Sony’s PlayStation Portal is receiving a software update today that introduces several new features for its cloud streaming beta. Among the most anticipated additions is the ability to capture gameplay and sort games within the game’s catalog. Initially launched as a dedicated device for PS5 Remote Play, the PlayStation Portal was met with mixed reviews.
While it excited many PS5 enthusiasts, it did not meet the expectations of those hoping for a new version of Sony’s handheld consoles. Despite its limited functionality at release, the device gained a following and quickly became a popular item, even causing stock shortages. With the subsequent introduction of cloud streaming beta, users could bypass the Remote Play feature and stream games directly from the cloud, provided they had a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.
This significantly enhanced the device’s utility, and the recent update is set to further improve the experience for users. One key enhancement allows users to sort games in the catalog with ease using a new dedicated sort button. This feature adds options familiar to PS5 users, such as sorting from A-Z, Z-A, and by release date.
This upgrade aims to streamline the process of selecting games, alleviating the previous challenge of scrolling through an entire list. Additionally, the update introduces gameplay capture capabilities. Users can now press the create button to take screenshots or record gameplay, with all captures being uploaded to the cloud for access via the PlayStation app for 14 days.
Another notable update is the ability to pause gameplay during cloud streaming sessions. Users can pause by pressing the power button or accessing the quick menu, though the session remains active for only 15 seconds before closing. Furthermore, an inactivity notification system will alert users if their sessions have been idle for over 10 minutes.
Lastly, the new queue feature allows players to wait for server access if a game is full, complete with a timer to estimate the wait. When their turn comes, the game starts automatically, ushering in a more seamless gaming experience.