Sony hasn’t always kept pace with Microsoft’s digital service offerings, but a major new update finally delivers one of Xbox Game Pass’s key strengths to PlayStation fans. Cloud streaming has become a central fixture of Xbox Game Pass offerings, allowing subscribers to access games on hardware that might not otherwise support it. While the handheld PlayStation Portal and PlayStation’s broader Remote Play feature attempted something similar, Sony is only now unlocking its full potential.
The PlayStation Blog announced that PlayStation Plus Premium members will now be able to stream select games to the PlayStation Portal without connecting to their PS5 consoles. This includes games in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, like Cyberpunk 2077 and God of War Ragnarök, along with supported games that users will still need to own, like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Grand Theft Auto 5. A full list of supported titles can be found on the official PlayStation website.
Sony Brings Cloud Streaming To The PlayStation Portal
A Big Update For A Niche Device
Sony has been testing this feature since 2024, but today marks the official rollout of the finalized service, which adds in-game purchases, accessibility options, and game invitations while cloud streaming. Proper cloud streaming isn’t the only new benefit for PlayStation Portal users, and the blog also lists 3D Audio support, a new passcode lock option, and a network status screen as broader additions.
The device’s UI has been redesigned to switch between remote play and cloud streaming, and a new search option makes it easy to see what games are available on the service. This UI will only be available to accounts in regions where PlayStation Plus Premium is offered.
PlayStation Is Staying Competitive With Xbox Software
Hardware Focus With A Side Of Software
PlayStation still isn’t displaying an interest in making Cloud Streaming as widely accessible as Xbox’s alternative, which is available across a wide array of devices (and is now exploring an ad-supported free version). Focusing on the PlayStation Portal, however, makes sense for PlayStation’s bigger emphasis on hardware. While Xbox has been pivoting toward a software-based future, Sony is still moving plenty of console units and physical games.
The PlayStation Portal is still a relatively niche product compared to the PS5, so the rollout of cloud streaming might pass plenty of PlayStation users by. All the same, it marks a major shift in Sony’s approach, proving that Sony isn’t content to let Microsoft single-handedly guide the future of streaming games. It also makes the PlayStation Portal a viable option for those without a PS5, as long as their internet connection is strong enough to make for a pleasant experience.
- Brand
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Sony
- Original Release Date
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November 19, 2020
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$399.99 (Digital Only), $499.99 (Disc Drive)
- Weight
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Digital Edition now weighs 3.4 kg & base version weighs 3.9 kg