We already have on the market for the same price tag:
Using the Sony's Remote play (Android/iOs/Windows/MacOS) official app:
- Android tablets with the same functionality and bigger screen + android ecosystem that can be paired with a Ps5 controller.
- Even cheaper smartphones (even those with OLED screen) using Backbone as controller or a 10 dollar clip on your Ps5 controller if you need a more compact solution.
- Android consoles (or even some of the cheapest windows ones).
- Almost any not too old laptop/pc (I succesfully played remote play using an 11 years old Macbook Pro, so there's a huge chance that the laptop/pc you're using can be easly used. Also It has LAN capability with even less latency.)
While Playstation portal that has just remote play capability that's apparently not even that great.
Also all the above solutions allow also Ps4 remote play while PS Portal only works with Ps5.
So basically Ps Portal has a huge lack of functionalities compared to all the above solutions.
But at this point you'll say: this device is pick up and play, less is more...etc
And I can understand this point of view. But I can't understand it from the Sony I used to know.
Back in the days sony tried to sell PS Vita at some point just as a Remote play Ps4 companion (for years the og remote play app was only on Sony smartphones and Ps Vita). However it has also:
Ps3 remote play capability, multimedia capability, Ps Vita games, Ps1 and Psp native support, Internet browser and also a 3g sim card support. Ps4 had eve a built-in Ps4 signal that can be locally connected with your Ps Vita (that's still a Ps Vita exclusive) without even a local wifi connection with almost zero latency (This is not being featured even in the Ps Portal despite being completely dedicated to remote play). It was literally a power house that failed just because Sony was too scared of the mobile phone gaming market. But Nintendo Switch showed them that they were wrong.
Then I heard of the first Ps Portal rumors and man I was thrilled, finally a new Playstation Portable with remote play features with Ps4-like graphics that can steal Nintendo Switch throne or try to compete with Steam Deck.
An then...Sony seriously? Just remote play?
I know that this is probably a market manoeuvre to see if a device with only one functionality sells actually better than one with ten thousand of them that maybe already are in your pocket but still, my disappointment is still there...
My Mrs saw it and wants one. I've pre-ordered it for her. She wants to be able to play in bed or on the couch while she has TV shows on in the background.
Before pre-ordering, I tried remote play in bed with my iPad and a controller to check we'd get a good connection. Worked great, BUT...
Trying to sit in bed balancing an iPad on my lap while holding a controller was not comfortable. I had the screen too far away to give me room to hold the controller in between. I also have a backbone and tested it on my phone. Again, worked great, but the screen is miniscule. Now way I'd play on a tiny phone screen unless I was desperate.
My Switch though? Now while I barely touch the thing as it doesn't have games I'm into, its far more comfortable to hold and play in bed or on the couch, especially with the bigger Xbox style half controllers I bought to use instead of the Joy cons.
After having previously used my Switch in bed with the bigger half controllers and after trying my phone with a backbone and my iPad with a dualsense, I totally get how the Portal is going to be the best remote play experience at home for playing in bed or on the couch compared to any other option out there.
I hope you can cancel your pre order, at least until it is in a working state.
https://youtu.be/mG8A4yrS7EY