By Dean Moses
Game: PlayStation Portal Remote Player
Console: Connects to PlayStation 5
Cost: $199.99
Required: WIFI connection and PlayStation 5 console
Over the past year, gamers have been able to “feel the power of PlayStation in the palm of their hands” thanks to Sony’s PlayStation Portal Remote Play for the PS5 console.
This handheld gaming accessory allows players to jump right into their PS5 games via their home WIFI without needing to hog the television from family members. The only requirement is a steady WIFI connection, and that the PlayStation 5 remains turned on during playtime. There is also no need to have a PlayStation Plus membership to utilize the PlayStation Portal (unless you are using it to access a multiplayer game and PlayStation Plus would be required for that feature).
All compatible, downloaded games are streamed straight to the device, which is essentially a PlayStation controller with an 8-inch HD LCD screen at its center. The PlayStation Portal also allows gamers to experience the haptic feedback [advanced rumble] and adaptive features found in their DualSense wireless controllers, creating a dynamic gameplay.
Another added benefit is that the remote player delivers 60fps and 1080p gameplay resolution, at an extraordinary speed compared to other handheld devices. For those who want to be fully immersed in their gaming session, there are also PULSE Explore wireless earbuds that can connect to the PlayStation Portal via Bluetooth.
Over the Spring Creek Sun’s tests, the only drawback has been the occasional incident connectivity issue, which has caused some play sessions to lag and, in one case, caused us to be disconnected entirely. The lag can be exceedingly frustrating, especially when it causes your character to die repeatedly.
Conclusion
The PlayStation Portal can be played anywhere there is a WIFI connection, so gamers can put their PS5 in sleep mode and visit a friend or family member’s house with the remote device and connect to their internet for a fun gaming session. It’s great for families who all want access to the TV and it creates an intimate gaming session with your cinematic games like Death Stranding or The Last Of Us series.
Photos courtesy of PS5 website
