Sony Interactive Entertainment Expands Accessories for PlayStation 5
Over the past few months, Sony Interactive Entertainment has been expanding the range of accessories around its PlayStation 5 console, which has already sold close to 45 million units worldwide. Initially, the PS5 was accompanied by the Dualsense controller, Pulse 3D headphones, controller charger, and media remote, but the accessories line is growing.
PlayStation Portal – A Remote Player for PS5
As mentioned, I was already a frequent user of remote play, and this option has become my favorite, but there is still room for improvement. Although it is a good effort, especially in terms of visibility for less informed customers, many may not even realize they can play PS5 from a smartphone or tablet, while others may not want to use a mobile controller, which benefits an official product from the console manufacturer.
I have played remotely on a smartphone, tablet, and PC with ease and simplicity, but what I discovered now in an option dedicated solely to this purpose was superior quality at all times. The experience depends on the quality of the WiFi connection and distance, but under the best conditions, the Portal performed better, and under the worst conditions, the Portal held up much better.
I always played with the Dualsense connected to other devices, and from comfort to playback quality, the Portal stood out in the following ways:
- Easy to use and connect with PS5: The Playstation Portal is a remote player that works only for playing games that are running on your PS5 through a WiFi network. With such a specific and unique purpose, it’s good to see that it fulfills its function very well, better than any other alternative. If the PS5 is on or in rest mode (connected to the PSN), you can activate it from the Portal and within seconds you are playing.
- Good performance: With a specific and unique purpose, the Portal could not fail and everything will depend on your WiFi connection, but in our tests, the official Sony device had better performance than all other alternatives. In the best conditions, it was able to perform better, in the worst conditions (far from the WiFi source, for example), it managed to behave better in terms of image quality and stability.
- It may not seem like it, but it’s lightweight: looking at the Portal and its size may not suggest it, but the device is relatively lightweight and will not tire the hands of most people. It’s a good point in its favor and relatively important for something portable.
- Good ergonomics thanks to the Dualsense format: The Portal is basically an 8-inch LCD screen with a Dualsense controller attached to the sides, and since you are basically holding a Dualsense controller, it’s a format you are accustomed to and that positions comfortably in your hands. It is unexpectedly ergonomic, and in my experience, I never felt that tingling sensation that I occasionally feel in my hands when playing Nintendo Switch in handheld mode for a long time.
- Screen with good colors and brightness: the LCD screen enjoys great brightness and displays good colors, even if you miss the richness of OLED contrast. It fulfills its functions and serves its specific purpose, but it is one of the aspects where Sony could improve in a future new version.
- All Dualsense features are present: It is probably one of its strongest arguments, the presence of all Dualsense features in a comfortable and ergonomic format. Alternatives like using the Dualsense on a PC or tablet allow this, but here you have a single device in your hands that you can easily carry with you while playing.
Aspects to consider
Despite the Portal having many things that work well by focusing on simplicity and presenting itself as an official device dedicated to a single purpose, we cannot consider it a first-attempt victory. The Portal deserves some praise, but it also has room for improvement.
If you are part of the club that plays through remote play and are interested in an official option, you are certainly curious about the Portal, especially as an alternative way to play titles with a look that fits better on a smaller screen, but there are some points to consider:
- Battery lasts only about 2 hours: It is not a device designed for long gaming sessions, as its battery does not allow it. If you are a parent who usually plays a maximum of 2 hours, you won’t have problems with that, but in no way can you consider the Portal as your main way of playing. It is a complement for specific situations, such as having the TV occupied and wanting to play for a while, knowing that the battery will last the available time.
- Touchscreen used to simulate Dualsense touchpad: The Portal literally includes a Dualsense on the sides of the screen, but the form factor means leaving out its touchpad. This is simulated by double-tapping the touchscreen. With practice, you begin to make the gesture intuitive, but it is not always comfortable to move your arm to perform this action, especially in games that require it constantly.
- Image quality varies according to the connection: those who already play remotely know this and although the Portal performs better than alternatives on mobile or PC, it is still subject to WiFi conditions. Do not expect stable and perfect image quality in poor WiFi conditions. Similarly, expect drops in quality if you share the connection with others.
PlayStation Portal: A Sony’s Commitment to Expand Accessories
The PlayStation Portal is undoubtedly a showcase of how committed Sony Interactive Entertainment is to expanding its range of accessories around the PlayStation 5, no matter how specific they may seem. For parts of the audience, it may be a product without appeal, but for the target audience, no matter how small it is, it will be an easily accessible and simplified option, with the potential to alert many customers to the possibility.
Remote Play Experience with PlayStation Portal
In our experience with smartphones, tablets, or computers for remote play with the PS5, the Portal has proven to be a very reliable alternative, with its own arguments that can make it attractive, such as having all Dualsense functionalities and ease of use, as it was created specifically for this purpose. From now on, the Portal will be our reference for PS5 remote play and we cannot go back to other options, especially at home.
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