Sony executive and PlayStation Senior Vice President has stated that the upcoming PlayStation Portal peripheral wasn't designed as a rival to competing similar systems like the Nintendo Switch. The PlayStation Portal is the first handheld device made by the Sony in over a decade, though it isn't a standalone console like the PlayStation Portable or the PlayStation Vita before it. Instead, the PlayStation Portal is a gaming handheld peripheral that can only be operated in conjunction with the PS5.

This system was first revealed earlier this year, where it was initially announced as "Project Q." It wasn't until late August that this new Sony system was named the PlayStation Portal. Sony also revealed the price of the PlayStation Portal, along with a release date of November 15, 2023. The initial reception of the PlayStation Portal was rather mixed, with its primary purpose of being able to remote play PS5 games drawing unfavorable comparisons to Nintendo's Wii U gamepad. Some believed that the Portal would have been better if it was pivoted to be something akin to Nintendo's Switch or Valve's Steam Deck systems, or a successor to the aforementioned Portable or Vita. Sony's Eric Lempel commented on the Portal's status, stating it isn't meant to be a rival to Nintendo or Valve's hardware.

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PlayStation Portal Purpose and Features

As reported by BBC, Eric Lempel suggests that, despite the PlayStation Portal's visual similarities to the Switch and Steam Deck, it is targeting a different audience and is something unique for PlayStation users. The main difference he comments on them is how the Switch and Steam Deck can stand on their own as systems, while the PlayStation Portal requires a PS5 to be used. Not only that, but it needs an internet connection to send the game directly from the system to the handheld, instead of a cable.

Lempel also confirmed that players will not be able to stream games directly from the PlayStation cloud gaming service onto the PlayStation Portal. He suggests that the handheld would be used for gamers who wanted to play games on a sofa, while another person used the TV or just play in a different room. Lempel also confirms that it can be used while outside their home, though recommends having a strong internet connection to make the best use of its portability and ability to stream games.

Lempel also discussed the functions and design of the PS5 Access Controller, which is Sony's first attempt at making a customizable controller for disabled gamers. According to Lempel, this controller won't work with systems outside of Sony's hardware, adding that it has been carefully designed so that disabled gamers can use the controller without needing to adjust it to feel comfortable. He also notes that the customization for the controller are pretty diverse.

PlayStation Portal

While not exactly a PSP successor, the PlayStation Portal solves an age-old issue of having to share one TV in a household. This remote play device allows users to stream whatever is happening on their PlayStation 5's directly to the large 8-inch 1080p LCD screen. What makes the PlayStation Portal unique is that it comes packed with all the advanced technology of the DualSense wireless controller, such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. One downside is that it doesn't feature Bluetooth support for wireless audio, but it does work with the PlayStation Pulse earbuds and headset, while also sporting a 3.5mm audio jack for wired audio.

Brand

PlayStation

Headset Compatibility

3.5mm, PlayStation Link

Display

8-inch LCD

Output resolution

1080p