According to Eurogamer.net, Sony is pushing out a major PlayStation Portal update today that fundamentally changes what the £200 handheld can do. This update, which has been in beta testing for about a year, enables cloud streaming via PlayStation Plus Premium, completely eliminating the need for a PS5 console. Starting November 5th at 6pm PT (November 6th at 2am GMT), owners can stream thousands of games including Astro Bot, Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Ghost of Tsushima directly to their Portal. The update supports in-game purchases, 3D Audio, and online multiplayer sessions, effectively transforming the device from a PS5 peripheral into a standalone gaming machine. This represents Sony delivering on its 2024 promise to enable PS5 game streaming without requiring a home console.
Sponsored content — provided for informational and promotional purposes.
Why this changes everything for Portal owners
Here’s the thing: the PS Portal has always felt like an expensive luxury item. At £200, it was basically just a fancy remote play screen for your PS5. You needed both the console and the handheld, which made it a tough sell for anyone but the most dedicated PlayStation fans. But now? Suddenly that price tag starts making a whole lot more sense.
I’ve always thought the Portal was cool in theory but limited in practice. You’re tethered to your home network, dependent on your PS5 being on and connected, and honestly, the experience could be spotty even under ideal conditions. But cloud streaming changes the entire equation. Now you can take this thing to a coffee shop, a hotel, or your partner’s place and actually play proper PS5 games. That’s huge.
gaming”>What this means for portable gaming
So where does this leave other portable gaming options? The Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch suddenly have more serious competition. Sony’s essentially created a dedicated PlayStation cloud gaming device that can handle anything from Fortnite to Monster Hunter Wilds. And the fact that it supports in-game purchases and online play means you’re not getting a watered-down experience.
But let’s be real about the limitations. You’re still going to need decent WiFi, and there will be some lag. Competitive shooters might not be ideal, but for single-player adventures like Astro Bot or story-driven games? This could be perfect. The author mentions testing it from a doctor’s office tomorrow – that’s the kind of flexibility we’re talking about.
Where does Sony go from here?
This move feels strategic. By making the Portal more useful, Sony potentially sells more PlayStation Plus Premium subscriptions and makes their ecosystem stickier. It’s smart business. The official PlayStation Blog confirms this is just the beginning of their cloud streaming ambitions.
Think about it: if the Portal works this well for cloud gaming, could we see a version with cellular connectivity? Or maybe even a more powerful model down the line? Sony’s playing the long game here, and this update proves they’re serious about cloud gaming as part of their strategy. The full list of compatible games shows they’re committing to making this a comprehensive service, not just a limited experiment.
Bottom line? If you already own a Portal, this update is basically Christmas coming early. If you’ve been on the fence, it might finally be time to take the plunge. The device just went from niche accessory to legitimate portable gaming option overnight.
