Sony is about to revolutionize gaming with a groundbreaking update! No more console envy for those who haven't snagged a PS5 yet. Today's update for the PS Portal handheld device, which has been in beta for a year, unlocks cloud streaming via PlayStation Plus Premium, allowing you to play PS5 exclusives without the console.
This update is a game-changer for the £200 device, which was initially marketed as a PS5 peripheral for streaming games from your home console to its 1080p screen. Now, you can play a vast library of games, including Astro Bot, Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and thousands more, directly on the PS Portal.
But here's where it gets technical: setting this up isn't a walk in the park. You'll need a PS Plus Premium account and some patience. Sign into your PS Portal with your PS Plus account, enable Game Streaming in the settings (still in beta), and sign back in. Then, you'll be able to access your PS5's games or a separate streaming tab, even without a PS5 connected.
And this is the part most gamers will love: these streamed games function just like they're installed! In-game purchases, add-ons, 3D Audio, and online play are all supported. As the image demonstrates, you can play Tekken 3 on the PS Portal without installing it on your PS5.
Will this replace your PS5? Probably not, but it's a game-changer for portability. Imagine playing Monster Hunter Wilds in a coffee shop or during a doctor's waiting room visit. The possibilities are exciting, especially for those with busy, on-the-go lifestyles.
Stay tuned for a real-world test of this feature, and get ready to explore the full list of compatible games via the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog. The update launches on November 5th at 6 pm PT, so mark your calendars!