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PS Portal is one peculiar device. It looks like a PS5 handheld console, but it brings a different kind of experience. Rather than holding games on its disk, Portal uses your PS5 console to stream games, allowing you to play wherever you prefer (that’s close enough to your console). It recently had an update allowing it to stream games from a PS cloud service, turning it into a limited version of a regular handheld console. Even so, it is one of Sony’s best-selling products. But that is not all. Based on some recent research and user feedback, Sony promises some new PlayStation Portal features in the future.
PlayStation Portal Had a Good Year
Game File recently interviewed Hiromi Wakai, vice president of Product Management at Sony Interactive Entertainment. This VP revealed several new details about the current state and future plans for the PS Portal.
It was reported that PS Portal usage peaks at around 9 pm, an hour later than the peak playing time of PS5. Some might guess that PS Portal players are night owls, however, Sony has another theory.
Wakai noted: “This could suggest scenarios like users playing on the console first, then later switching to PS Portal to play in another room—courtesy of PS Portal’s characteristics like the ability to play in another room—while their family is using the TV”. Also, let’s be honest, who here hasn’t dived into their bed with their handheld? We certainly have.
Overall, PlayStation Portal had a great first year (it launched in November 2023). Many PS5 users (reportedly around 3% of them) have already bought the Portal, and with the recent developments, we’re sure many more will. But, what can you expect for the future of this device?
The VP Talks About the Approach to New Features
Wakai shared some vague plans for the new features for the PlayStation Portal. The one thing that we truly appreciated is the fact that they seemingly plan on taking things slow and issuing gradual updates.
The VP of Product Management talked about the addition of the PS5 game-streaming beta. She noted: “PS Portal was a new type of product for us, so we wanted to be extra careful to ensure our users get the best possible user experience”. She added: “We want to continue that approach with PS Portal, and make incremental steps based on community reception on the beta”.
A lot more is to come, get ready. We have a feeling that 2025 will be quite exciting for PlayStation users, with all the games and the updates that have been announced so far. We can’t wait to see what’s to come. So, enjoy and happy holidays.