Sony’s handheld just became a lot more useful. The PlayStation Portal, which originally relied on Remote Play to stream games from your PS5, can now directly stream select PS5 titles from the cloud. However, this is only for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers. PlayStation announced in a blog post that starting today (November 6), PlayStation Plus Premium members can fire up blockbuster titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Astro Bot, Resident Evil 4, and God of War Ragnarök without any console connection being required. This new update marks one of the most significant evolutions for the Portal since its 2023 debut, finally turning it into a standalone handheld for cloud gaming.
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Cloud power comes to the handheld
Sony says that thousands of PS5 games can now be streamed straight from the cloud, provided you’re on the PlayStation Plus Premium tier, which costs $17.99 per month (or roughly ₹1,500). That means you can access compatible digital PS5 titles from your personal library or the PlayStation Plus Game and Classics Catalog even when your console at home is powered off.
The rollout also brings a completely redesigned home screen, splitting navigation into three clear tabs: Remote Play, Cloud Streaming, and Search. So whether you’re playing on the couch, on campus, or in a café with high-speed Wi-Fi, your PS5 experience is now fully portable.
New features: 3D Audio, in-game purchases and more
The update isn’t just about streaming. The Portal also supports 3D Audio on compatible headsets like the Pulse Explore earbuds and Pulse Elite wireless headset, making your portable gameplay sound as immersive as it feels on a console.
Players can also make in-game purchases during Cloud Streaming sessions, check their connection health with a new Network Status panel, and even lock their device with a passcode for added security. Accessibility settings, including screen reader support and adjustable text size, have also been added, which is a welcome move for inclusivity.
And yes, you can now receive and accept multiplayer invites while cloud streaming, which means spontaneous co-op sessions no longer need a full console setup.
A handheld reborn
When Sony launched the PlayStation Portal, many questioned its purpose as it was a device that could only stream from a PS5 felt limited compared to portable powerhouses like the Steam Deck. But this latest update changes that conversation.
The PS Portal now functions as a true cloud-first PlayStation handheld, capable of streaming from anywhere with good Wi-Fi. You can play your favourite titles while someone else uses your console, or keep your progress going while travelling.
It’s not quite a PlayStation Vita revival, but it’s a glimpse of what Sony’s next chapter in handheld gaming could look like — one that blends console-level experiences with the freedom of the cloud.
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
