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“Clear graphics” Sony Interactive promises for PlayStation Portal: The portable version of the PS5 will be released on November 15, 2023.
Update from October 31, 2023: In just under two weeks, Sony Interactive will start shipping the PS5 remote player PlayStation Portal. If you want to have the new product in your hands on time on November 15th, you can still pre-order the ‘PS5-to-go’ from major retailers and PlayStation Direct.
Update from October 2, 2023: Sony Interactive will deliver the PS5 remote player PlayStation Portal in just under six weeks – the recommended retail price is €219.99. The portable extension to the PlayStation 5 can now be pre-ordered from the following retailers (many with a pre-order price guarantee):
Update from September 4, 2023: First and foremost, the PlayStation Portal Remote Player is for use in “WLAN home network” thought.
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However, Sony Interactive has now provided the not entirely insignificant information that use is possible wherever there is access to broadband WiFi with at least 5 Mbit/s (recommendation: 15 Mbit/s). The stationary PS5 console must be connected via broadband internet and fully switched on (or at least in sleep mode).
When used in public WLAN – restaurants, hotels, trains – the quality of the Internet connection cannot naturally be controlled, which, according to Sony “affect the quality of the gaming experience” can.
A PlayStation Plus subscription is not required.
Update from September 1, 2023: Not a ‘real’ handheld, but rather an alternative, “even if the TV is busy” (original sound) – that’s what’s behind the PlayStation Portal Remote Player, which streams PlayStation 5 content to a portable 8-inch screen via WiFi.
The peripheral device will be delivered from November 15, 2023 and is now available for €219.99 – but initially only at Sony factory outlets PlayStation Direct.
It will only increase from September 29th – four weeks apart “selected trading partners” (read: mail order companies and electronics stores) into sales.
Update from August 23, 2023: The product with the code name Project Q, announced in May 2023, will go on sale this year: The PlayStation Portal Remote Player receives the data from the PlayStation 5 console via WLAN – which inevitably limits the freedom of movement and area of use to your own four walls.
For the comparatively low price of €219.99, the customer receives an 8-inch LCD screen (1080p, 60 fps); There is half of the DualSense Wireless Controller on the left and right sides. This means that PlayStation Portal has typical PS5 features such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Delivery is scheduled to take place before the end of the year.
At the same time, Sony Ineractive announced two additional peripheral devices:
- Pulse Elite Wireless Headset is a wireless headphone/microphone combo that, according to the manufacturer, should offer lossless sound and low latency. Recommended retail price: €149.99
- Pulse Explore are wireless earphones (earbuds) that are equipped with two microphones. A charging cradle is included in delivery. RRP: €219.99
Sony plans to publish information about pre-order dates shortly.
Report from May 25, 2023: The PlayStation group Sony obviously sees potential in a market that is currently dominated by the Nintendo Switch and, in the PC sector, by the SteamDeck: portable game consoles, for the sofa or on the go. As part of the PlayStation Showcase on May 24, 2023, the company announced a new product that will be launched later this year: Project Q.
The model has an 8-inch LCD display with a screen diagonal of 20 centimeters, which is said to deliver a Full HD resolution of up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. A ‘half’ of the usual DualSense wireless controller is installed on both sides of the monitor, including all buttons, functions and features such as haptic feedback and adaptive triggers.
In contrast to the moderately successful handhelds PlayStation Portable (PSP, 2005) and PlayStation Vita (2011), this time Sony is not relying on dedicated games on disc or module: Instead, existing games installed on the PlayStation 5 are streamed via WLAN. The key word is remote play: the games do not come from the cloud – instead, the processing takes place directly on the console, which then only delivers the image signal.
At the same time, this means: If you want to use Project Q, you also need a PS5. Project Q is not a ‘real’ to-go handheld that is also suitable for buses, trains and the beach.
At least: There is no need to purchase separate Project Q games. A God of War Ragnarok, FIFA 23 or Elden Ring can be used not only on a 55-inch TV screen, but also on the 8-inch version – although presumably only in your own four walls or at most where the WiFi signal reaches, for example on the balcony or in one other floor.
There is no information yet on battery life, dates and prices – the final name of Project Q will only be made public in the coming months, possibly as part of Gamescom 2023 in Cologne.