PlayStation Portal Adds Cloud Gaming with Subscription Requirement
The PlayStation Portal, a handheld console often overlooked, is finally receiving cloud gaming functionality. However, users must subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium to access this feature.
Background on PlayStation Portal
The PlayStation Portal depends on streaming games from an existing PlayStation 5 console, making it not a fully standalone device. By mid-2025, only 3% of PlayStation 5 owners had purchased a Portal.
"The PlayStation Portal is a handheld console that nobody really talks about."
Cloud Gaming Update
Sony recently announced that PlayStation Portal users can now stream select digital PS5 games directly from their library via the cloud, eliminating the need to connect to a console.
This includes "select digital PS5 games from their own library" and cloud streaming through PlayStation Plus — but without the requirement of connecting to the console itself.
Subscription Model
Access to cloud gaming on the Portal is limited to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers, Sony’s top subscription tier, priced at $17.99 per month or $159.99 per year.
PlayStation Portal owners “can only access cloud gaming if they have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription — Sony’s highest subscription tier.”
Comparison to Competitors
The Steam Deck, praised for its portability and ability to play anywhere, sparked a wave of handhelds from various companies. Sony aims to enhance the Portal, which streams games from the PS5.
While the cloud gaming addition is a welcome improvement, it still ties the device to Sony’s subscription model.
Author's Summary
The PlayStation Portal’s new cloud gaming feature boosts its appeal but remains restricted by the need for an expensive PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.