Sony introduces a new streaming and handheld console to the market. We’ve tried it out and will share our first impressions with you.
Starting November 15th, the new PlayStation named “Portal” will be available on shelves. However, Sony’s new handheld device hardly competes with the likes of Steamdeck, ROG Ally, or Lenovo Legion Go, as the Portal is not a standalone console but rather a streaming device.
In fact, the Portal is only useful if you already have a PlayStation 5 at home. You can stream its gameplay to the Portal – as long as you have a stable internet connection.
But is the PlayStation Portal worth it for you? We’ve tested it for several hours and will give our first impressions here.
If you want to see the Portal’s appearance when unboxed, “Please read this article.”
PlayStation Portal: Exterior View
Design & Build: Sony’s build quality is usually very high. The Portal feels high-quality, comfortable to hold, and has a satisfying weight.
A sturdy plastic arch connects two control sections and the screen at the back.
The PlayStation buttons no longer have their usual location due to the presence of the screen, now situated on the top left beside the Share button.
Similar to the touchpad you’re familiar with from the DualSense controller, you’ll have to bid farewell. Two buttons from the touchpad are activated by tapping the touchscreen twice.
Screen: An 8-inch LCD screen with FullHD (1080p) resolution and up to 60 FPS gives us a solid impression and provides sufficient brightness to still see clearly even in brightly lit moments on the couch.
PlayStation Portal: Connection and Gaming
After unpacking and inspecting the Portal, we immediately connected it to our PlayStation 5. After all, we wanted to know exactly how the gameplay is on the Portal.
What do I need to get started? For this, your console must be updated with the latest firmware, both PS5 and PS-Portal require a stable internet connection, and you must sign in with your PSN account on both devices.
Sony states that you need “a broadband Wi-Fi connection with at least 5 Mbps” to play smoothly.
How stable is the connection to the PS5? For testing, we used a PlayStation 5 connected via cable to a router with access to a 50 Mbit/s line. On the same network, we logged into the Portal via WLAN.
After the initial connection, Sony’s new handheld performed well on the main menu: minimal input lag, sharp image, and the sound were better than expected for a device this small (though not replacing the use of headphones).
But does this hold true for playing games?
Here’s the gaming experience on the PlayStation Portal: Input lag during gameplay indeed felt increased but still within tolerable limits. While testing, we tried games like Elden Ring to feel how much the connection hindered our ability to react quickly.
The faster you need to react in a game, the easier you’ll notice this input lag.
In the case of the PS Portal, although we eventually got used to the lag after some time, we never fully forgot about it. This may be due to the connection not always being stable, leading to FPS drops and noticeable response time. This could result in frustrating situations after several consecutive disruptions.
Gameplay with a poor internet connection won’t succeed: If you plan to take the PS Portal on the bus and make a hotspot with your phone, you’ll likely be disappointed.
We used our cellular hotspot connection and it took quite a while to set up the connection. When we tried to start Life of P for testing, it was clear that with strong input lag and fragmented images appearing, there was hardly any point in continuing the game.
So, the Portal is only useful in places with good internet connections.
If you need more detailed insights into the features of the PlayStation Portal, please visit SeorangTech. They have tested this tool in more detail:
PlayStation Portal Tested: After 4 Hours, the Fun Ends
Would you buy the PlayStation Portal? What are your thoughts on the concept of streaming consoles? Do you prefer having your own handheld console like Steamdeck or Lenovo Legion Go? Maybe you even want a PlayStation Portable 2 or PlayStation Vita 2? Please write in the comments below!
