Over the past year, the PlayStation team has been committed to enhancing the gaming experience by introducing innovative solutions. One such endeavor was the launch of the PlayStation Portal remote player, a device designed to bring console-quality gaming to a handheld platform. The reception from the gaming community has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming the company’s vision and efforts to cater to the needs of gaming enthusiasts worldwide.
In an exciting development, PlayStation has announced a new system software update for the PS Portal. This update, which is set to roll out starting today, brings significant improvements, especially in terms of audio functionality. For European users, the update will be available starting Wednesday.
Audio Enhancements
The update introduces key refinements to the audio output, ensuring a more immersive and customizable experience for users. One of the main features is the adjustment of speaker audio output, which allows the volume to be set lower when at minimum levels. This change aims to cater to those who prefer gaming at quieter volumes without compromising on sound quality.
Additionally, users can now tweak the settings of their PlayStation Link device directly from the PS Portal Settings menu. This will enable players to optimize the volume and sidetone volume, offering a tailored auditory experience that aligns with individual preferences.
Introduction of Cloud Streaming Beta
Perhaps the most anticipated feature of this update is the introduction of a beta version of cloud streaming support on PS Portal. This feature has been in high demand among PlayStation fans, and its arrival is sure to generate excitement within the community. With this new capability, PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers will have the opportunity to participate in the cloud streaming beta. This allows select PlayStation 5 (PS5) games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog to be streamed directly from PlayStation servers, even for those who do not own a PS5 console.
It is important to note that the Cloud Streaming Beta is an experimental feature. This means that the functionalities available during the beta phase may evolve over time and might not represent the final product. Nonetheless, it provides a glimpse into the potential future of gaming, where console-dependent gameplay could become a thing of the past.
Features Available During the Beta
The Cloud Streaming Beta comes with an array of features designed to enhance the gaming experience. Among these are the ability to stream select PS5 games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog. Over 120 PS5 titles, including fan favorites such as "Dave the Diver," "Ghost of Tsushima," "Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales," "Monster Hunter Rise," and "Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart," will be accessible on PS Portal via cloud streaming.
In terms of performance, the beta supports streaming up to 1080p at 60 frames per second (fps). This ensures that the visual quality and smoothness of gameplay remain high, providing an enjoyable experience for players.
Moreover, the beta retains the innovative features of the DualSense wireless controller. This includes haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, speakers, a touchpad (emulated on the PS Portal’s touch screen), and a motion sensor, ensuring that players do not miss out on the tactile sensations that enhance immersion in games.
Furthermore, the PlayStation Plus Cloud storage feature is integrated into the beta. This allows users to store up to 100GB of save data and game progress, which is automatically synchronized with their PS5 console. This seamless integration means players can easily switch between local and streaming gameplay across different devices without losing progress.
Availability and Access Requirements
The Cloud Streaming Beta will be available to PlayStation Plus Premium plan subscribers in various regions, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
To participate in the beta, users need to have the following:
- A PlayStation Portal remote player.
- An active PlayStation Network account.
- A PlayStation Plus Premium membership.
- Access to broadband internet Wi-Fi.
- A minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps for both upload and download to establish a cloud streaming session.
- For optimal streaming at 720p, a minimum of 7 Mbps is required, while 13 Mbps is necessary for 1080p streaming.
Once the update is live, users can access the beta by updating their PS Portal to the latest system software and following these steps:
- Open the “Quick Menu” and navigate to “Settings” on your PS Portal.
- Select the “Cloud Streaming (Beta)” option.
- Turn on the Cloud Streaming (Beta) toggle, which is off by default.
After enabling Cloud Streaming (Beta) in the settings menu, a new option will appear on the Home screen of the PS Portal, allowing access to games via cloud streaming. Users can disable the beta feature at any time, reverting the Home screen to its standard version.
Features Not Included in the Beta
While the beta introduces several exciting functionalities, some features are still in development and, therefore, not included. These include Game Trials, the ability to stream games purchased on the PlayStation Store, certain system features like Party voice chat and game invites for specific games, the Create button, 3D audio, and in-game commerce. Additionally, the streaming games available on PS Portal are limited to PS5 titles; PS4 and PS3 games are not supported at this stage.
PlayStation remains committed to listening to user feedback to refine and enhance the gaming experience further. The company looks forward to seeing many players participate in the beta, contributing to its evolution.
For more details and updates on PlayStation Plus offerings, users can visit the official PlayStation website. It’s crucial to note that PlayStation Plus is an ongoing subscription that incurs a recurring fee, billed automatically at the current PlayStation Store price until canceled.
In summary, the PlayStation Portal’s new update, particularly the Cloud Streaming Beta, represents a significant step towards a more versatile and accessible gaming future. This development aligns with the broader trend of cloud gaming, which seeks to make games available anywhere, anytime, without the need for powerful local hardware. As technology advances and internet infrastructure improves, the possibilities for gaming continue to expand, promising exciting times ahead for gamers worldwide.
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