Is The New Playstation Portal Worth It If You Already Own A Ps5

The PlayStation Portal has stirred curiosity—and debate—since its release. Marketed as a handheld remote player for your PS5, it promises instant access to your games from anywhere in your home. But if you already own a PS5, is this device truly worth the investment? It doesn’t run games natively, lacks Wi-Fi 6 support, and retails at $199. For many, that raises legitimate questions about value, functionality, and practicality.

This isn't just another accessory; it's a dedicated streaming screen with built-in DualSense controls. But how does it fit into an existing PS5 ecosystem? Whether you're a parent wanting to play while kids watch TV, a gamer tired of hogging the living room, or someone exploring cloud gaming alternatives, the answer depends on your lifestyle, setup, and expectations.

What the PlayStation Portal Actually Does

The PlayStation Portal is not a standalone console. Instead, it functions exclusively as a remote play device. This means it streams gameplay directly from your powered-on PS5 over your home Wi-Fi network. The device features an 8-inch LCD screen (1080p), full integration of DualSense haptics and adaptive triggers, a front-facing camera for chat, and internal speakers with a headphone jack.

It’s designed for one thing: letting you continue your PS5 game on a portable screen without needing a TV. You can walk from room to room, lie in bed, or sit outside in the backyard—all while playing *God of War Ragnarök*, *Spider-Man 2*, or *Final Fantasy XVI* as if you were sitting inches from your main display.

However, it requires your PS5 to be turned on and connected to the internet. Unlike cloud-based solutions such as Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now, there’s no off-console processing. Everything runs on your actual PS5 hardware and is streamed via Wi-Fi.

Tip: To get the best experience, ensure your PS5 and Portal are both close to a strong Wi-Fi signal—ideally using a mesh network or Wi-Fi 5/6 router.

Key Advantages Over Alternatives

While remote play has been possible on phones, tablets, and PCs for years, the PlayStation Portal offers several distinct upgrades:

• Seamless integration: No app downloads, login prompts, or controller pairing. The DualSense is built in.
• Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers: These immersive features work exactly as they do on the standard DualSense when connected to a TV.
• Instant switching: Resume gameplay in seconds after waking the device.
• Dedicated design: Built specifically for PS5 remote play, so ergonomics, latency tuning, and audio optimization are tailored.

Compared to using remote play on an iPad or Android tablet, the Portal eliminates input lag concerns caused by Bluetooth controller delays. Since the controls are physically integrated, communication between input and screen is direct, reducing latency significantly—even on older Wi-Fi standards.

“Sony didn’t invent remote play, but they refined it into a cohesive product. The Portal delivers the most authentic handheld PS5 experience available today.” — Marcus Tran, Console Technology Analyst at GameBeat Insights

Limitations That Matter

Despite its strengths, the PlayStation Portal comes with notable trade-offs:

• No native game support: Cannot play games unless your PS5 is on and accessible over Wi-Fi.
• No Wi-Fi 6: Uses only Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which may limit performance in congested networks.
• Indoor use only: Remote Play outside your home is technically possible but often unreliable due to bandwidth and firewall issues.
• Battery life varies: Sony claims up to 6 hours, but intensive games like *Horizon Forbidden West* typically yield closer to 3–4 hours.
• Price point: At $199, it competes with entry-level tablets and used handhelds like the Steam Deck LCD ($399) or even refurbished Switch models.

Additionally, because it relies entirely on your home network, performance hinges on your router quality, interference, and distance from your PS5. Thick walls, overlapping signals, or high household traffic can degrade video quality and increase input lag.

Comparison: PlayStation Portal vs. Other Streaming Options

Device	Native Games?	Haptics & Triggers?	Wi-Fi Standard	Cost	Best Use Case
PlayStation Portal	No (PS5 required)	Yes (built-in DualSense)	Wi-Fi 5	$199	In-home mobility with full immersion
iPad + Remote Play App	No	Limited (Bluetooth lag)	Wi-Fi 6 (on newer models)	$329+	Multi-use device with gaming capability
Android Tablet + PS App	No	Poor (high latency)	Varies	$150+	Casual secondary screen use
Steam Deck	Yes (PC/cloud games)	Yes (HD rumble)	Wi-Fi 6	$399+	Portable gaming independence
Luna Controller + Fire TV Stick	Cloud-only	Limited	Wi-Fi 5/6	$70 + subscription	Budget cloud gaming

The table highlights a crucial distinction: the Portal excels in fidelity and integration but fails in flexibility. If you want a second screen that feels like your primary setup, it’s unmatched. If you want freedom from your console or broader game access, alternatives offer more versatility.

Real-World Scenario: A Family Gamer’s Experience

Consider James, a 38-year-old software engineer and father of two, who owns a PS5 in the living room. His kids often watch cartoons during the day, and his wife uses the TV in the evenings. Before buying the Portal, James averaged less than four hours of gaming per week.

After purchasing the Portal, he began playing during lunch breaks on the patio, continued campaigns in bed before sleep, and even played briefly while waiting for dinner to cook. Within three months, his weekly playtime doubled. More importantly, he reported lower frustration levels and stronger engagement with story-driven titles like *The Last of Us Part I* remake.

For James, the Portal wasn’t about replacing his TV—it was about reclaiming lost moments. He didn’t need cloud gaming or native storage. He needed continuity. And in his words: “It’s like having my PS5 follow me around the house.”

His only complaint? Battery life drops fast during graphically intense scenes. But given the trade-off in convenience, he says he’d buy it again.

Who Should Consider Buying the Portal?

The decision ultimately depends on your usage patterns and household dynamics. Here’s a checklist to help determine if the PlayStation Portal makes sense for you:

1. You frequently share your main TV with others (family, roommates).
2. Your PS5 stays powered on or in rest mode most of the time.
3. You value haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in gameplay.
4. You prefer a dedicated device over multitasking on a phone or tablet.
5. Your home Wi-Fi is stable and covers multiple rooms effectively.
6. You play single-player, narrative-heavy games that benefit from uninterrupted sessions.

Tip: Try Remote Play on your smartphone first. If you enjoy the concept but find Bluetooth lag or small screens frustrating, the Portal likely solves those pain points.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Getting started with the PlayStation Portal is straightforward. Follow these steps for optimal performance:

1. Update your PS5: Ensure your console runs the latest system software (version 23.02-08.00.00 or later).
2. Enable Remote Play: Go to Settings > System > Remote Play and turn it on.
3. Connect the Portal: Power it on and connect to your Wi-Fi network.
4. Sign in: Log in with your PlayStation Network account.
5. Pair with PS5: The device will search for your console. Select it and enter the displayed code.
6. Test connection: Launch a game and walk to different areas of your home to assess stability.
7. Optimize network: If experiencing lag, consider upgrading your router or adding a mesh node near your usual play areas.

Note: The first-time setup takes under 10 minutes. After pairing, the Portal reconnects automatically whenever your PS5 is active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the PlayStation Portal away from home?

Technically yes, but performance is inconsistent. Remote Play outside your local network depends on upload speed (minimum 5 Mbps recommended), firewalls, and public Wi-Fi restrictions. Most users report stuttering, audio sync issues, or failed connections. It’s designed primarily for in-home use.

Does the Portal support PS VR2 or multiplayer split-screen?

No. The Portal cannot stream PS VR2 content, as VR requires direct HDMI output and tracking via the headset. Split-screen multiplayer also isn’t supported—you can only view and control one player session at a time.

Can I charge the Portal while playing?

Yes. Using the included USB-C cable, you can plug it into a wall adapter or power bank while gaming. However, heavy usage may drain the battery faster than it charges, especially during long sessions.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you’re someone who values seamless, high-fidelity access to your existing PS5 library without sacrificing immersion, the PlayStation Portal delivers a unique experience no tablet or phone can match. Its integration of full DualSense functionality sets it apart, making it feel less like a workaround and more like a natural extension of your console.

But it’s not for everyone. If you already have a high-end tablet with Wi-Fi 6 and don’t mind minor latency, the savings might be better spent elsewhere. Likewise, if you travel often or lack reliable home internet, the Portal won’t fulfill its potential.

For households where screen time is contested, or for gamers seeking flexibility within their homes, the $199 price tag becomes easier to justify. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s thoughtfully executed—a niche product that excels within its boundaries.

“The Portal isn’t trying to compete with the Steam Deck or Switch. It’s solving a specific problem: how to keep playing when the TV isn’t yours. And for that, it works brilliantly.” — Lena Park, Senior Editor at TechGamer Weekly

Conclusion: Make It Work for Your Lifestyle

The PlayStation Portal won’t replace your PS5—but it might just complete it. For current owners who crave mobility without compromise, it offers a polished, purpose-built solution. It bridges the gap between console permanence and modern lifestyle demands.

Before dismissing it as redundant, ask yourself: How often do I stop playing because someone else needs the TV? Could an extra hour of uninterrupted gameplay each week improve my enjoyment? Is the feeling of haptics and triggers worth preserving on the go?

If your answers lean toward “yes,” then the PlayStation Portal isn’t just worth considering—it could become an essential part of your gaming routine.

🚀 Ready to reclaim your playtime? Evaluate your daily habits, test Remote Play on your current devices, and decide whether seamless in-home streaming aligns with your lifestyle. Share your thoughts or experiences below—we’d love to hear how you’re extending your PS5 beyond the living room.