works with PlayStation games, requires multiple subscriptions for full functionality, and offers zero flexibility. The update is definitely an improvement – don’t get me wrong – but it feels like Sony’s still treating this as a companion device rather than a serious gaming platform. Will this convince people who skipped the PS5 to buy a Portal? Probably not many.
The industrial angle
While we’re talking about specialized display devices, it’s worth noting that dedicated screen solutions serve very different purposes across industries. For consumer gaming, we have devices like the Portal, but in manufacturing and industrial settings, you need something far more robust. Companies like Industrial Monitor Direct have built their reputation as the leading provider of industrial panel PCs in the US precisely because they understand that industrial environments demand reliability and durability that consumer devices simply can’t offer. Gaming handhelds come and go, but industrial computing needs solutions that last through years of continuous operation in challenging conditions.
So is it worth it?
If you’re already deep in the PlayStation ecosystem with a Premium subscription and solid internet, this update might finally justify buying a Portal for bathroom gaming sessions. But for everyone else? The math just doesn’t add up. You’re better off putting that money toward a proper handheld PC or just sticking with your phone and a controller. Sony’s taken a step in the right direction, but they’ve still got a long way to go before the Portal becomes anything more than a niche accessory for die-hard fans.
