The PlayStation Portal takes gaming to a whole new place – literally

In May 2023, Sony announced at their PlayStation Showcase an entirely new PlayStation console known only as 'Project Q' – a portable cloud-based game-streaming device. Gamers and tech gurus knew very little else, until now.

Officially named the PlayStation Portal, this entirely new way of gaming has PlayStation purists and gaming lovers excited and eagerly waiting to play. Now available for pre-order, it is set to be released in Australia in February 2024. 

While we wait to get our hands on it, here is everything you need to know about the PlayStation Portal, its release, and all its best features.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

PlayStation Portal

Pre-order today for $329

What is the PlayStation Portal?

The PlayStation Portal is a soon-to-be-released portable gaming console that lets gamers play their favourite games on a handheld device, leaving the players with an "incredible" remote play experience, according to PlayStation.

The device uses the home Wi-Fi system to connect and pair with the user's PlayStation 5 and access their complete PS5 video game library including access to their PlayStation 4 games that have been transferred to the PlayStation 5 using backwards compatibility. Simply turn the PlayStation Portal on and you'll be able to start gaming. 

An internet connection is essential to use the PlayStation Portal, however, it does not need to be a home Wi-Fi connection. Gamers can use the console when using an internet connection with at least 5Mbps (Megabits per second). It is recommended to play the PlayStation Portal with a connection of 15Mbps for the smoothest gaming experience.

When will the PlayStation Portal be released?

The PlayStation Portal is currently available for pre-order for $329 and is set to be released in Australia on February 2, 2024. PlayStation Portal

How is the PlayStation Portal similar to the PlayStation 5?

As the PlayStation Portal connects directly to the PlayStation 5, it shares multiple features to make the gaming experience feel as natural using the device as it would when playing the main console. 

The device takes the hand grips and buttons from the PS5's DualSense controllers that will make gaming feel familiar and adds them to an 8-inch screen in place of using a TV. It will also feel similar when playing in-game thanks to the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.

READ MORE: How to score your own PlayStation 5

What are the PlayStation Portal's best features?

LCD screen

In the centre of the device is an 8-inch LCD screen that replaces the TV you normally use to play your PlayStation 5. Creating an equally captivating experience for gamers, the screen is able to reflect the high graphics and fast resolution similar to your TV with a 1080p resolution with 60FPS (frames per second).

Haptic feedback

The PlayStation Portal shares haptic feedback with the PS5 DualSense controller for compatible games. This will apply vibrations and movements that simulate what the character in-game is physically feeling. For example, if your character is shooting a gun, the PlayStation Portal will make the players feel a pullback effect as the character would feel when shooting. 

Adaptive triggers

Also adding to the realism when gaming is the inclusion of adaptive triggers. These will mimic the environmental factors and sensations the characters would feel and experience in-game including force and tension. For example, if a character were pulling back a bow to shoot an arrow, the player would feel and recognise the tension of the bow as they pull it back.

You can pre-order your PlayStation Portal today ahead of its February 2024 release.

Pre-order here for $329

You can also buy your PlayStation 5 to pair with your PlayStation Portal here:  

Buy the PlayStation 5 for $799

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