Should You Get the PlayStation Portal? Only a 'Window' to Sony's PS5

Isaiah Richard, Tech Times 13 November 2023, 07:11 pm

After more than a decade since Sony's last foray into portable gaming consoles, it is set to bring its take on handhelds with the nearing PlayStation Portal. However, early reports are already diving deep into the Portal, and this is because as its name suggests, it is a "window" to the PlayStation 5, Sony's current-gen console, available soon this month.

While the PlayStation Portal is coming, here are various information from an early review about the console, especially if it is worth it to cop.

Is the PlayStation Portal Worth It? Early Reviews

(Photo : PlayStation Blog)

The PlayStation Portal is releasing in the US this Wednesday, November 15, and users may still pre-order the console now to get their hands on it immediately once it releases.

With this, various early reviews are now rushing in, and it is telling people if getting the handheld is worth their money, as well as their time during the experience.

Engadget released its review of the PlayStation Portal, and one of the main cons of the handheld is it heavily relies on one's internet connection because it is essentially a game streaming device. For $200, the PlayStation Portal can deliver the PS5 experience anywhere with you, but if your home or portable connection while away is not good, it could prevent gaming for users.

PlayStation Portal is Only a 'Window' to the PS5

Moreover, the PlayStation Portal is regarded as a "window" to the PS5, with the experience requiring users to own the flagship console from Sony to get the portable gaming handheld to work. Still, it features the DualSense controller's haptic feedback and design, with it mainly centering on the controller, with a tablet in the middle in place of the touchpad.

If all the factors to game streaming remain good for you, then the PlayStation Portal is a worthy choice. But when one fails, it could essentially hinder what could have been an away gaming session.

PlayStation's Take into Handheld Gaming

Earlier this year, there have been massive leaks and speculations regarding an upcoming handheld portable gaming console from Sony and PlayStation, and many are talking about the Japanese company's return to this focus. It was initially regarded as the PlayStation Vita 2, following the last release of the original Vita in 2012 (when it was made available to other regions).

The Vita did not get as much recognition as the older portables from Sony, particularly with the fame and significance of the renowned PSP. For ten years, Sony's PlayStation Portable has been the go-to handheld console to get the "PlayStation" experience, and it was one of the most popular gaming devices of its time until it was pulled out by the company in 2014.

In almost a decade since PSP's pullout and PS Vita's last sale, Sony is now back at it again with a gaming handheld for the world, but this time makes it only a "portal" to the PlayStation 5. The problem that early reviews have with the PlayStation Portal is that it is only a window to the gaming console, and it can only stream games if the PS5 is turned on and connected to the internet, defeating the portable experience.