Sony has introduced the PlayStation Portal remote player, a handheld device designed to enhance the PlayStation 5 experience. Additionally, rumors are circulating about the upcoming PlayStation 5 Pro, an upgraded version of the popular console that promises substantial improvements in graphical performance.
PlayStation Portal: Funky Features But…
Sony has released the PlayStation Portal remote player, a cutting-edge handheld device crafted to complement the PlayStation 5 series. Priced at $199.99 in the United States, the Portal is set to hit the market later this year. While finer details such as the exact release date and comprehensive specifications are yet to be disclosed, Sony assures eager gamers that more information will be shared as the handheld becomes available for pre-order.
Drawing inspiration from the DualSense controller, the PlayStation Portal remote player integrates adaptive, pull-resistant triggers and haptic feedback, enriching the tactile gaming experience. Boasting an 8-inch, 1080p LCD screen positioned between the controller’s halves, the Portal offers touch functionality and supports a maximum frame rate of 60 frames per second. Touch commands on the screen mimic the DualSense’s touchpad inputs, seamlessly translating to PS5 games.
However, PlayStation Portal remote player does not operate as a standalone gaming device. Instead, it functions as a mirroring tool that needs to be linked to the PS5 via Wi-Fi. Users can play games installed on their PS5 through the handheld device, although streaming capabilities are not supported. It’s worth mentioning that the Portal is not compatible with PSVR 2 games.
Options for Portal Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Portal features a 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening. Volume controls are conveniently located on the upper right edge of the display, while a dedicated PlayStation Link button for accessory connectivity sits on the top left. Sony’s official hands-on blog for the Portal suggests using an ethernet connection for optimal visual fidelity, though the handheld is also compatible with 5 GHz Wi-Fi and other channels.
Accompanying this launch, Sony has introduced new audio accessories for both the PS5 and PlayStation Portal. The Pulse Elite wireless headset, priced at $149.99, boasts lossless audio, an extendable boom microphone, and AI-powered noise rejection. Additionally, the Pulse Explore, a compact and portable version of gaming earbuds, enters the scene at $199.99. Release dates and pre-order details for these accessories will be revealed soon.
PlayStation 5 Pro Comes After?
Since the debut of the PlayStation 5 in late 2020, speculation about an upgraded version has been circulating. Industry insiders hint at a potential release around late 2024, sparking curiosity about the enhancements it might bring.
Recent reports, particularly a video from RedGamingTech, shed light on possible specifications for the PlayStation 5 Pro. Notably, the Pro could continue utilizing the AMD Ryzen Zen 2-based APU, featuring an 8-core, 16-thread CPU, similar to the base PS5. Interestingly, this iteration retains the Zen 2 architecture, with its CPU clock speed potentially boosted to 4 GHz, possibly achieving the desired FPS target. However, the shift to Zen 2 instead of the more advanced AMD Ryzen Zen 4 remains a point of curiosity.
A significant emphasis on graphical performance characterizes the PlayStation 5 Pro’s potential upgrades. Speculations suggest an augmented Render Output Unit (ROP) thanks to 30 active workgroup processors, equating to 60 compute units.
While the base PS5 houses 64 ROPs, the Pro version might range between 64, 96, and 128 ROPs, promising a substantial leap in graphic capabilities. The Pro is also rumored to feature 16GB of GDDR5 memory, which further fuels expectations for enhanced gaming experiences.
As with all leaks, these specifications remain subject to potential alterations by Sony before the official release.
