PlayStation Portal Can Stream PS5 Games Without PS5
A recent cloud streaming update allows PlayStation Portal users to stream games from their own library with a subscription, even if their PS5 is turned off. This marks a potential step toward a more independent handheld device from Sony.
Handheld Console Evolution
Handheld gaming devices are rapidly evolving, from the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 to Windows-based PC handhelds running Steam. Sony's PlayStation Portal, a dedicated streaming handheld released two years ago, is now receiving an update that expands its capabilities.
New Features for PlayStation Portal
- PS5 game streaming without the console being powered on
- 3D audio support for streaming games
- Still unable to play downloaded games offline — streaming only
These changes make the Portal feel more like a standalone device rather than just an accessory tied directly to the PS5.
Sony’s Vision for the Portal
"The Portal is part of the PS5 family, and it continues to be a complementary device for a console not really a standalone yet," Takuro Fushimi, Sony's PlayStation senior manager of product management, said in a video interview.
The update also allows multiple users on one account to stream PS5 games simultaneously on different devices, increasing the Portal's independence.
Fushimi noted that the Portal is currently Sony's most used device for streaming PS5 games, surpassing even phones and tablets, although exact sales figures were not disclosed.
Author’s Summary
The new update transforms the PlayStation Portal into a more autonomous streaming handheld, signaling Sony’s exploration of a true standalone portable gaming device in the future.