When it was released last year, Sony's PS Portal left us doubtful. In the era of the Steam Deck and the ROG Ally, the Japanese firm had made the controversial choice not to focus on a real portable console, but on a simple remote reading device. A decision that was difficult to justify, especially for nearly 220 euros.
The PS Portal becomes a real portable console
In a press release published on the PlayStation Blog on November 19, 2024, the manufacturer finally seems to have taken the measure of the problem. From a simple streaming terminal to distance, Sony's device intends to become what it has never been: a real portable game console. For the moment reserved for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers (the most expensive formula in its catalog), and for games integrated into this subscription, the update will soon allow “support for cloud streaming on the PS Portal“. In concrete terms, there will soon be no need to connect the PS Portal to a PS5 to enjoy its catalog of games. A simple Internet connection will allow you to play directly in cloud gaming from the company's terminal.
This is a new feature which could change everything for Sony and its PS Portal. The company specifies that to stream in 720p, you will need a connection of at least 7 Mbps, while 1080p quality will require a connection of at least 13 Mbps. Some features will not be available at the launch of the service. For example, party voice chat, 3D audio and in-game invitations will remain for absent subscribers for the moment. Child accounts will not be able to use the service, and in-game transactions are for the moment reserved for the PS5 only. PS4 and PS3 titles will, as for them, compatible in a second phase.
A beta version in France
Not everything is perfect, but the main thing is there: Sony wants to transform the experience of players, and offer them the possibility of playing (really) nomadically. Good news for us, France will be among the first countries concerned by the beta, alongside a few dozen other countries. Support for the specific features of the DualSense controller, on its side, remains guaranteed. It will thus be possible to benefit from haptic feedback, the touchpad and the adaptive triggers.
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