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Sony Just Turned the PlayStation Portal Into a True PS5 Handheld
The PlayStation Portal just got its biggest update yet. Sony’s new PlayStation Portal cloud streaming update lets you play PS5 games straight from the cloud without needing your console.
If you ever wanted to take your PS5 games on the go, this is the moment that makes it possible.
What the Update Does
Before this change, the Portal only worked through Remote Play, which required your PS5 to stay powered on and connected to Wi-Fi. Now, with the latest update for PlayStation Plus Premium members, you can stream PS5 games directly from Sony’s cloud servers.
That means your console can stay off while you play anywhere with a good internet connection. Sony rolled out this update in November 2025, following months of testing.
Main Features
- Play thousands of PS5 games from the cloud
- Works with the PlayStation Plus Premium game catalog
- Adds 3D Audio for deeper sound, as reported by GameSpot
- Includes a passcode lock and network check screen
- Lets you buy games while streaming
- Adds multiplayer invites and shared play options
- Improves accessibility with bigger text and screen reader tools, noted by Insider Gaming
These updates turn the Portal from a simple remote player into a real handheld system.
Why Players Love It
You can now play anywhere that has a solid Wi-Fi connection. Even if your PS5 is off or someone else is using it, you can still access your games.
This is perfect for shared households or travelers who want to game without carrying a console. The $199 Portal offers PS5-level performance in a portable design, putting it in the same league as handheld competitors like the Nintendo Switch 2.
Games You Can Play
Sony says you can now stream over 2,800 PS5 games. That includes big hits like Grand Theft Auto V, Borderlands 4, Cyberpunk 2077, Hogwarts Legacy, and God of War Ragnarök, as detailed by Push Square.
You can also stream digital PS5 games you already own, and Sony plans to keep expanding the catalog over time.
What Players Are Saying
Early reviews have been positive. The Portal already had a great screen and DualSense-style controls, but now it finally feels complete.
A player on Reddit shared that they streamed Hogwarts Legacy from a hotel and it ran almost perfectly.
To get the best results:
- Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi instead of 2.4 GHz
- Aim for speeds above 13 Mbps
- Check your connection with the built-in network screen
This update makes the Portal feel like a true handheld console, not just an accessory for your PS5.
How to Start Streaming
- Make sure you have PlayStation Plus Premium.
- On your Portal, go to Settings → System → Cloud Streaming.
- Open the Cloud Streaming tab on the home screen.
- Pick a game from your library or the PS Plus catalog.
- Select “Stream” and start playing.
If the stream lags, move closer to your router or restart your Wi-Fi connection.
Price and Availability
The PlayStation Portal costs $199 USD.
It’s available now at Best Buy and GameStop.
Cloud streaming is live in all regions where PlayStation Plus Premium is offered.
The PlayStation Portal cloud streaming update changes what this handheld can do.
It’s no longer just a screen for your console. It’s a real PS5 experience that fits in your hands.
If you travel often, share your PS5 with others, or just want to play from anywhere, this update finally makes the Portal worth buying.
Would you use the Portal more now that it can stream PS5 games without your console?
Resources
- Business Standard, TechRadar, IGN, Reddit, TechEBlog, PlayStation, YouTube, Best Buy, Tom’s Guide, Photo by Evgeny Opanasenko on Unsplash