Sony has been generating a lot of buzz since it revealed for the first time its next major device, codenamed “Project Q,” later revealed to be PlayStation Portal. While not a follow-up to the PS Vita, Portal is gaining interest as a device that enables seamless streaming with the PlayStation 5.
It functions similarly to using Remote Play, but instead of a smartphone or tablet, the player streams using a dedicated device, effectively giving a handheld experience with the PS5. However, Sony might have to do a lot of convincing for how it is entirely better than what gamers are currently having with Remote Play.
When is it going to be released?
The PlayStation Portal released 15th November, 2023.
How much will it cost and where can I buy it?
The PlayStation Portal will sell for a price tag of $199.99 and is now up for pre-ordering via PlayStation Direct.
What is under the hood?
Streaming a game, rather than being directly involved in its processing, requires less computing power. With this as a reality, it makes the PlayStation Portal less of a powerhouse than a real beefy handheld platform, like the ASUS ROG Ally. Nevertheless, there are plenty of things about this streaming platform that are worth the look.
From the outset, the PlayStation Portal has an 8-inch HD LCD, which makes it marginally bigger than the Steam Deck by an inch. But while its 1080p display resolution and a refresh rate of up to 60Hz will not give anybody a competitive edge in multiplayer gaming, it is nonetheless capable of producing sharp visuals, relative to the size of the screen.
Controller-wise, it has an embedded controller that resembles the DualSense controller but with the display screen set in the middle.
However, being a streaming-only device, the PlayStation Portal lacks micro-SD card slot support. Ironically, it does not have Bluetooth functionality as well, though there is a possibility of a workaround, such as with the use of an external dongle.
For audio, the device has a 3.5 mm audio jack support as well as a built-in stereo speaker.
For battery life, a full charge can last between 3 to 4 hours.
