Cloud Streaming (Beta) via PlayStation Portal, But There's A Catch!

The much-appreciated upgrade, the PlayStation Portal now has Cloud Streaming capability. This feature is incorporated into the most recent System Software Update Version 4.0.0 for your PlayStation Portal. Prior to this, we could only stream games from PlayStation 5 through remote play, which meant you also had to have a PlayStation 5. With the latest update, PlayStation Portal can now stream games straight from Sony's servers, bypassing the requirement for a PlayStation 5.

While Sony had been exploring a PlayStation Handheld launch, they took a major step with their PlayStation Portal device. With the recent release of Cloud Streaming for the PlayStation Portal, Sony now offers direct server access to more than 120 titles. Yes, the PlayStation Portal now works on its own without requiring a PlayStation 5. There is, however, a catch.

There are a ton of great games available on the PlayStation Portal, with over 120 titles to choose from, starting from The Last of Us Part II Remastered, God of War, Resident Evil 3, Kingdom Hearts 3, Control, and many more. The streaming quality is likewise of a good standard. The PlayStation Portal runs it at a very decent 1080p with 60 frames per second. In addition, the PlayStation Portal has all the functions of the PS DualSense wireless controller, including motion sensors, adaptive triggers, and haptic feedback, that you're familiar with.

Additionally, this upgrade heavily emphasizes cloud storage. Using cloud gaming, you can go right back to where you left off on your PlayStation 5 after picking up your PlayStation Portal and playing your game. PlayStation cloud storage will automatically sync all of your game saves and progress to the Cloud. There are, however, a few restrictions on what the PlayStation Portal's Cloud Streaming can accomplish compared to remote play.

Cloud Streaming (Beta) only supports PlayStation 5 games from the PlayStation Plus game catalog. Game titles purchased via the PlayStation Store, PlayStation 4, or any other PlayStation platform will not be playable through Cloud Streaming (Beta). Given that it's still in the early beta stage, we can only hope this changes later on. With any luck, further functionality and game compatibility will be added in due course.

Additionally, there are a number of features that are absent from Cloud Streaming (Beta), such as the ability to access game trials, party voice chat, and game invites for certain games. Cloud Streaming (Beta) on the PlayStation Portal does not allow you to record gameplay footage or screenshots because there is no Share/Create button or in-game command. 3D audio is also not available for Cloud Streaming (Beta) on the PlayStation Portal. So, if you own a fancy 3D audio headset for the PlayStation, you'll have to wait until this gets upgraded.

Cloud Streaming (Beta) via PlayStation Portal is currently available in most countries and to anyone with PlayStation Plus Premium on the PlayStation Portal. If you need help, here's How To Access Cloud Streaming (Beta) via PlayStation Portal.