PlayStation Portal finally gets native cloud streaming functionality

PlayStation Portal owners can finally stream games directly to their handhelds without a base console. However, it is currently limited to PS Plus Premium subscribers, which makes sense given that the dedicated PlayStation Now service was sunsetted a while ago.

Sony has provided a complete list of eligible titles via a dedicated webpage. Alternatively, a search function helps you check if your game of choice is greenlit. Please note that the game in question must be in your library to be eligible for streaming. The PlayStation Portal also gets a new home screen for all cloud streaming-related activities. Lastly, the handheld also supports 3D Audio for streamed titles and in-app purchases for all supported games.

Essentially, one can now use a PlayStation Portal without a dedicated console, something that should ideally have been included at launch. The console can now function as a standalone device, albeit with limited functionality. It also frees up the base PlayStation 5 as a second console, essentially allowing for an experience close to couch co-op. Natively running any games on it is implausible because a mid-range Qualcomm SoC powers the PlayStation Portal.