PlayStation introduces cloud gaming for the Portal
The PlayStation Portal is finally gaining access to cloud gaming, but it requires an active PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. This handheld console initially received little attention, yet Sony hopes the new feature will renew interest in the device.
Background and context
The PlayStation Portal functions as a companion device to the PlayStation 5, streaming games from the console rather than operating as a standalone system. As of last summer, only 3% of PlayStation 5 owners purchased the Portal, partly due to this limitation.
The popularity of portable gaming devices such as the Steam Deck has motivated many tech companies to create their own versions. One appeal of those devices lies in their ability to offer full gaming experiences wherever players are—on a plane, a train, or even in the bathroom.
New cloud gaming update
Sony announced that owners of the PlayStation Portal can now use cloud streaming to play “select digital PS5 games from their own library” without the need to connect directly to their console.
Sony stated that the new feature allows access to cloud gaming through PlayStation Plus Premium, offering greater flexibility in how players experience PlayStation titles.
Subscription requirements
The new functionality is available exclusively to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers. This is Sony’s highest subscription tier, costing $17.99 per month or $159.99 per year. For those who already have this plan, the update significantly enhances the device’s value beyond being a simple remote display.
Author’s summary
The PlayStation Portal now supports cloud gaming but only for those subscribed to the Premium tier, boosting its capabilities while highlighting Sony’s tighter service ecosystem.