Cloud Gaming Has Finally Officially Arrived on the PlayStation Portal
Cloud streaming for the PlayStation Portal officially launches today, allowing users to play games directly on the handheld without needing a connection to a PS5. This marks a major milestone for the device, which initially required a paired PS5 for all gameplay.
Two years after the Portal's release and following a year-long beta test, the latest system update finally lets players enjoy streaming through the PlayStation Plus Premium service. Although the handheld still relies on Sony's cloud infrastructure, it now functions far more independently.
“The PlayStation Portal can finally officially play games without needing to connect to a PS5 console first.”
The announcement came through the official PlayStation blog earlier today. Sony confirmed that cloud streaming would become available for all subscribers with compatible accounts, less than a year after beginning its closed beta phase.
This update represents a significant shift for the handheld. At launch in 2023, the PS Portal faced criticism for limited functionality and its dependency on the PS5. In contrast, older handhelds like the PSP and PS Vita could run games offline, offering a more autonomous experience. Initially, the Portal’s streaming-only setup left it feeling more like an accessory than a true gaming console. Now, by operating without any console connection, it moves closer to being a genuine successor to the PSP legacy.
Author’s Summary
The PS Portal’s new cloud gaming support finally grants it stand-alone functionality, transforming it from a PS5 accessory into a true independent handheld system.