Is The Playstation Portal Really Worth It When I Already Have A Backbone One

If you're deeply invested in mobile gaming and already own a Backbone One controller, the arrival of Sony’s PlayStation Portal might leave you wondering: is this new device actually worth adding to your setup? On paper, both aim to enhance how you play PlayStation games remotely—but they serve different purposes, leverage different technologies, and cater to distinct play styles. Understanding their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases is essential before making a decision that could affect your gaming experience and budget.

Understanding the Core Differences

The Backbone One and PlayStation Portal are not direct competitors, despite both being tied to PlayStation gameplay. The Backbone One is a mobile controller designed to turn your iPhone or Android phone into a portable gaming device via cloud streaming services like PlayStation Plus Premium Remote Play, Xbox Cloud Gaming, or GeForce Now. It attaches directly to your smartphone and functions as a high-quality gamepad with built-in passthrough charging and audio support.

In contrast, the PlayStation Portal is a dedicated 8-inch LCD screen with integrated DualSense controls, designed exclusively for Remote Play from a PS5. It doesn’t run games locally or support third-party apps—it only streams your PS5 library over Wi-Fi. Think of it as a handheld monitor for your console, not a standalone gaming device.

This fundamental distinction means the two devices can coexist, but whether you need both depends on your lifestyle, network environment, and how you access your games.

Performance Comparison: Where Each Excels

Feature	Backbone One	PlayStation Portal
Device Type	Mobile controller	Dedicated streaming device
Screen	Your smartphone	8-inch LCD (1080p)
Connectivity	Bluetooth + Lightning/USB-C	Wi-Fi only (PS5 Remote Play)
Game Sources	Cloud services, local mobile games	PS5 Remote Play only
Battery	Uses phone battery	Internal 1900mAh battery (~4–6 hrs)
Portability	High (uses existing phone)	Moderate (larger, dedicated device)
Price	$99.99	$199.99

The Backbone One wins in versatility. You’re not just limited to PS5 games—you can stream titles from Xbox, PC, or native mobile games with full controller support. Its compact design makes it ideal for travel, commuting, or couch gaming using your existing screen.

The PlayStation Portal delivers a more authentic DualSense experience—adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, microphone, and speaker all built in. Because it's optimized specifically for PS5 Remote Play, connection quality is generally smoother than mobile setups, assuming strong Wi-Fi. However, its lack of flexibility outside PS5 streaming limits its utility.

Tip: If you frequently switch between consoles or enjoy non-PS5 cloud games, the Backbone One offers far better long-term value.

A Real-World Scenario: Two Gamers, Two Choices

Consider Alex and Jamie—both PS5 owners who want to play their games away from the TV.

Alex lives in a small apartment and often plays while lounging on the couch or lying in bed. Their home Wi-Fi is stable, and they primarily play single-player PS5 titles like *Spider-Man* or *Horizon Forbidden West*. Alex already owns a Backbone One and uses it with an iPhone 14. While the Remote Play experience works, they sometimes notice input lag and minor audio sync issues. When they tried the PlayStation Portal at a friend’s house, the difference was noticeable: smoother visuals, consistent haptics, and no reliance on phone battery. For Alex, the Portal’s $200 price tag starts to feel justified by the improved experience.

Jamie, on the other hand, travels frequently and plays across multiple platforms. They use their Backbone One to stream Xbox Game Pass titles during flights, play *God of War* via PS Plus on lunch breaks, and even enjoy indie mobile games with physical controls. To Jamie, buying a PlayStation Portal would mean carrying another device that only works at home and only with their PS5. It duplicates functionality without expanding capabilities. For them, the Backbone remains the smarter investment.

This contrast highlights a key insight: the Portal enhances a specific workflow; the Backbone enables many.

“Dedicated hardware can optimize performance, but versatility often provides greater lifetime value.” — Marcus Lin, Cloud Gaming Analyst at TechPlay Insights

When the PlayStation Portal Makes Sense

Despite its limitations, there are clear scenarios where the PlayStation Portal adds meaningful value—even if you already own a Backbone One:

• You prioritize comfort and immersion: Holding a purpose-built device with a larger screen and full DualSense integration feels closer to a Switch-like experience than balancing a phone with a clip-on controller.
• Your phone isn’t ideal for streaming: Older phones may struggle with Remote Play due to processing power, screen size, or battery life. The Portal eliminates those variables.
• You want zero setup time: Unlike pairing a Backbone and launching an app, the Portal boots directly into Remote Play. Open it, connect, and play—ideal for casual or shared use.
• Multiple users in the household: If family members want to play your PS5 games in another room, the Portal allows seamless handoff without requiring everyone to have a compatible phone and controller.

Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Both Devices Together

1. Use the Portal at home for high-fidelity Remote Play sessions on your primary network.
2. Take the Backbone on the go to stream PS5 games while traveling (if Remote Play is enabled remotely).
3. Switch to cloud services on Backbone when your PS5 is in use by someone else.
4. Leverage Backbone’s companion app to manage invites, voice chat, and recordings across platforms.
5. Keep Portal charged and docked near your router for instant access during downtime.

Tip: Enable “Keep Downloaded Games Updated” on your PS5 to ensure titles are ready for seamless Remote Play on either device.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Can I use the Backbone One with the PlayStation Portal?

No. The PlayStation Portal is a closed system—you cannot attach external controllers or modify its software. It only works with its built-in controls.

Does the Portal work without a PS5?

No. The Portal requires a PS5 connected to the internet and set up for Remote Play. It does not support PS4 or cloud-only games from PS Plus.

Is Remote Play on Backbone worse than on the Portal?

It can be, depending on your phone and network. The Portal benefits from optimized firmware, a larger antenna, and a fixed interface, which often results in lower latency and better stability. However, newer iPhones and high-end Android devices with 5GHz Wi-Fi can deliver comparable performance.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you already own a Backbone One, the PlayStation Portal isn’t a necessary upgrade—it’s a lifestyle enhancement. It excels in comfort, consistency, and simplicity for home-based PS5 streaming, but offers no additional functionality beyond that narrow scope. For gamers who value convenience, immersive handheld play, and a premium Remote Play experience, the Portal justifies its cost. But for those who prioritize flexibility, multi-platform access, and portability, the Backbone One remains the superior tool.

Ultimately, owning both isn’t redundant—it’s strategic. Use the Portal for relaxed, high-quality sessions at home. Rely on the Backbone when you're out, switching ecosystems, or need a lightweight solution. Together, they cover more ground than either could alone.

💬 Do you use both devices? What’s your preferred setup for remote PS5 gaming? Share your experience and help others decide what works best for their playstyle.