Nearly a year after its launch, the PlayStation Portal has seen minimal marketing efforts, yet it is selling remarkably well. Curious about its appeal, I spent a month testing Sony’s latest handheld to determine if it lives up to the hype or if it’s simply a product of effective promotion.
To understand the Portal’s position, it’s helpful to reflect on the original PlayStation Portable (PSP), released in 2005. The PSP was a trailblazer, offering portable, console-quality 3D gaming. Despite its popularity and robust library, it fell short of some expectations. Fast forward nearly two decades, and after the PlayStation Vita, Sony has re-entered the handheld market, but not in the way one might anticipate.
Pros of the PlayStation Portal include a comfortable controller feel, an LCD screen that supports 60 fps gameplay, and better battery life compared to existing handheld devices. However, there are significant downsides: it requires a reliable, fast internet connection, lacks Bluetooth audio support, has inconsistent touch controls that may hinder gameplay, and does not support streaming applications.
Launched at SGD295.90, the PlayStation Portal offers good value but has limited practical uses. As much as I wanted to appreciate it, I struggled with streaming issues that seem to be a common problem. The Portal is best suited for those with an extensive PS5 library and a strong home internet connection.
The design of the Portal is unique, resembling a DualSense controller with an 8-inch screen in the middle, allowing for remote play of PS5 games via the same Wi-Fi network. While it boasts impressive features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, the lack of a speaker and a functional touchpad detracts from the overall experience. Users are left with an unreliable touchscreen that replaces the touchpad, complicating gameplay in some titles.
Streaming is heavily reliant on internet bandwidth, which can significantly affect user experience. In my testing, even with a generally stable connection, I encountered numerous issues while streaming popular titles like “Ghost of Tsushima” and “Spider-Man: Miles Morales.” Initial streaming quality was often poor, leading to lag and disconnects. Some older PS4 games fared better, but newer titles struggled to maintain a smooth experience.
Additionally, users cannot stream content from services like Netflix or YouTube; if they rely on cloud games available through PlayStation Plus, those will not be accessible on the Portal. This limitation can be disappointing for potential buyers.
Overall, while the PlayStation Portal offers excellent value for a specific audience, primarily those with limited access to television or a shared viewing space, it ultimately feels restrictive and tethered to a strong Wi-Fi connection. Without advancements in national broadband infrastructure, this device’s potential may be limited, and its success heavily depends on user internet access.