8 Ways Sony Could Improve the PlayStation Portal in a New Version
▼ Summary
– The PlayStation Portal, a remote-play handheld, gained significant functionality with a late-2024 update enabling full cloud streaming for PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers.
– The author’s primary wish for a potential “Portal 2” is a battery with faster charging and potentially greater capacity to improve convenience and support other upgrades.
– A key hardware upgrade desired is an enhanced screen, such as a Vivid LCD, to improve picture quality, color, contrast, and refresh rate for games.
– The community strongly desires the official inclusion of Bluetooth audio support for personal headphones, moving beyond the proprietary PlayStation Link system.
– Other suggested improvements include upgraded Wi-Fi hardware (Wi-Fi 6/7), more intuitive physical controls, and better software integration for menus and notifications during streaming.
The PlayStation Portal has evolved significantly, particularly since gaining full cloud streaming capabilities, yet there remains clear potential for meaningful enhancements in a future iteration. As a dedicated user since its launch, the device has become an indispensable part of my gaming setup, thanks largely to its comfortable DualSense-inspired design. However, after extensive daily use, several areas for improvement have become apparent. The following wishlist focuses on refining the core remote play and cloud streaming experience, not transforming it into a native gaming handheld, with practical upgrades that would benefit every user.
Improving battery life and charging speed is arguably the most urgent need. While the current battery suffices for most sessions, its slow charging can be a major inconvenience. A future model should prioritize significantly faster charging technology. Ideally, this would be paired with a larger battery capacity to not only extend playtime but also comfortably support other potential hardware upgrades that may draw more power.
The community consistently calls for a better display. Jumping to an OLED panel might be demanding, but a high-quality LCD with enhanced color vibrancy, contrast, and a higher refresh rate, similar to advancements seen in other modern handhelds, would make games look noticeably better. This visual upgrade would greatly enhance the streaming experience without necessarily requiring a massive battery compromise.
Official Bluetooth audio support is a frequent and justified request. While Sony promotes its proprietary PlayStation Link, the exclusion of standard Bluetooth feels unnecessarily restrictive. Users have already invested in the Portal and possibly a PS Plus Premium subscription; allowing them to pair their preferred headphones or earbuds would be a consumer-friendly move. Third-party adapters offer a workaround, but native support would be a major quality-of-life improvement.
Given that performance hinges on a stable connection, upgrading the Wi-Fi hardware is a logical step. Moving from the current Wi-Fi 5 to at least Wi-Fi 6, or preferably Wi-Fi 7, would equip the device to maintain stronger and more reliable connections. This internal upgrade would help maximize streaming quality, especially for users with varying internet speeds.
Refinements to the control scheme and input methods could also elevate the experience. Replacing the touchscreen double-tap for the DualSense touchpad with a more reliable, dedicated button would be welcome. Furthermore, repositioning the top-mounted buttons for easier access and upgrading the face and shoulder buttons with premium microswitches and Hall Effect joysticks would make the device feel more premium and durable, though such changes might be ambitious.
On the software side, more seamless system integration is needed. While recent updates improved the interface, features like trophy notifications during cloud streaming feel stripped down. Streamlining access to party settings and other controls directly from the Portal’s interface, without needing to navigate back to the PS5, would create a smoother and more intuitive user experience.
Sony has a clear opportunity to develop a range of official accessories designed specifically for the Portal. Precise-fitting screen protectors, carrying cases with storage for earbuds, and ergonomic grips or thumbstick covers would be instantly popular. Given the Portal’s unique dimensions, dedicated accessories from Sony would guarantee perfect compatibility and protection.
Finally, while not a hardware change, expanding cloud streaming access to more PlayStation Plus subscription tiers would be a transformative move for the platform. Opening this feature to the Extra tier, for instance, would dramatically increase the potential user base for a new Portal, making it a more appealing purchase for a much wider audience. Extending the ability to stream one’s entire personal game library would be the perfect complement to such a policy shift.
(Source: TechRadar)
