Starting later today, cloud streaming officially activates on the PlayStation Portal, allowing users to play games on the handheld without needing a PS5 connection. This milestone comes two years after the Portal's initial release and following a year-long beta test.
Sony revealed on its official PlayStation blog that cloud streaming support will be available to all compatible subscribers, less than a year after beta testing began. This enables the Portal to function without tethering to a PS5 or complex setup.
"The device can finally live untethered from a console, without any additional setup."
When the Portal launched in 2023, it faced criticism due to its reliance on remote connection to a PS5, limiting its usefulness and making it feel more like an accessory than a standalone console. Unlike previous handhelds, which could run games offline, the Portal initially could only stream games via a PS5 connection—something already achievable on other devices such as smartphones.
This update marks a significant step in redefining the PlayStation Portal from a limited accessory into a more independent gaming device, unlocking new possibilities for portable cloud gaming.
Author's summary: The PlayStation Portal now supports official cloud streaming, allowing independent gameplay beyond PS5 connection and revitalizing its role as a standalone handheld device.