PlayStation Portal's Latest Update Proves Sony Needs a Real Handheld Console Again - WIRED
PlayStation Portal Update Shows Why Sony Needs a True Handheld Console
Cloud gaming is still not ready to replace native portable play. The latest update to Sony's PlayStation Portal improves the experience, but it also highlights the device's core limitation: it's a Remote Play accessory tethered to your PS5 and a strong, stable internet connection, not a standalone gaming system.
Key takeaways
- Even with software updates, Portal depends on low-latency Wi-Fi and a nearby PS5, so performance and portability vary widely.
- Cloud gaming remains inconsistent for fast-paced titles due to latency, bandwidth, and network congestion.
- The market is signaling demand for robust portable gaming (think Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and other handheld PCs).
- Sony has the heritage (PSP, PS Vita) and ecosystem (PS5, PS Plus) to deliver a dedicated handheld that plays natively and uses cloud/Remote Play as optional extras.
What a real Sony handheld should offer
- On-device performance for native games and reliable offline play.
- Seamless cross-save and cross-buy with PS5 and PS4 libraries.
- Optional Remote Play and cloud streaming that enhance—not define—the device.
- Competitive battery life, ergonomic controls, and a sensible price.
The bottom line
PlayStation Portal's latest update is a welcome refinement, but it underlines a bigger truth: cloud-first accessories can't replace a true portable console. If Sony wants to lead in handheld gaming again, it needs a device that runs games locally and treats cloud as a convenience, not a crutch.