Sony has announced the anticipated major update for PlayStation Portal users. The handheld console, launched in November 2023, now includes cloud streaming support for PlayStation 5 games. This new feature began rolling out on November 6th (early morning Turkish time). The update significantly enhances PlayStation Portal’s functionality.
Major update for PlayStation Portal: PS5 games can now be played without a console
The new cloud streaming feature is available exclusively to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers. This system allows players to play select digital PS5 games from their libraries directly through PlayStation Portal. The key difference is that the device no longer needs to be connected to a PlayStation 5 console at home via Remote Play.
Sony announced that this feature supports thousands of digital PS5 games. PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers will now be able to stream popular titles from their libraries, such as Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Grand Theft Auto V, and Fortnite, from anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, hundreds of compatible games from the PS Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and God of War Ragnarök, will be accessible via the cloud.
Cloud streaming support offers players new usage scenarios. For example, while someone else is using their PS5 console at home to watch movies or play games with a different account, the Portal owner can continue playing their own games via the cloud. This system allows gaming over a high-speed Wi-Fi connection even when the console is off (such as at a hotel, cafe, or friend’s house). Sony recommends a speed of 15 Mbps for a good experience, though a minimum of 5 Mbps is required.
With the update, the PlayStation Portal home screen interface has also been revamped. The home screen is now divided into three tabs: Remote Play, Cloud Streaming, and Search. However, Sony has stated that this new interface and cloud streaming service are currently only available to adult accounts in certain regions. The announced list includes countries such as Austria, Germany, Japan, the US, and the UK, while Turkey is not yet on the list.
Other improvements include 3D Audio support for both Remote Play and Cloud Streaming. This feature can be used with compatible wired or PlayStation Link-enabled wireless headsets like the Pulse. It’s also now possible to set a combination lock on the device. The update also brings a new “Network Status Screen,” accessible from the quick menu, that displays connection quality.
In-game store support has also been added, specifically for cloud streaming. Players can now purchase add-ons or in-game currency without leaving their sessions. Accessibility options like screen reader and text size for cloud streaming have also been added, as well as the ability to directly accept game invites. So, what are your thoughts on this new PlayStation Portal feature? When do you think it will be available in Turkey?
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