Cloud Gaming Arrives on PlayStation Portal
Sony has officially rolled out one of its biggest updates yet for the PlayStation Portal, bringing full Cloud Streaming support for PS5 games to the handheld. Starting today, PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can stream thousands of PS5 titles straight from the cloud, without needing to connect to a PS5 console.
The update marks a major leap for the Portal, first released in November 2023, which was originally designed as a Remote Play companion device. Now, thanks to cloud integration, the Portal has become far more versatile, giving players the freedom to enjoy their PlayStation library almost anywhere.
Stream Thousands of Games – No PS5 Required
PlayStation Plus Premium members can now stream select digital PS5 games from their own libraries, as well as hundreds of titles from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog.
At launch, over 2,800 compatible games support Cloud Streaming, including major hits such as Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Borderlands 4, Resident Evil 4, Ghost of Yōtei, God of War Ragnarök, Cyberpunk 2077, and Hogwarts Legacy.
This means you can boot up your favourite PS5 games while your console stays powered off, or even when someone else is using the TV. Whether you’re in a hotel, at a café, or just in another room, the Portal lets you jump into a session instantly, no downloads, no waiting.
A Redesigned Experience
Alongside the cloud upgrade, Sony has refreshed the Portal’s user interface with three new main tabs:
- Remote Play: Connect directly to your PS5 to play locally installed games.
- Cloud Streaming: Access your compatible cloud titles instantly, no console required.
- Search: Find streamable games quickly. If you don’t own the title, a QR code takes you to the PlayStation Store or App for easy purchase.
This redesigned home screen makes switching between your console library and cloud games smoother than ever.
New Features for Cloud and Remote Play
The latest update adds several new tools and upgrades aimed at improving convenience and immersion:
- 3D Audio Support: Enjoy spatial sound on compatible games when using wired headphones or PlayStation Link wireless audio devices like the Pulse Explore earbuds or Pulse Elite headset.
- Passcode Lock: Secure your Portal with a personal passcode via Settings > System > Passcode.
- Network Status Screen: Check connection quality instantly through the Quick Menu > Troubleshoot > Show Network Status.
- In-Game Store Access: Buy add-ons and currencies directly while streaming, without leaving your session.
- Accessibility Options: Enable features like text resizing and screen readers during Cloud Streaming sessions.
- Game Invites: Join friends’ multiplayer sessions directly from the Quick Menu while streaming.
These additions bring the Portal closer than ever to being a fully fledged handheld gaming device.
A Step Toward a New PlayStation Handheld Future?
While the PlayStation Portal is still considered an accessory to the PS5, its growing independence has sparked conversation about whether Sony might one day return to developing a true standalone handheld.
In a recent interview, Takuro Fushimi, Senior Manager of Product Management at PlayStation, explained that the Portal remains “part of the PS5 family,” but its evolution continues to blur the line between console companion and independent platform.
For now, the Portal remains a streaming-only device, but it’s fast becoming the best way to play your PS5 games on the go. Priced at $199 USD, the device is available in white or black, and now supports the full experience of next-gen gaming, from blockbuster titles to adaptive triggers and 3D audio, without needing your console switched on.
PlayStation Portal’s Cloud Future
Sony’s latest update is a clear sign of its ongoing commitment to expanding the PlayStation ecosystem through streaming technology. With more than two thousand compatible games, improved UX, and growing hardware support, the Portal is becoming one of the most accessible ways to enjoy PlayStation gaming beyond the living room.
As cloud gaming continues to rise, the PlayStation Portal now stands as a powerful bridge between console gaming and a future where you can truly play anywhere.