After a four-year hiatus, PlayStation fans can look forward to gaming on the go with the latest addition to the console family.
The announcement in May of a new portable system, then known as Project Q, has since turned into the PS Portal. On Tuesday, Sony formally introduced the handheld device, that is expected to hit shelves later this year.
The device will allow PS5 owners to enjoy some of their games wherever they have access to Wi-Fi, with a speed of at least 5 Mbps. Certain titles downloaded on the main system’s hard drive will be accessible, but PlayStation Plus Premium cloud streaming and local media will not be supported.
The Portal combines the feel of the signature DualSense controller with an 8-inch 1080p screen in the middle.
Questions about the battery life have not yet been answered, but a report from CNET suggests that Sony is aiming for a seven-to-nine-hour lifespan.
While the device comes equipped with the standard 3.5mm headphone jack for wired audio, Sony has decided to not include Bluetooth compatibility. Instead, anyone seeking a wireless audio experience will have to use one of Sony’s two new Pulse products. Both the Pulse Elite headset and the Pulse Explore earbuds have the necessary PlayStation Link technology.
The PS Portal and Pulse Elite will retail for $199.99 each while the Pulse Explore will cost $149.99.
No official release date has been provided, but during the Project Q era, November was the rumored target.
Sony’s previous portable gaming consoles, PSP and PS Vita, were respectively discontinued in 2016 and 2019.
