Review of the PlayStation Portal: What’s the Purpose?

The PlayStation Portal is a device that, unfortunately, epitomizes what many of us find frustrating in a handheld gaming console, especially coming from a brand like Sony.

Highlighting the positives first, the idea of managing my PlayStation 5 remotely from virtually anywhere is undeniably attractive. Who wouldn’t prefer playing Ratchet & Clank from the comfort of a bed or even while lounging elsewhere rather than being tethered to a couch in front of the TV?

This concept is fantastic because of the convenience it promises. On paper, the device seems ideal, allowing for remote play without sacrificing quality in controls or display. Being an official Sony product, one would expect top-notch hardware, and indeed, the device doesn’t disappoint there.

Physically, the PlayStation Portal is a well-designed piece of hardware. It mirrors the PS5 controller, with an 8-inch screen nestled in the middle, offering a compromise-free experience in terms of build quality. It fits comfortably in your hands without any noticeable flex or weakness in its construction.

However, the experience takes a nosedive once you power it up. Getting the Portal set up is straightforward enough, and navigating its operating system feels familiarly smooth and "PlayStation-like." Given its main function is to link up with your PS5 for Remote Play, it does mimic the PS5 experience quite closely.

Sadly, that’s where the charm ends. Although connection to my PS5 was seamless, the gameplay experience left much to be desired, especially due to input delay.

The Latency Dilemma

Let’s be clear: for many console gamers, the latency might seem tolerable. It feels quite like playing without the TV’s game mode on—not disastrous, but far from optimal. With a delay that hovers around 100 ms, the experience can diminish the thrill of any high-speed games or shooters, making me question why Sony released something that feels so underwhelming.

High latency limits gameplay significantly, rendering quick reflex or precision-aim games nearly unplayable on the Portal. And to be clear, this is while using the device on a nicely tuned 5GHz home network.

Bitrate Troubles

Compounding the woes of latency is the noticeable pixelation during gameplay. Whether this issue lies with the Portal itself or is a side effect of the Remote Play feature remains unclear. Regardless, the device maxes out at 15 Mbps, which falls short for fast-paced gaming. As more action floods the screen, clarity gives way to a jumble of indistinct pixels. In titles like Vampire Survivors, the bunched-together foes on the Portal contrast starkly with their crisp look on a regular TV.

The poor bitrate also makes dark scenes grayish rather than inky black, and combined with the other issues, the bleak imagery from the Portal detracts from its overall appeal.

Audio and Communicative Features

The speakers on the Portal are adequate, but they don’t stand out. Similarly, the microphone matches the quality of a typical DualSense controller. They suffice for casual chatting or standard gaming audio experiences in games like Rocket League.

Both functions adequately meet basic needs but don’t offer anything particularly remarkable.

Comfort and Transportability

Comfort-wise, the Portal might just be the best handheld I’ve used in recent times, thanks to its mirrored feel of a full DualSense controller. If you’re comfortable with extended gaming sessions on a DualSense, the Portal won’t give you any trouble.

However, it lacks portability. You won’t find a carrying case included, so expect to purchase one separately. Plus, its 8-inch display makes it bulkier compared to other options, suggesting portability wasn’t a primary design goal, especially since it initially launched with just local network connectivity.

Battery and Cloud Gaming Potential

Battery performance aligns with expectations for a device akin to a DualSense and screen combo, lasting around six hours on full charge depending on usage intensity. Personally, with settings at 100% brightness and 80% volume, I get close to five hours—tolerable, but not terribly impressive, given it doesn’t do any local processing itself but only streams from the PS5 or the Cloud. It would have been a pleasant surprise if its battery life outlasted competitors like the Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. Yet, for what it offers, I’m somewhat satisfied with its longevity.

As for cloud gaming, there’s potentially more to cheer about, provided you have the right PlayStation Plus subscription tier. Streaming select games from Sony’s servers works surprisingly well, marking the Portal’s real saving grace—despite its limitations. For instance, games like Vampire Survivors, which support streaming through the PS5, aren’t compatible with the Portal, meaning owned games don’t get a streamer’s nod. That said, I anticipate Sony will enhance the Portal’s cloud features over time, ticking the box for playing owned games via the cloud. Until then, it remains an appealing supplementary feature, with cloud usage taking the reins over console play for me, given that performance seems almost neck-and-neck.

Imagine that—the equated latency of cloud play with that of local remote play. That parallels aren’t really singing praises of PlayStation’s cloud service but shining a light on the subpar nature of direct streaming from your PS5.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation Portal offers a solidly built device with flexible remote play abilities. But it stumbles due to high latency and meager bitrate, leaving fans of fast-paced gaming in the lurch. While the cloud gaming potential promises more, the lack of features like streaming owned games significantly detracts from its appeal. When compared to third-party alternatives, the disappointing gaming experience makes recommending the PlayStation Portal difficult at best.