Sony embraces cloud gaming with PlayStation Portal updates
- Sony is updating the PlayStation Portal to introduce cloud gaming features.
- Previously, the Portal only allowed streaming from an active PS5 using Remote Play.
- The new capabilities raise questions about the future of traditional gaming consoles.
In a significant development for gamers, Sony has revealed updates to its PlayStation Portal handheld console, introduced about a year ago, to incorporate cloud gaming features. Initially limited to streaming PS5 games via Remote Play over a home network, the device’s functionality is expanding beyond its original scope. Previously, the Portal's usage required access to an active PS5 and a stable Wi-Fi connection, making it less versatile for on-the-go gamers. The new update allows users to stream PS5 titles independently of a console, although they will only have access to games included in the subscription-based Premium catalog. This shift marks a potential move towards more dedicated cloud gaming solutions, aligning Sony with market trends established by competitors like Microsoft and Nintendo. However, while this advancement may enhance the Portal’s utility, it brings into question the future of traditional consoles in a landscape increasingly dominated by cloud-based gaming services.