Sony has announced the PlayStation Portal handheld, built for remote PlayStation 5 gameplay

Sony has announced the PlayStation Portal handheld, built for remote PlayStation 5 gameplay

Sony has unveiled its anticipated handheld gaming device, the PlayStation Portal, set to launch later this year at a price point of US$199.99. Formerly christened as Project Q, the device is designed primarily to stream PlayStation 5 (PS5) games over Wi-Fi, leveraging an eight-inch LCD screen which showcases a 1080p resolution at 60fps.

A standout feature of the PlayStation Portal (PS Portal) is its integrated controllers on either side, bearing a striking resemblance to Sony’s flagship PS5 DualSense controllers. These embedded controllers will support both adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, promising gamers a tactile experience closely mirroring that of the PS5's dedicated DualSense controller.

Interestingly, while the device supports streaming of PS5 games, it won’t be compatible with Sony’s upcoming cloud streaming for PS5 games. The PS Portal is really just for streaming PS5 games you have already installed on your PS5 onto a handheld for remote play.

The absence of Bluetooth compatibility also restricts the connection to Sony’s new PlayStation Link wireless technology. This proprietary standard is focused on delivering low latency and lossless audio. Alongside the PS Portal, Sony plans to introduce a wireless headset, the Pulse Elite, and the Pulse Explore earbuds supporting the PlayStation Link. But for those who still favours traditional connections, the PS Portal has retained a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio.

Sony remains tight-lipped about the exact release date as well as other details of the handheld, including battery life. But with the launch expected to be within 2023, we can expect these information (including local price and availability) to be revealed soon.