Sony embraces cloud gaming on PlayStation Portal, but requires $18/month subscription

Sony Embraces Cloud Gaming on PlayStation Portal

While Google’s Stadia is fading into the past, cloud gaming continues to expand, and Sony is taking another major step in this direction with its PlayStation Portal handheld. The company has officially enabled cloud gaming for all Portal users, making the device more independent from the PlayStation 5 console.

PlayStation Portal and Its New Capabilities

The PlayStation Portal resembles devices like the Steam Deck, but it traditionally depended on streaming gameplay from the PlayStation 5 through Remote Play. With the addition of cloud gaming, the handheld now allows users to play select digital PlayStation 5 games directly from the cloud without connecting to their home console.

Access and Features

Access to select digital PS5 titles from the user’s own library via cloud gaming.
Stream a catalog of PlayStation games available through PlayStation Plus.
New “Cloud Streaming” home screen and search function for easier navigation.
Additional updates include 3D Audio support, a passcode lock, and a network status page.

“Starting today, all PlayStation Portal owners will be able to use cloud gaming on the handheld,” Sony announced.

Why It Matters

This update marks a significant shift for the Portal, transitioning it from a remote play accessory to a more versatile, cloud-capable gaming device. It showcases Sony’s ongoing commitment to advancing its gaming ecosystem through cloud technology.

Author’s Summary

The PlayStation Portal evolves beyond Remote Play, now enabling cloud gaming through PlayStation Plus and user libraries, reinforcing Sony’s growing focus on streaming innovation.

9to5Google — 2025-11-06