PlayStation Portal Gets New Update for December 2024

The PlayStation Portal has received an update, moving the system up to version 4.0.1. The new PlayStation Portal update patch notes are a bit vague, but players report that they’re noticing quality of life improvements that have gained praise.

Unlike the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, the PlayStation Portal isn’t a standalone handheld console, but rather a game streaming device. The PlayStation Portal has seen some success already, becoming the best-selling PS5 accessory in the US for the year, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t improvements that can be made. Sony appears to be continuing to work on making the experience better for everyone.

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PlayStation Portal has received its 4.0.1. update, with a brief set of patch notes accompanying it. According to Sony, the update improved performance and stability, as well as improving messages and usability “on some screens.” Unlike some prior PlayStation Portal updates, what exactly the update tackled wasn’t made explicitly clear, but players who have already downloaded and installed the patch have noticed some key improvements and are celebrating them on social media.

What Changes Have Users Seen for PlayStation Portal 4.0.1?

Over on sites like Reddit, players have reported QOL improvements, like the ability to press the PS button to open menus instead of having to swipe. Some users have noted that performance seems to have improved for cloud streaming over the last few updates, including this one, increasing confidence in the PlayStation Portal. Players pointed to Final Fantasy 7 Remake and Watch Dogs Legion in particular as seeing improvement, with one player noting that Watch Dogs wouldn’t even boot up before and is working now. Finally, it seems connectivity to some TVs may have improved, as users report their TVs are no longer changing their input when using remote play.

As the gaming industry moves into the future, cloud streaming games is becoming a more viable and attractive option. Xbox streaming has seen significant success in recent times, and even systems like the Nintendo Switch have utilized cloud gaming as a way to make up for the console’s relative lack of power. While some are concerned about the “all digital” future of gaming and what it means to truly own a game, the convenience of being able to boot up a game remotely is hard to ignore. With any luck, the PlayStation Portal will continue to see improvements that make the streaming experience even better for Sony fans.

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PlayStation Portal

While not exactly a PSP successor, the PlayStation Portal solves an age-old issue of having to share one TV in a household. This remote play device allows users to stream whatever is happening on their PlayStation 5’s directly to the large 8-inch 1080p LCD screen. What makes the PlayStation Portal unique is that it comes packed with all the advanced technology of the DualSense wireless controller, such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. One downside is that it doesn’t feature Bluetooth support for wireless audio, but it does work with the PlayStation Pulse earbuds and headset, while also sporting a 3.5mm audio jack for wired audio. 

Playing Time

6-8 hours

Brand

PlayStation

Weight

529g

Headset Compatibility

3.5mm, PlayStation Link

Display

8-inch LCD

Output resolution

1080p

Release Date

November 15, 2023

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