PlayStation Portal: Everything you need to know about Sony’s portable PlayStation

Sony

Sony’s portable PlayStation, the PlayStation Portal, is set to launch later this year. This handheld device lets you stream PlayStation 5 games over Wi-Fi on an eight-inch LCD screen running at 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. The PlayStation Portal will cost USD 199.99 and will be available in time for the holidays.

The PlayStation Portal has controllers on its sides resembling the PS5 DualSense controllers. They have adaptive triggers and haptic feedback to make PS5 games feel immersive and realistic. The PlayStation Portal can also play media content because it mirrors your PS5. However, you need a Wi-Fi connection to use the PlayStation Portal since it does not support offline gaming.

The PlayStation Portal isn't compatible with Sony’s upcoming cloud streaming service for PS5 games. The PlayStation Portal is designed for remote play of your own PS5 games. You will need a minimum internet speed of 5Mbps, but Sony recommends 15Mbps for optimal performance.

The PlayStation Portal does not have Bluetooth connectivity, either. So, you can't use wireless headphones or Sony’s Pulse 3D headset with it. Instead, it uses a new proprietary wireless technology called PlayStation Link. PlayStation Link promises low latency and high-quality audio. Sony is also releasing a wireless headset and earbuds that support PlayStation Link.

You can use these new audio devices with your PS5 through a USB adapter. Sony may also integrate PlayStation Link into future PS5 models, such as the rumoured PS5 "Slim." PlayStation Link will be open to third-party manufacturers as well. The PlayStation Portal also has a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.

The battery life of the PlayStation Portal is still unknown, as Sony has not finalized its size yet. Sony supposedly aims for a battery life similar to the DualSense controller (about seven to nine hours).

The PlayStation Portal was formerly known as Project Q and was officially revealed in May. It is expected to launch in November, but Sony has not confirmed the exact date yet.

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