The handheld gaming market is seeing continued activity, with Sony rolling out a new software update for the PlayStation Portal. The update, which arrives shortly after a significant update to the Nintendo Switch 2, brings a welcome graphical improvement to the streaming-focused device.
The Portal has carved out a specific niche for itself. Rather than functioning as a fully self-contained console like the Nintendo Switch 2, this device operates primarily as a “second screen” for the PS5, relying heavily on streaming – both locally and, since late 2024, in the cloud. This unique positioning has attracted a dedicated following, particularly among gamers who want to avoid monopolizing the main television or enjoy discreet gaming sessions away from prying eyes.
PlayStation Portal Gains Image Quality Boost
Sony is clearly paying attention to user behavior. The company reports that over half of PlayStation Portal users are subscribers to PS Plus Premium (priced at $16.99 per month), contributing to a 162% increase in monthly active users of the cloud streaming function. Capitalizing on this trend, an update is currently being deployed that introduces a new high-quality 1080p mode.
The new “1080p High Quality” option will appear in the Portal’s settings, prioritizing improved video quality at the cost of increased data consumption. A robust network connection is therefore recommended to fully benefit from the higher bitrate. Sony suggests a connection speed of 15 Mbps for the optimal experience. Standard 1080p and 720p options are also available.
The update also includes enhancements to the search screen, notification functionality for play invitations, and trophy details, as well as additional information on game pages for streaming.
👉🏻 Stay up-to-date with tech news in real time: add 01net to your sources on Google, and subscribe to our WhatsApp channel.
Source : PlayStation
