Cloud Gaming Officially Launches on PlayStation Portal
Starting today, cloud streaming is available on the PlayStation Portal, allowing users to play games on the handheld device without needing to connect to a PS5 console. This marks a significant update more than two years after the device's release and following a year-long beta test.
Standalone Gaming on the PlayStation Portal
Although the Portal doesn't run games entirely on its own hardware, the latest system update enables independent play via cloud streaming. Users must have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription to access this feature, which brings the Portal closer to being a true successor to the PSP.
Official Announcement and Subscription Requirement
"Cloud streaming for the PS Portal will soon officially go live for everyone with a compatible subscription," Sony stated in their official PlayStation blog.
This update comes nearly a year after the initial beta testing phase, making the device operate without needing to connect to a PS5 or additional setup.
Improving the PlayStation Portal's Value
When the PlayStation Portal launched in 2023, it faced criticism for its limited capabilities and reliance on a PS5 connection. Unlike earlier Sony handhelds like the PSP and PS Vita, which could play games independently offline, the Portal initially functioned only as a remote stream from a PS5, reducing its appeal as a standalone device.
Context from Previous Devices
- PSP and PS Vita played games locally without internet connection.
- PS Portal required remote connection to a PS5 to function.
- The update allows untethered gameplay through cloud streaming.
This advancement is a fresh start for the Portal, shifting it from being merely an accessory to a more independent gaming device.