In May, Sony announced Project Q, a PS5 handheld gaming device, at its PlayStation showcase. Now called the PlayStation Portal, this “remote play dedicated device” has a release window and a price tag… And also some limitations. Here’s what we know about the PlayStation Portal.
Firstly, what is the PlayStation Portal, and what does it cost? A release from PlayStation shares more. It notes, the “PlayStation Portal remote player brings the PS5 experience to the palm of your hand. It includes the key features of the DualSense wireless controller, including adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. The vibrant 8-inch LCD screen is capable of 1080p resolution at 60fps, providing a high definition visual experience that’s expected from the high-quality games created by world-class developers.” The PlayStation Portal costs $199.
Basically, the PlayStation Portal is a portable device you can use to play all your PS5 favorite games. Sony suggests you can use it in cases where your TV screen is otherwise occupied… Or if you just want to visit a different room than your console. If you want to play PS5 games in your bed, it sounds convenient. The PlayStation Portal remote device will let you play your PS5 games using Wi-Fi, but you do need to connect to your actual PS5 to do so. It will essentially mirror your PS5.
But without Wi-Fi, you won’t be able to use this device. Much to the disappointment of fans, the PlayStation Portal itself does not have 5G capabilities. It will also not stream games from PlayStation Plus Premium’s cloud. Sony notes, “Games that require a VR headset (PlayStation VR or PlayStation VR2) or additional peripherals (other than a DUALSHOCK 4, DualSense, or DualSense Edge wireless controller) are not compatible. Games that must be streamed on PS5 using a PS Plus Premium membership are not compatible.”
Additionally, the Portal device does not have Bluetooth capabilities. Not even Sony’s PlayStation Pulse 3D headset will work with it. In order to hear your audio, you’re going to need wired headphones, Sony’s new Pulse Elite wireless headset, or its Pulse Explore wireless earbuds. These new Pulse products will use Sony’s “new wireless audio technology, PlayStation Link” to function.
The PlayStation Portal will release this year. If you want a slightly more portable way to play your PS5 games, it could be a good deal for you.