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The PlayStation Portal arrives as Sony’s latest foray into handheld gaming, but with a significant twist: it’s purely a remote play device for your PS5. This review dives into whether this baffling handheld finds its audience beyond the most dedicated Sony fans, or if it’s truly a device for no one.
Key Highlights
- Dedicated PS5 Remote Play device
- 8-inch LCD screen for immersive visuals
- Integrated DualSense controller features
- Requires strong home Wi-Fi and PS5
What’s in the box
- PlayStation Portal handheld
- USB-C charging cable
- Quick start guide
- Safety information
Design and Ergonomics
The Portal’s design is distinct, essentially a DualSense controller split in half with an 8-inch LCD screen in the middle. While it doesn’t offer a truly “minimal” lifestyle due to its reliance on a PS5, its form factor is comfortable for extended play sessions, mimicking the feel of a standard controller.
Display and Build Quality
The 8-inch LCD screen offers a crisp 1080p resolution at 60fps, providing a vibrant window into your PS5 games. The build quality feels premium, mirroring the haptics and adaptive triggers of the DualSense controller for an authentic PlayStation experience on the go (within your home network).
PlayStation Portal Handheld Streaming Device
Designed exclusively for PlayStation 5 owners, the Portal streams games directly from your console via Remote Play. It’s built for those who want to play their PS5 titles away from the main TV, but still within their home network.
The core appeal of the PlayStation Portal lies in its dedicated hardware for Remote Play. It integrates all the key features of the DualSense controller, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, making the remote gaming experience feel as authentic as possible.
Who is the PlayStation Portal For?
The Portal’s target audience is undeniably narrow: PS5 owners seeking a convenient way to play their games in another room or when the main TV is occupied. It excels in this specific niche, offering a better experience than a phone/tablet setup.
Ultimately, the PlayStation Portal is a luxury peripheral for a very specific use case. While it delivers on its promise of dedicated remote play with DualSense features, its lack of Bluetooth audio (requiring PlayStation Link) and inability to play games natively limits its broader appeal.
The PlayStation Portal is a device that will baffle many, offering a very specific solution to a niche problem. It’s not a standalone handheld, nor is it a cloud gaming device. It’s simply a screen with a controller, tethered to your PS5. For the PlayStation diehard, it might be exactly what they never knew they needed, enabling PS5 gaming flexibility at home.
“A perfectly engineered device for a curiously specific purpose. If you’re a PS5 owner with a busy TV, this might be your new favorite gadget.”
The Reviewer
Despite its limitations, the Portal delivers a focused and effective remote play experience. If you fit the narrow demographic of a PS5 owner constantly battling for TV time, or simply craving the comfort of your couch while someone else watches TV, the PlayStation Portal surprisingly might find its place in your gaming setup. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it could be indispensable.
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