PlayStation Portal: A New Way to Play PS5 Games

Sony’s newest device, the PlayStation Portal, has taken the gaming world by storm. With its sleek design, familiar DualSense controller feel, and the ability to stream your PS5 games, it promises a unique gaming experience. But is it worth the price tag? Let’s dive into the details.

Initial Impressions: Design and Features

The PlayStation Portal makes a strong first impression. Upon opening the box, you’re greeted by a design that immediately feels familiar – a DualSense controller with a sizable touchscreen replacing the touchpad. Sony’s build quality is evident, giving the device a premium feel.

The Portal boasts all the essential DualSense components, including buttons, thumbsticks, and a dedicated connect button for peripherals like headphones. It also sports a USB-C port on the bottom, though some users might prefer its placement at the top.

As expected, the Portal includes all the signature DualSense features, namely haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and audio output, all of which contribute to a truly immersive experience.

Set-up and Connection

Booting up the PlayStation Portal is a simple process, although it might take a few seconds for it to power on. Once it’s up and running, you’ll be greeted by a familiar interface, reminiscent of PS5 setup menus. After connecting to Wi-Fi, the device will download an update, which can take about 15-20 minutes, including download and application.

The setup process is straightforward. Using the PlayStation app, you can sign in and connect to your PS5 on your network. It’s crucial to ensure Remote Play is enabled on your PS5 by navigating to Settings > System > Remote Play and toggling it on. Once connected, the Portal’s logo will display your PS5, allowing you to jump into your games with a press of the X button.

Gaming Experience

The PlayStation Portal offers access to your PS5 library from almost anywhere in your home. Jumping into a game like Astro’s Playroom provides a comprehensive test of the device’s capabilities, especially the DualSense features.

While the initial visual quality might seem a bit “crunchy,” it does improve over time, especially when connected to a strong Wi-Fi network. The DualSense controller features like haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and sound all work flawlessly, adding to the immersion.

The touchscreen replaces the touchpad, requiring a slight adjustment. It efficiently mimics touch controls by highlighting specific areas on the screen, allowing for intuitive gesture-based actions.

Who is the PlayStation Portal for?

The PlayStation Portal is a unique device with a specific target audience. While it allows you to play your PS5 games practically anywhere, its true value lies within your home. It acts as a secondary display, similar to Remote Play on a tablet or smartphone.

However, the Portal excels in the living room setting, where you might want to play a game while someone else uses the TV. It also shines in situations where you want to take your PS5 experience to another room without needing a bulky TV.

While the Portal is designed for home use, its potential goes beyond that. It could be particularly useful for travel, especially with a strong 5G network, allowing you to continue your PS5 games on the go.

Conclusion

The PlayStation Portal is a unique and intriguing device. It’s essentially a handheld PS5, allowing for remote gameplay with a similar control experience. While its initial graphics may appear slightly rough, it boasts impressive performance, especially when connected to a strong Wi-Fi network. The inclusion of all the DualSense controller features contributes to a truly immersive experience.

Ultimately, the PlayStation Portal’s effectiveness depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re seeking a way to play your PS5 games on another screen within your home, this device might be perfect for you. However, for those looking for portability beyond their home, it might not meet your expectations.

The PlayStation Portal offers a new way to enjoy your PS5 games, especially within a multi-player environment. It stands as a valuable addition to the PS5 ecosystem, deserving of exploration for those seeking a unique and immersive gaming experience.