The PlayStation Portal Just Isn’t Good Enough

The PlayStation Portal raises an important question: Who is it made for? People often ask this because it has some limitations. The Portal is made for one main thing—playing games from far away. To put it simply, it lets you play your PlayStation games even when you’re not near your console. So, if you’re wondering who would find this useful? it’s mainly for those who like playing their games from a distance. Whether you’re not at your console or prefer playing from somewhere else. The Portal is for gamers who want the freedom to play on the go or from a different place.

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If the PS5 is your go-to gaming console and you’ve got a solid internet connection at home, the Portal comes in handy. Picture this: you’re itching to play PS5 games, but the TV connected to your console isn’t within reach. In such situations, the Portal becomes your gaming savior. It allows you to play your favorite PS5 games without being tethered to the TV. If you find yourself in scenarios where you want to dive into gaming without TV access then Portal becomes a valuable addition. This offers flexibility and convenience for those eager gaming moments.

After using the Portal for a whole week. I’ve noticed some inconsistencies that make me a bit hesitant about fully connecting it to my PS5. However, when it works well, it’s a total game-changer. The special thing about the Portal isn’t just the PlayStation portal remote player feature. Which you can find on smartphones, tablets, or even the Steam Deck. What sets the Portal apart is those times when it operates smoothly. Even though I’ve had some challenges using it consistently, the moments when everything works perfectly show its potential. It’s a bit of a mixed experience not just another option for remote play. But a piece of tech with some really impressive moments that make it stand out.

The Pros and Woes of Remote Play

For those unfamiliar, remote play operates by allowing a compatible device to control your PS5 remotely while streaming the system’s display. Connecting the two over the same local network and enabling remote play on your PS5. It enables you to play from anywhere, provided your PS5 and the chosen device are connected to the internet. The quality of your experience hinges on the connections of both the remote play device and your PS5. It’s a simple concept: link your devices, turn on remote play, and enjoy gaming freedom. But the smoothness of the experience relies on the strength of your internet connections on both ends.

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Performance and Technical Factor

When it comes to technical performance, the Portal doesn’t surpass other devices in terms of remote play abilities. Its main job is to link up with your PS5 when you start it up, and how well your games run depends entirely on your internet connection. The games on the Portal run and stream as smoothly as your internet allows. Based on my own experience, the performance has been inconsistent, ranging from okay to unplayable. Sometimes, it even shifts between these extremes in the same gaming session. In essence, how well the Portal works will tie closely to how stable and strong your internet connection is, and it affects the overall gaming experience it offers.

Even with a gigabit fiber internet connection at home, the experience of using remote play with both my PS5 and Portal on Wi-Fi mainly was unplayable. Problems like image compression, input delay, and occasional disconnections persisted, even when both systems were in the same room as my modem and router. This highlights that having a solid internet plan doesn’t always ensure smooth performance in remote play. Factors like Wi-Fi stability and potential interference play a role, impacting the overall quality of the gaming experience. In this case, despite the high-speed internet, the practical challenges of Wi-Fi connectivity affected the performance of remote play on the Portal.

My Personal Experience and Review

The situation saw a significant improvement when I connected my PS5 via a wired ethernet connection while keeping the Portal on the same Wi-Fi network—an expected outcome. The disconnections were a thing of the past, and the performance became robust enough for a satisfying two-hour gaming session with God of War Ragnarok. Although occasional image compression and hitches persisted, they were manageable, posing a mild annoyance, especially when arising in the midst of intense combat scenarios. Thankfully, minimal latency made timing attacks and responding to button prompts less of a concern. This adjustment demonstrated that a wired connection for the console positively influenced the overall remote play experience.

The minimal latency becomes more noticeable when playing shooters. In another playthrough of Uncharted 4, I quickly realized that remote play, in my setup, has difficulties with games that require precise aiming. Trying to land shots with the slight input delay was more challenging compared to the native gameplay experience. Although adjusting my combat strategy helped reduce this problem to some extent, it’s not ideal to deal with hardware limitations when just trying to enjoy a game. The difference in responsiveness is particularly noticeable in genres like shooters, emphasizing the significance of a seamless connection for an optimal gaming experience.

Selecting The Game That Are Suitable for Portal

Given the challenges of remote play, it narrows down the selection of games suitable for the Portal. I discovered that titles like Tales of Arise, an action RPG with a focus on positioning rather than precise timing, worked wonderfully. Resuming an old save allowed me to make progress seamlessly despite the chaotic nature of the combat. Games that are lighter on precision gameplay elements and adapt well to a handheld scenario are well-suited for the Portal. In my case, it became a game-changer for completing 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim—a side-scrolling, visual novel-style adventure with light strategy gameplay. So, while some genres may be challenging, there’s a niche for games that align with the Portal’s strengths and limitations.

For added portability, you can use your phone’s tethering capabilities. I tried playing on the Portal using 5G LTE from T-Mobile, and while it was pretty playable, the mentioned inconsistencies happened more often. While this method might work well for some, it’s not without downsides. Personally, I prefer having a more reliable gaming setup without depending on my phone’s data and draining its battery. Even though the extra portability is appealing, the trade-offs in terms of potential disruptions and resource usage make it a choice to consider carefully based on individual preferences and priorities.

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Should You Use Remote Play Feature?

I would strongly advise against using remote play for competitive shooters, fighting games, or rhythm games; it simply isn’t optimized for those genres. However, the PS5 library offers plenty of diverse options. Chances are you have games in your collection that you’ve been meaning to play but struggle to find the time or focus on the couch or when PlayStation portal restock will happen. This is where the Portal truly shines—not just as a companion for your main system but especially if the PS5 is your sole gaming platform. Its handheld convenience creates new opportunities to engage with your gaming library, making it easier to explore and enjoy titles that might otherwise be neglected due to time constraints or attention demands.

Beautifully Designed, To an Extent

A standout feature that makes the Portal more than just a typical remote-play device is its complete integration of the PS5’s DualSense controller. Despite having slightly smaller analog sticks, using the Portal feels like a smooth translation of the DualSense’s high-quality buttons, triggers, and analog precision, providing the same level of comfort. The touchpad controls are conveniently placed at the bottom left and right of the screen, easily reachable within the thumb’s reach, even though the responsiveness might not be the quickest. Nevertheless, the touchpad isn’t a critical aspect of the overall experience. In essence, the Portal boasts arguably the best controller attached to a handheld gaming device—a DualSense split in half, with a screen seamlessly integrated into the center.

A notable highlight of the Portal is its expansive 8.0-inch screen. While it may not match the OLED panels found in the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, which excel in color reproduction and contrast, the Portal’s standard LCD display is impressive in its own right. Colors are vibrant without appearing oversaturated, and the 1080p resolution sets a high standard for the remote-play feed, provided your connection is strong enough to avoid significant image compression. Although it may not outshine OLED technology, the Portal’s screen still offers a visually appealing experience for gaming on the go, making it a compelling feature for those seeking a quality handheld display.

Exclusive Design for Remote Play

The Portal, designed exclusively for remote play, maintains a lightweight profile at just 18.7 ounces (529 grams). Thanks to its lack of internal computing power. To put it in perspective, the Switch weighs 14.9 ounces (422 grams), and the Steam Deck is heavier at 23.7 ounces (669 grams). The Portal’s weight makes it easy to hold for extended gaming sessions, and the ergonomic grip, similar to the DualSense controller, sets it apart in terms of comfort among handhelds. The absence of internal components also benefits the battery life, allowing the Portal to run for approximately seven continuous hours from a full charge—a noteworthy feature contributing to its portability and convenience.

Any Flaws?

A notable design flaw in the Portal is the lack of Bluetooth capabilities. If you want to use wireless audio, you’re limited to using the latest first-party headphones or earbuds. This limitation is frustrating, considering the other compromises users already have to make to maximize the device’s functionality. It’s particularly noteworthy because Bluetooth capabilities are standard in almost every modern portable device. Sony’s decision to make the Portal a closed system in this regard feels restrictive and users may find it inconvenient to invest in specific Sony accessories for wireless audio rather than enjoy the flexibility commonly expected in portable devices.

Benefits that are There!

Fortunately, the Portal includes a 3.5mm audio jack conveniently placed behind the screen alongside the USB-C charging port. This allows for the use of wired headphones or earbuds an option you might prefer. Considering the Portal’s built-in speakers aren’t particularly impressive. When it comes to games with immersive audio featuring well-executed voice acting and intricate musical scores. The built-in speakers fall short. Even in games primarily centered around dialogue or light sound cues. The Portal leaves much to be desired, exhibiting a somewhat crackly quality at higher volumes. Opting for wired audio accessories provides a more reliable and enhanced listening experience on the Portal.

Fitting The Portal into Your Gaming Life

In my case, the PS Portal won’t be joining my gaming rotation. With devices like the Steam Deck, Asus ROG Ally, and Nintendo Switch already in my arsenal, adding another handheld, especially without access to unique gaming libraries, doesn’t make sense. If the Portal could directly tap into PlayStation’s cloud streaming ecosystem, making it more versatile, that might change the equation. However, I understand the Portal isn’t designed for someone like me. It’s primarily targeted at PS5 die-hards who are likely to extract the most value from its features. While it may not align with my gaming preferences, for dedicated PS5 enthusiasts. The Portal could serve as a valuable extension of their gaming experience.

While the PS Portal has its moments of brilliance and provides convenience for certain game styles. The drawbacks of image compression, streaming hitches, and input latency can mar the experience, even with decent connections. My advice is to personally test remote play in various environments on a device you already own. If the experience is satisfactory, the Portal’s $200 price tag might be justified. It boasts a well-designed piece of tech with a large, high-quality screen and the best controls for a gaming handheld. However, these features may not compensate for the inconsistencies in actual gameplay performance. In my case, the trade-off of convenience for a suboptimal experience doesn’t make the Portal a compelling addition to my gaming setup.

Conclusion

PS Portal offers a distinctive gaming experience with its integrated DualSense controller and lightweight design. Despite connectivity challenges and Bluetooth limitations, it the best option for those who prioritizing portability gaming setup. Weigh its pros and cons to decide if it fits your gaming lifestyle.

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