PlayStation Portal Review: A Step Forward with Room for Improvement
After a solid week and a half of almost daily use, itâs clear that Sonyâs PlayStation Portal is a mix of hits and misses. Hereâs my take on whatâs hot and whatâs not with this new gadget.
The Good Stuff:
1. Play Anywhere Dream: As someone who often tussles for TV time, the Portal is a godsend. The freedom to game in any room is a big win.
2. Stunning Screen: The display is nothing short of breathtaking. Crystal clear and vibrant, it makes every game look fantastic.
3. Comfort and Design: Itâs a joy to hold and not overly heavy, making long gaming sessions a breeze.
4. Battery Life: Impressive stamina here. Iâve clocked some serious gaming hours without constantly worrying about the next charge.
5. Smart Charging Design: The charging port and cable are thoughtfully placed, ensuring they never get in the way of your gaming.
The Not-So-Good Bits:
1. Wi-Fi Limitations: Sonyâs claim of âplay anywhereâ falls short. If youâre dealing with Wi-Fi that requires additional authentication (like a username or email), the Portal canât cope. This is a significant drawback in todayâs connected world.
2. Tethering Troubles: So far, tethering to use the Portal on the go seems like a no-go. Itâs a letdown for a device marketed for its mobility.
3. Connectivity and Lag Issues: Despite having a top-tier home internet connection, disconnections and lag were frequent and frustrating, even on Starlink.
4. PS5 Hog: If youâre using the Portal, kiss goodbye to anyone else using the PS5. This limitation is a definite downside for households with multiple gamers.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, Iâm happy with the PlayStation Portal, though I feel the price is a tad steep for its current capabilities. Itâs a step in the right direction, especially for those yearning for Sony to revitalize its handheld lineup (shoutout to my fellow PSP enthusiasts!). While the Portal has its perks, it feels like Sony is playing it safe. Hereâs hoping theyâll push the envelope further and bring us a truly groundbreaking handheld experience in the future.













