PS Portal Receives Major Update with cloud Streaming,Redesigned UI & New Features
London,UK – February 20,2024 – Sony today launched a significant update for the PlayStation Portal remote player,introducing cloud streaming capabilities,a revamped user interface,and a host of new features designed to enhance the handheld gaming experience. The update dramatically expands the Portal’s functionality, allowing users to stream select PlayStation Plus Premium and PlayStation Plus Extra games directly to the device, even when their PS5 console is powered off or in use.
Previously, the PS Portal was limited to remote play – streaming games directly from a user’s PS5 console.Now, if a game is included in the PlayStation Plus Premium or Extra catalog, or has been previously purchased and redeemed through PS Plus, it can be streamed instantly via the PS Portal with a high-speed internet Wi-Fi connection. A complete list of streamable games is available at https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/ps5-game-cloud-streaming/.
“Cloud Streaming unlocks new ways to play: enjoy a game side-by-side with a friend who’s using your PS5 under a seperate account, or stream your favorite game while someone else watches a movie on the console,” Sony explained in a press release.”Cloud Streaming also makes it easier to enjoy PS5 games on the go – at a hotel, café, friend’s place, or anywhere else with a high-speed internet Wi-Fi connection – since you can keep playing even when your PS5 console back home is powered off or is in use by another account.”
The update also brings a redesigned user interface to the PS Portal. The home screen now features three dedicated tabs: Remote Play, Cloud Streaming, and Search, providing easy access to the new streaming feature.
Beyond cloud streaming and the UI overhaul, the update includes several additional improvements:
* 3D Audio Support: 3D Audio is now available during both Remote Play and Cloud Streaming on supported games, when used with compatible wired headphones or PlayStation Link wireless audio devices like the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds and Pulse Elite wireless headset.
* Passcode Lock: Users can now protect their device with a passcode, set via settings > System > Passcode.
* Network Status Screen: A new network status screen, accessible through the Quick menu (Troubleshoot > Show Network status), allows users to quickly check their connection quality.
* In-Game Store: In-game purchases are now supported during Cloud Streaming, allowing players to buy add-ons and in-game currency without leaving their game.
* Accessibility options: New accessibility options, including a screen reader and adjustable text size, are available during Cloud Streaming (Settings > Cloud Streaming > Accessibility Settings for Cloud Streaming). These settings apply to select screens during Cloud Streaming, with full PS5 accessibility settings available during remote Play.
* Game Invitations: Players can now receive and join multiplayer game invites from friends directly from the Quick menu during Cloud Streaming.
The update is available now. Sony is asking users if the new features will encourage increased use of the device, or potentially convince those on the fence to purchase one.
