PS Portal: New firmware update aimed at long-term battery health

Sony has released a new firmware update for the PlayStation Portal that introduces a charging limit designed to support the handheld’s long-term battery health. Version 7.1.7 changes the device’s charging behavior, with the Portal now set to stop charging at 80% by default.

Users can change the charging limit through Settings > System > Battery if they prefer to charge beyond 80%. However, Sony warns that selecting a higher limit could affect long-term battery performance and overall stability. The 80% setting is particularly important for users who frequently leave their Portal idle and fully charged for extended periods, precisely the conditions under which battery ageing accelerates.

Beyond the battery cap, version 7.1.7 also introduces general performance, stability and usability improvements to on-screen messaging. Still, one has to ask why a such a basic battery-health safeguard, already standard on rival handhelds and many other devices, arrives well over a year into the Portal's lifespan, meaning that some early adopters may have already unwittingly caused unnecessary wear.