PlayStation Portal huge update finally brings cloud streaming!

Sony announced the PlayStation Portable last year, after previously hinting a remote play device. It is essentially a DualSense controller with a screen that allows players to stream PlayStation 5 games remotely over a home network via WiFi. Aside from the $200 price tag, one of the most common criticisms levelled at the new hardware was a lack of cloud streaming capabilities, which Sony provides as a perk with its PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.

Sony has announced a significant change: cloud streaming is coming. On November 19, a system update was released that included the beta capability as well as audio modifications for lower volume support on the device.

During the beta stage, Sony is only activating the streaming option for 120 PlayStation 5 games that support up to 1080p/60fps gameplay. Standard DualSense features such as haptics, adaptive triggers, speakers, motion sensor, and touchpad will be supported in games that include them. Saves will also be synced using the PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage service.

As expected, the Cloud Streaming beta for the PlayStation Portal will only be available to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers. The plan is only offered in the following regions:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.

The minimum criteria for accessing the beta are the following:

• A PlayStation Portal remote player.
• Account for PlayStation Network.
• An active PlayStation Plus Premium membership.
• Access to broadband internet Wi-Fi.
• To set up a cloud streaming session: demands a minimum of 5Mbps upload and download speeds.
• To stream at 720p requires a minimum of 7 Mbps.
• To stream at 1080p requires a minimum of 13 Mbps.

To participate in the beta, users must first upgrade their system software to the most recent version, then navigate to Settings and turn on the "Cloud Streaming (Beta)" checkbox. The Home screen will then show a new cloud streaming option.

The streaming will be confined to PlayStation 5 titles, with no compatibility for PS3/PS4 games. "Game Trials, streaming games purchased from the PS Store, system features such as Party voice chat and game invites for select games, Create button, 3D audio, and in-game commerce," are also not enabled, as least during the beta.