Cloud Gaming Has Finally Officially Arrived on the PlayStation Portal
Cloud streaming officially launches on the PlayStation Portal today, allowing users to play games on the handheld without linking it to a PS5. After two years since its debut and a year-long beta period, the PlayStation Plus handheld is finally able to run games independently from the console.
Although the handheld doesn’t play games entirely on its own and requires a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, the latest system update moves the Portal closer to being a genuine successor to the PSP.
Official Announcement
Sony confirmed via the official PlayStation blog that cloud streaming for the PS Portal is now rolling out to all users with a compatible subscription, less than a year after initial beta testing began.
This marks a significant change for the device, which can now function without being linked to a PS5 or requiring any complex setup. It's a refreshing development for a product that initially drew criticism for limited usability.
Background and Context
When the PlayStation Portal debuted in 2023, it was met with mixed reviews due to its dependence on the PS5 and lack of standalone capability. Earlier Sony handhelds like the PSP and PS Vita could play games directly and offline, while the Portal initially served more as a PS5 accessory than a true independent console.
Author’s Summary
With cloud gaming now live, the PlayStation Portal finally achieves meaningful independence from the PS5, transforming it from a limited remote device into a credible handheld console option.