Why the PlayStation Portal Finally Makes Sense

Sony’s PlayStation Portal handheld now offers full support for Cloud Streaming, enabling owners to play cloud-hosted titles such as Astro Bot, Fortnite, and Grand Theft Auto V without maintaining a direct connection to a PlayStation 5 console.

When the Portal first arrived in 2023 it relied on Sony’s Remote Play system, which required the device to stream from your own PS5 over the internet — demanding a strong, stable connection to access your console’s library.

Cloud Streaming, which exited beta after rolling out in November 2024, now lets Portal users stream games directly from Sony’s servers if they subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium, the service’s highest tier. PlayStation Plus Premium is offered for $159.99 per year or $17.99 per month.

Sony says Cloud Streaming and PS Plus Premium will provide access to “hundreds” of compatible titles across the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and the Classics Catalog, including hits like Cyberpunk 2077, God of War Ragnarök, Hogwarts Legacy, and The Last of Us Part II Remastered. See the full list of Portal-compatible cloud titles on PlayStation’s site: PlayStation Portal Cloud Streaming compatible games.

Takuro Fushimi, senior manager for product management at Sony Interactive Entertainment, noted on the PlayStation Blog that Cloud Streaming gives Portal owners more flexibility — for example, someone can play a game streamed from Sony’s servers while another person uses the household PS5 on a different account, or stream a title while someone else watches content on the console.

The update released on November 5, 2025 also brings a refreshed user interface, 3D audio support, and a network status screen that helps diagnose connection quality. Through Cloud Streaming, Portal users can now browse and purchase from in-game stores, accept multiplayer invitations, and take advantage of new accessibility features.

The PlayStation Portal retails for $199.99 and is available in Midnight Black and white.

Source: Polygon