In a major announcement that has gamers on the edge of their seats, Sony has finally pulled back the curtain on its forthcoming handheld gaming console, the PlayStation Portal. Slated for a November 15, 2023 launch, this remote play-first system aims to revolutionize how games are streamed from the PlayStation 5 (PS5).
A Glimpse into the Future: What We Know
The PlayStation Portal, initially shrouded in mystery as Project Q and officially confirmed by Sony in May, has fueled widespread excitement with the unveiling of its official name, pricing, and feature set.
The new console is priced at an attractive $199.99 in the U.S., 219.99 Euros in Europe, and 199.99 GBP in the United Kingdom. This aggressive pricing strategy puts it in a favorable position against its competitors—specifically, the Logitech G-Cloud, which retails at $349.99, and the Abxylute gaming console priced at $229. What sets the PlayStation Portal apart from these competitors is its unique functionality: the system is engineered to work in tandem with the PS5, adding a new dimension to the gaming ecosystem.
Launch and Availability
Sony has opened preorders in multiple countries, including the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. Come September 29, the preorder net will be cast even wider to include Canada and Japan. Intriguingly, industry rumors are swirling about the Portal launching alongside the speculated PlayStation 5 Slim, a move that could precede the launch of the even more eagerly awaited PS5 Pro.
Features and Specifications
The PlayStation Portal boasts an 8-inch LCD screen with crisp 1080p resolution at 60fps. For those who prefer wired audio, a 3.5mm headphone jack is included. However, those accustomed to Bluetooth connectivity may be disappointed as the feature is notably missing. This makes it necessary for users to purchase a PlayStation Link-compatible headset for wireless audio.
A Close Relationship with PS5
One of the standout features of the Portal is its ability to stream and play games installed on a user’s PS5, provided there is a robust Wi-Fi connection. This feature, however, comes with limitations—the device will not support PS VR2 games or PS5 cloud streaming.
With the PlayStation Portal, Sony seems poised to redefine handheld gaming as we know it, offering a compelling and affordable entry point into its PlayStation universe. The only question that remains is whether this innovative console can live up to the towering expectations it has set.
Will you be picking up a PlayStation Portal? We’re eager to get our hands on it here but we understand that many users will be put off by the high price of the unit.
