For this Black Friday, significant discounts are being offered on Sony’s gaming devices, including the PlayStation Portal and various configurations of the PlayStation 5. The PlayStation Portal, a handheld device that enables remote game streaming from the PS5 via Wi-Fi, is seeing its first major price cut to approximately $178.99, a $21 reduction available at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
In contrast, the PlayStation 5, which has received favorable reviews, is also on sale, with savings of up to $100 across all its configurations, including the more powerful PlayStation 5 Pro. Despite a lukewarm reception for the Portal upon its release in 2023, improvements have been made since then, particularly with the addition of cloud streaming capabilities. This enhancement enables PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers to access select PS5 games directly from the cloud, bypassing the need for a conventional connection to the console.
The PlayStation Portal’s hardware design mirrors a DualSense controller split in half, featuring a vibrant eight-inch 1080p display. The device supports the DualSense haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, enhancing the gaming experience for users. However, for optimal performance when streaming, a stable Wi-Fi connection is essential, and it’s recommended to connect the PS5 console directly to an Ethernet cable.
Despite these advancements, the Portal still has limitations, such as only supporting Sony’s Pulse Explore earbuds and Pulse Elite headset for wireless connections. Fortunately, it does provide a 3.5mm headphone jack for users wishing to connect conventional wired headphones. Overall, the PlayStation Portal’s ongoing updates and Black Friday discounts may entice gamers looking for mobile gaming solutions.