Sony has released a new firmware update for the PlayStation Portal. With the update, Sony is bringing in improvements to the system’s Cloud Streaming Beta technology, as well as other, more general user experience improvements across the board.
One of the bigger new features is the ability for players to sort the games in their Cloud Streaming catalogue screen. Among the sorting methods available are “Recently Added to PS Plus”, Release Date, and Alphabetical. The update will now also allow PlayStation Portal users to capture gameplay during a Cloud Streaming session.
Much like the PS5, the gameplay capture options on the PlayStation Portal make use of the device’s Share button. Pressing it once opens up the create menu. Pressing and holding takes a screenshot, while pressing it twice starts or finishes recording a video clip. Any screenshots and videos captured through this will automatically be uploaded to the cloud server, which can then be accessed through the PlayStation App. Captures are stored for 14 days.
If PlayStation’s cloud streaming servers are full, the PlayStation Portal now allows players to join a waiting list. This also lets the player know what the estimated waiting time will be, and the waiting list will automatically start the game when it becomes available.
Cloud Streaming users can now also pause their game during a session. This is done by opening up the PS Portal quick menu by hitting the PS button. A game can also be suspended by putting the PS Portal into rest mode. However, a streaming session will be disconnected if the PS Portal is in rest mode for more than 15 seconds with a game suspended. In order to further help players manage their time during Cloud Streaming, the PS Portal will also display a notification in case the player has been inactive in the game for long enough that the session is close to being ended automatically.
Ultimately, there is also a new feedback screen where PS Portal users trying out the Cloud Streaming beta can submit their feedback for Sony.
“Thanks to the support and feedback from our player as we continue to add new features to further enhance the PS Portal experience, including support for select public Wi-Fi networks, which we launched last year,” wrote Sony Interactive Entertainment’s VP of Product Management Shuzo Kikuchi on the PlayStation Blog. “We hope you enjoy the new beta features – your feedback is essential for us to evolve the streaming game experience even further, and we look forward to hearing what you think!”
The PlayStation Portal kicked off its Cloud Streaming Beta back in November 2024. The beta, available specifically to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers, features a library of more than 120 PS5 games from across the PlayStation Plus catalogue. This includes major releases like Monster Hunter Rise, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, and Ghost of Tsushima.
The device is currently capable of streaming games at up to 1080p and 60 frames per seconds. It is also capable of making use of all DualSense features of the PlayStation Portal even when streaming games.
