The PlayStation Portal, a groundbreaking handheld gaming accessory for the PS5, is now available at a discounted price on Amazon Resale. Originally retailing at $199, you can snag a Used: Like New condition PS Portal for just $148, marking a significant 26% savings. Although a Sony warranty might not be included, Amazon Resale ensures the same 30-day return policy as new purchases. Given its popularity, these units are expected to sell out quickly. Update: The price has now dropped to $150.23, the lowest we've seen for a Used: Like New unit.
To take advantage of this deal, be sure to select the "Save with Used - Like New" option. These units are described as looking and functioning as if they were new, though moderate packing damage may have been observed during inspection.
The PS Portal resembles an extended split-pad DualSense controller with an 8-inch 1080p LCD screen integrated in the middle. It transforms your PS5 into a portable gaming device by streaming games from your console at up to 60fps. It mirrors the DualSense's features, including haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and a touchscreen interface that replaces the touchpad. The Portal can stream games even when you're away from home, provided you have access to a very stable and fast internet connection. However, remember that the PS Portal is not a standalone device; it requires a PS5 to function.
Excitingly, Sony has introduced a feature allowing PS Portal users to stream games directly from the PlayStation Now cloud streaming service without needing a PS5. By connecting to Sony's cloud servers, you can access a vast library of over 120 games, including titles like Ghost of Tsushima, Resident Evil 3 Remake, The Last of Us Part 1 Remastered, and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales. This feature is available with a subscription to the highest tier of PlayStation Plus, which costs $18 a month—a much more affordable option compared to purchasing a PS5 and individual games.
It's worth noting that while the PS Portal offers a seamless way to stream PS5 games over Wi-Fi, you can achieve similar functionality using the PS Remote Play app on other devices, including the Steam Deck. However, setting it up can be more complex, and you may miss out on some of the DualSense's unique features.
In a review by Seth Macy, the PlayStation Portal is praised as a surprising and delightful device. Despite initial skepticism, it offers a superior experience compared to using a phone with a clip-on controller. The freedom to play PS5 games from anywhere with decent WiFi coverage is particularly appealing, especially in households where TV time is contested. The main drawbacks are the lack of support for WiFi that requires a web browser to log in and the absence of Bluetooth audio support. Despite these limitations, the PS Portal stands out as the best current solution for PlayStation Remote Play, making it a must-own for PS5 owners who enjoy handheld gaming or need to share the household TV.
