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Sony has now released the PlayStation Portal which is a dedicated handheld for local streaming on your home Wi-Fi connection. Below, we’re going through the price point, specs, features, and everything else you need to know.
What’s most pressing is our where to buy PlayStation Portal hub to help you to find the streaming handheld in regions such as the US and the UK. For those who didn’t pre-order the PlayStation Portal, you may find that securing a unit is difficult right now. We’re working on a stock tracker to help keep you updated.
The PlayStation Portal is Sony’s first proper re-entry to the handheld gaming market since the PS Vita over a decade ago. If you’re lucky enough to have pre-ordered or purchased one, you’ll be able to connect the device to your PS5 over Wi-Fi, and it will be compatible with its DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers.
PlayStation Portal specs – how powerful is it?
The handheld is built with a vibrant 8-inch LCD screen, making it the same size as the Steam Deck, and about an inch smaller than the ASUS ROG Ally. The PlayStation Portal is capable of 1080p at 60fps which will look great on your favourite games. Design-wise, it features the classic PS5 controller layout, just with the touchpad missing.
As for the internal components, the Portal needs a PS5 to run and streams all its gameplay from the console. This means that there is no need for a gaming CPU or GPU. As a result, the PS Portal is as powerful as the PlayStation 5, though with a display enforcing a 60Hz, 1080p limit.
While the Portal will come with a 3.5mm audio jack, it does not have any Bluetooth connectivity. This means that if you want to use wireless audio you will have to get either the Pulse Elite headphones or Pulse Explore earbuds. Both of these are new devices from Sony announced at the same time as the Portal.
PlayStation Portal price – how much will it cost?
The PlayStation Portal will cost 199.99 USD / 219.99 EURO /199.99 GBP / 29,980 YEN. Many retailers are already listing the handheld device as out of stock, and, as a result, scrappers are already capitalizing and selling it for extortionate prices.
The PlayStation Portal looks like the dream purchase for anyone who has to fight over the communal TV with their housemates, or for those who wish they could play their beloved PS games from the comforts of their bed. Anyone with a stable internet connection on the go should also be very excited indeed. The possibilities are endless!
PlayStation Portal release date
The PlayStation Portal was rolled out across the US and much of Europe on the 15th of November. To be precise it was released in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. If you’re sad to see your country excluded from the list, Sony did make clear that information on additional regional availability will be coming soon too.
This release date is just ahead of Black Friday, though given the incredible popularity of the console and its limited supply, we can’t guarantee there’ll be any Black Friday PlayStation Portal deals. It also means that it is sure to feature on many Christmas wishlists this year.
Frequently asked questions
There are a few questions on the PlayStation Portal and its specs that keep coming up, we’ve answered a few of them here.
Do I need a PS5 for PlayStation Portal?
Yes, the PlayStation Portal is a remote player, meaning it relies on the computing power of the PS5 to be used.
Is PlayStation Portal OLED?
No, the PlayStation Portal has an LCD rather than an OLED display. While this might mean less vibrant colours, but does make the display brighter and more affordable.
