When Sony released the PlayStation Portal, I was skeptical. Like many people online, I thought it was a strange device. Just a screen attached to a controller that could only stream games from a PlayStation console. After all, I could already connect a PlayStation controller to my iPad or MacBook and use Remote Play. Why pay for a dedicated device?
After some consideration, I decided to buy one anyway.
It was a great decision! Let me explain why.
It’s simply more convenient
The PlayStation Portal is easier to use than Remote Play on other devices. While I can connect a controller to my MacBook or iPad, it’s not as seamless. The Portal is much more comfortable. I can grab it and start playing instantly, wherever I want and in any position.
The connection quality is better
I don’t know why, but the connection is noticeably more stable on the Portal than when using Remote Play on my MacBook or iPad. I’ve played for several hours on the Portal and only experienced one or two brief connection drops (due to a faulty Wi-Fi extender). In contrast, when playing on my iPad, I would face multiple connection issues every hour. I expected a similar experience on the Portal, but for some reason, it just works better.
I can play more often
I’m not sure if this is an advantage or a disadvantage, but it’s much easier for me to play from anywhere in the house, rather than being tied to the couch and the TV. It’s perfect for relaxing in bed after a long day or for playing on the couch when someone else is using the television.
It’s great for strategy games
This was a key reason I chose the PlayStation Portal over a Steam Deck. While Steam certainly has a larger library, strategy games on PlayStation are specifically optimized for a controller. I’ve already tested Anno 1800, and it’s a fantastic experience on the Portal.
I can use my existing game library
I already have a large library of PlayStation games I want to play, more than I probably have time to finish. The Portal lets me access all of these titles without having to buy them again, which I would have had to do with a Steam Deck.
I can play outside my home
The Portal supports streaming over the internet, so I can play my games even when I’m away from home. (I rarely play games away from home, so I’ll probably only use this feature once or twice a year.)
The display and sound are impressive
I’m not the type of person who scrutinizes every technical detail, but the display and sound quality on the Portal are more than good enough. I have no complaints about playing on it instead of my 4K 120Hz HDR TV.
It’s a great choice
Ultimately, it all depends on your needs. If you have a huge Steam library or need to play without an internet connection, then a Steam Deck is probably the better choice. The PlayStation Portal might seem like an odd device at first, but for someone like me, it’s a fantastic gadget that creates more opportunities to play and makes my PlayStation truly portable. It was a well-considered purchase, and I would make the same decision again.