Nearly a year post-launch, the PlayStation Portal has seen minimal marketing yet is selling remarkably well. Curious about its performance, I dedicated a month to exploring Sony’s latest handheld to determine if it’s a worthwhile purchase or merely a product of hype.
Reflecting on its predecessor, the PlayStation Portable (PSP), which debuted in 2005 and was heralded for delivering console-quality experiences on the go, it’s evident that handheld gaming has evolved significantly. Fast forward nearly two decades and with the release of the PlayStation Portal, Sony has attempted to re-enter the handheld market in a new way.
Pros of the PlayStation Portal include a comfortable controller, an LCD screen that can handle 60 frames per second, and superior battery life compared to typical handhelds. However, there are notable downsides: it necessitates a reliable and fast internet connection, lacks Bluetooth audio support, has unreliable touch controls that hinder gameplay, and does not support streaming apps.
Retailing at SGD295.90, the PlayStation Portal offers good value for the technology but has limited use cases. As someone with a keen interest in its potential, I found the hardware impressive, though faced streaming issues that may not be unique to my experience. If you’re considering purchasing the Portal, it’s best suited for players with a large PS5 library and robust home internet.
As a dedicated remote play device, the Portal resembles a cut-in-half PS5 DualSense controller with a screen in between. It allows you to stream any game from your PS5 seamlessly within the same Wi-Fi network—a vital feature that poses a limitation.
The Portal’s 8-inch touchscreen is ample for gameplay, showcasing 1080p visuals at 60 fps. It incorporates many appealing attributes of the DualSense controller, such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, although it lacks a speaker and touchpad. The absence of a touchpad is problematic as it’s replaced by an unreliable touchscreen interface that may leave some games unplayable.
My experience with streaming during the month revealed that internet bandwidth significantly impacts the functionality of the Portal. Despite having decent internet speeds, I faced many streaming challenges with visually intensive games, frequently encountering pixelation and lag. While some games like remastered PSP titles ran smoothly, more demanding games did not, making the experience frustrating.
Furthermore, the Portal cannot stream apps like Netflix or YouTube, limiting its versatility. Even games available via cloud streaming on PlayStation Plus are inaccessible, rendering the device less appealing for those seeking media options.
Ultimately, the PlayStation Portal is targeted at a specific audience. It may appeal to those with limited TV access at home, especially for the same price as a pair of Sony earbuds. However, its reliance on a stable Wi-Fi connection confines its usability compared to competitors from Nintendo and Valve. While some of the concerns stem from typical first-generation device pitfalls, inadequate internet service nationwide continues to be a major hurdle for fully enjoying the Portal’s capabilities.