PlayStation Portal Review - Worth the Hype?
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The Playstation Portal has been sold out since it launched, but I FINALLY got one to review! I wasn't a big fan of it at first, but does actually playing with it change my mind? Let's find out!
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Con: "I hate the controller size since launch" *proceeds to showcase the tiny PS5 Dualsense controller grips on is glory to Valhalla, britannia pillaging, village burning, hale barrel drinking viking hands* 😂 great review tho!
Yo I’m pinning this comment. Hands down the best one I’ve ever received, lmao!
never really considered it but i'm in the same boat, i have big hand and after a couple hours my pinky fingers hurt and cramp because they're just curled up at the bottom of the controller. i'm buying these grip things immediately.
For a person who like to game for long hours, my only con with this one is the battery life, it feels too short like 2 or so hours before it needs to recharge. If it had like steamdeck oled battery life which can run for 7 hours then Id buy one that is if it isnt instantly sold out in stores when they get some in stock xD
I'm pretty sure they've talked about it but I fall in the dad category. Very useful throughout the house.
I’m a mom of 7 and just so convenient for when I get any time to sit down
can you play without changing whats on the tv? like if my daughter is watching bluey on the ps5?
Same. I want to get one
I LOVE MY PORTAL!! I use remote play with my phone and controller, but the screen was always an issue. The screen sold me!!
The screen really is quite nice!
I feel the exact same about the Dual Sense, thought I was the only one. Those grips look great, never even considered that!
some people say "i can just use my phone if i wanna stream" but its not the same the portal is a whole new experience
Just got my Portal and I love it. I have tried remote play with a Kishi attached but and it is a big but, the size and aspect ratio of the Portal makes for a great experience and immersion. Most phones including mine has a very wide screen aspect that make for a smaller image then my 6.4 inch screen would lead you to believe. And the full haptic and trigger functions is a big difference for me. And playing on a tablet with a real PS5-controller is to much of hassle most of the time.
Absolutely love my portal. I know it’s not for everyone. But completely worth the $200 for me.
Got a portal earlier today,love how it feels and looks but there’s room for improvement in other areas
I love using my Portal around the house. Even when the living room tv is available, I'm still using the handheld. Helldivers 2 is a blast to play on it!
I have STILL now played Hell Divers 2! But man has the Portal really grown on me. I admin that Sony did a great job with it!
Definitely a solid device but I would also like to have seen a few upgrades that make it worth it.
Can you play it for instance in a hotel room? I know not perfectly, but like a non framerate dependant game, could you enjoy?
You got down to it the Best review I’ve seen so far on this thing great breakdown 👍🏽
I appreciate it my friend! My goal is to dive right into it every time!
If I brought a Internet modem will I be able to use it when I'm out ?
This is my first time being introduced to your channel. I had to give this video a like and comment because I appreciate the fact that you doubled down, and stuck by your opinion rather than being swayed by the amount of dislikes your previous video got. You didn't change your mind to try and appease people. Good stuff 💪🏾
I appreciate it my friend and welcome to the Fam! I try to be as objective as possible with my videos and sometimes my opinion does change, but a reviewer is only as good as their word so being swayed by popular opinion would ruin my channel.
@@freakytechreviews I definitely agree
i kinda felt the opposite actually lol not that I wanted him to be "swayed" but it kinda seems like he doesn't wanna admit that it's a good product so still calls it a "cash grab"', even though he enjoys using it lol... The idea that a product COULD be better (like pretty much every product from every company ever lol) doesn't automatically make something a cash grab. Sony hitting the $199 price point and having it do the "minimum" is exactly what the product is meant to be. Saying that it should've had more features and been $299 is insane to me lol People were already complaining about the $199 when it was announced.
I purchased the portal because as much as I enjoy remote play on my phone it’s nice having a dedicated device with out any extras especially when I’m on the road.
I completely agree. Before getting it, I couldn't see the point of it since I have my phone and a phone controller. But now that I have it, the fact that it's built for one thing, and does that one thing well is really nice.
@@freakytechreviews I actually have not touched my steam deck or pc since I got it which is something I thought ide never say. Yes there are a a lot of wish list things but it’s something about digging in my junk drawer finding my old Apple headphones and sitting back like I’m playing a modern psp.
Corey, I really appreciate your review. Very honest, thorough and straight to the point. The Portal was a no brainer for me. My PS5 is in my and my wife's bedroom. She doesn't want to be cooped up while I'm playing when she still just wants my company. So, now we can go to the living room and spend time together while she watches Hallmark and over there doing Portal stuff. It really beats the Backbone One which was my go to before this. Couldn't be happier. Oh, and unplug that HDMI from the back of your PS5 when using the Portal. It is proven to make a difference with stutters. 😊
That's a perfect use-case! And interesting! Had no idea that the HDMI could effect latency, so I'll check that out! But it really is a fantastic little device that I'm glad to own, even if I think Sony could do better, lol. If they make an OLED model with streaming capabilities then I will be ALL over it!
And I'll be in line behind you waiting to give my money away. 😅
I just bought one today. It's absolutely pointless for most people, it's over priced, and doesn't do anything new, or anything almost even worth it for the asking price. That being said, I knew this going in. I'm a dad, and this is a dad or mom device. When your partner or kid is taking up the main TV, that's where this excels. I dont regret my purchase, in fact I think it's a cool device, that serves the purpose of me being able to play my ps5 in the living room while my wife watches a show, or my kid is watching a movie. It's nice to look at, it feels good in the hand. But this 100 percent isn't for everyone, and it's price will definitely be it's downfall. I love the duel sense edge, it makes sense how expensive it is. It does so much, and it's the best controller on ps5. This device isn't the edge equivalent. Whatever, I spent more money then I should have, on a product I didn't need, to give my brain a tickle of dopamine. Good video!
I completely agree and thank you for watching! It's grown on me even more as it's just a well done product, but I still feel it's not "necessary" lol.
I got one a few days ago. Have you had any issues with stick drift?
You explained that like a novelist 😂 Very informative, thank you!
@jondoee9898 not yet. But I've been pretty lucky in that department overall. None of ps5 controllers got drift, and believe it or not, none of my joycons have either. That being said, the whole stick module can be swapped out in the edge.
It's near impossible to get a new PS Portal here in Denmark, so what whould be the best device to buy for me with a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip ?
That phone has a USB-C so I think most USB-C gaming controllers should work. But I can't recommend GameSir's G8 Galileo enough. I showed it in this video, and I also reviewed it so be sure to check that video out! It's fantastic, and most of GameSir's products are great quality for the price.
I actually thought I’d return mines once I started using it. However on use I was surprised by the input latency asi found it better than using remote play ona computer or phone and near similar and maybe even equal to direct to monitor or tv. This all being said I have 1gig internet with 200 upload speed; direct Ethernet to my ps5 from Xfinity modem, and unplugged hdmi.
I love mine. Price point isn’t even crazy tbh. Ofc somethings can be improved and I. Sure they’ll release a newer version down the line to address issues but it does exactly what I need it do.
Great review I must say, honest and professional. I really want a portal now due to the screen size, familiar controls and haptic feedback. No bluetooth is infuriating but you can understand Sony wanting to sell more of their headsets. Ability to not need the tv and play anywhere on this gorgeous device has got me.
Thank you! If it fits your use-case, then I can confidently say the device itself is worth the money!
Please try this! Put the games in performance mode, If the game offers it. It make the input delay almost disappear
Oh nice! Shame on me for not realizing it had this as a reviewer, lol. But I will absolutely try it!
@@freakytechreviews would love to know if you’ve tried yet and has it made any difference in your experience
I love mine. I play it in bed the most. But also around the house and when I’m watching tv or movies. Works good on the go too. Visiting the parents or my son in the dorms.
morphine drip. sounds nice.
I was hoping the Portal would get hacked so it can run Moonlight but that’s not happening soon, it had the potential to be a top tier streaming device with the its big HD screen and full size controller, I ended up going the G8 Galileo + tablet route
Great review pal very indeapth
HI I Caved and Purchased one Today 👍
Oh nice, let me know what you think of it!
I had to get it to try it out, decided to bring it back and get a backbone for easier portability and less risk of breaking.
same! also backbone way cheaper and for the same bit of latency you get reguardless might as well just get a backbone everyone has a cell phone today anyway
In this how many games are in built ? Or how to add more games in it ?😢
No games are built in, its all from your ps5
The only thing that I would add to it is the amusing the real size of the PlayStation 5 controller I do not like the smaller control stick that they used I've tried one player third person shooters and I really suck so I stay away from those otherwise overall I've played a multitude a games and they've all ran really smooth with damn near no stutter at all. I know they came out with the update and a lot of people said they noticed that there's a lot less stuttering or almost no stutter at all but that's what I was getting before the update so the only thing that I actually noticed from the update itself was connects a little quicker when I'm using my phone as a hotspot..
With the portal you can finally play rated m games without shocking the kids ! Last day my daughter saw a dead island screenshot and immediatly she was scared ! Don’t have this problem anymore plus they have the tv a lil bit while dad is trying to save the world on the portal ^^ (nice video brother, sorry for my english… i’m working on it 🙏)
Costs more than a Nintendo Switch Lite, but with no useful hardware and high latency. I used my brothers when setting up a top of the line gaming wifi router a week ago. The ps5 was plugged in via Ethernet and i was 2 inches away from the router on 5ghz with literally zero other devices connected at the time on a fiber optic connection. The input lag is always there and it's horrible. I have no clue how anyone can ignore such latency.I had the PS5 displaying on the tv and I could notice the latency between the movement on the tv and the movement on the Portal. This technology is not mature enough.
Can you remote play disk version games or only digital?
If the disc is in yes you can play
Yep! Anything your PS5 can play, you can play when connected to it.
I honestly love my portal, haven't had any issues with it yet, even with crappy virgin Internet. Even though I have a Sony oled TV I still want to play on the portal. Might just be one of theucky ones that it works for, but I don't regret my purchase.
Even with games like Warzone, Destiny 2, Fortnite ?. I hear it only works perfectly for more offline non competitive games
@@andrizzle5887 I don't play them games so I can't say but it worked fine for helldivers 2
playing while being with the kids was exactly the reason i loved the Wii U so much. I still don't see much difference between the two. But i could see it's usefulness. I too am conflicted about this, as i no longer have little kids around.
My thing is that when I play PS5, it’s when I’m able to lay on the couch and game comfortable. Even having access on my phone I still won’t play my PS5 out of its natural habitat. So it’s situational for sure, but if it fits a persons need then it is well designed and worth the money.
@@freakytechreviews You may have convinced me!
What Michael Myers funko pop is that . 18in ?
Look, an actual honest review. Someone who knows it isn't worth the cost when the service it offers is free on any smart device and pc/ pc handhelds.
I appreciate the comment my friend!
@@freakytechreviews wouldn't mind having a portal it's just not justifiable purchase.
Definitely one of the main reasons why I love it is your final point, my 2 little kids dominate the TV or I'm watching sports and they want to play the ps5. I've loved mine!
Blippi and Ms. Rachel run my living room as well
They’re basically part of the family now.
I have 8Gbps internet thats hardwired to the ps5...im no further then 30 feet from my ps5 and the portal still lags enough to be very annoying..
Just wondering but does anyone know how this thing would work on a plane ride?
Good question! I imagine it would be quite a poor performance, but as long as you aren't playing anything competitive then it'll perform as good as the wifi is strong.
The reason for lack of bluetooth isnt just for market share. Bluetooth brings yet more latency and as streaming already has that, bluetooth would add to it. You can test this with a cheap 3.5mm bluetooth transmitter. Plug it in to the portal, connect bluetooth headphones and the lag is awful.
I’m here cos I am trying to get pros and cons and thinking of getting 1, I’m a dad so don’t get much tv time at all
I’m thinking about buying one Monday is it definitely worth it
If you want the Portal specifically, then the quality of the device is absolutely worth it. But don't feel limited to the Portal for what it does. But even though I think Sony could have put more into it, I love it!
I like mine use it quite a bit but I really want to be able to use it outside of my house
You're able to! I know some people have had issues, but the Portal is designed to be used as long as you have internet access, and doesn't have to be on the same network.
Turning on the PS5 is impossible. I had to do a work around where I had to turn on the Portal, then put it in Airplane mode, turn the airplane mode off and than connect to my network. Immediately returned. For 200 bucks there should be 0 workarounds to do what its advertised to do.
I got one for 125. Love it used
just need to add the hotel wifi auth but I don’t know sucks
I love the portal but, I would have gladly paid another 100$ or so for some extra features for sure. Or maybe have 2 versions of it. Shame they didn't make this a native device that's truly not reliant on Internet connection. Psp5 would be dope
I wouldn't be surprised if 2025 brings a Portal Pro with OLED and the other stuff I talked about. If it does, then I'll be buying it day one.
I think when gta 6 releases they will release a stand alone version that you don't need a ps5 to use just an active Playstation account. And it will be about 350 and have more features but it will use internal memory or a memory card. Wr shall see, i still really want one, especially since i had my neck broken but ive yet to see one in person to gauge if its worth it. But the screen will be what sells me
I would hope to see an updated one before GTA 6 releases, lol. But I agree on that pricepoint and features. If they even just add an OLED screen and streaming capabilities then I'm all in.
So, You can't use it while traveling because you're not on the same Wi-Fi as the console ?
Got my answer : While your home Wi-Fi network represents a great option to use PlayStation Portal™ Remote Player because you have control over the quality of your own home Wi-Fi, it is not required. PlayStation Portal™ Remote Player can also be played wherever you have access to broadband internet Wi-Fi with at least 5Mbps for use1. For a better play experience, a high-speed connection of at least 15Mbps is recommended. If you are using public Wi-Fi, be aware that the quality of the internet connection may be out of your control, and could impact the quality of your play experience.
Can I use it if I returned my os5?
Unfortunately no, it must be paired with a PS5.
I want it for work! I work nights…so sometimes it’s pretty boring…people are telling me that I can use my mobile hotspot?!
As long as the signal is strong enough! Now, I haven't tried this yet personally, and I know some folks have had trouble connecting outside of their home network so I would encourage more research before pulling the trigger. But it's suppose to be able to do that for sure.
Mine is incredibly laggy and slow. I have had it since release day, I might be doing something wrong since everyone likes it so much - but I hate it
They either ignore the latency somehow, or lie because they wasted money and they don't want to look like a moron.
We need a psp 3
I couldn’t agree more!
I don't know why would people dislike your opinion about this product when is true, I don't see the purpose of buying this product when you have alternatives that are cheaper. Like if you couldn't use your ps5 to network all the games to the phone you have 😭😭😭
I think a lot of people want to defend their purchase, and others want to defend Sony as a whole. But nowadays I feel like there’s really not much of a console war anymore so it’s a small hill to die on, lol.
The stickdrift problem was my biggest issue thats great news But no backpedals no Berto😢
Can’t get it to connect outside of the house
I've heard a few people having this issue and it seems to be mostly network related. I found this forum with a solution so hopefully it helps! community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/648274
Sony just announced the portal pro coming this fall 😂
Where did you see this? I can’t find any news about it aside from speculation, and nothing from Sony directly. The only thing expected is the PS5 Pro.
@@freakytechreviews sorry bro I was jkd but I have a dream about it lol
Can I be across the world and access my ps5 on it? (Given my ps5 is in rest mode)
Should be able to! As long as you have a good internet connection. I would test it first though, as I know some folks have had trouble with it connecting.
Steamdeck is 500$ for the 512gb model. Portal is 200$ after spending 500. You can't get ps5 level graphics and game play from a PSP2. Also Mt phones Hotspot hits 25 mbps. Meaning I can play the Portal Anywhere. Sweeeet
No removable thumb sticks no thanks I've beennthrough 7 dualsense controllers I'd be so mad to get stick drift on this
Only worth it if the hackers release the hack. So i can play SNES etc.
I don't know what the hell he's talking about. The grips PlayStation controllers are rated the highest comfort controller and that's all I have to say about this video and I love my portal
That’s because my opinion is not based on ratings; it’s based on my opinion.
Casual people think its a game system
It’s only $200. I don’t want oled if it’s raising the price. I’m sorry. But the new controllers from PlayStation are the best controllers ever made. I don’t see how you can say they are uncomfortable. It’s such a great controller it’s damn near perfect.
I can say that because it’s my opinion. I’m guessing your hands are much smaller, as for me the tapered and thin ends mean that my pinky is holding onto nothing, with barely any of my ring finger on them. I’ve had a lot of support in this regard, so they aren’t perfect by any means.
and here i am with my tiny girl hands too small for most things.
This thing is an utter pile of shit it will not connect to a hotspot on an iPhone it will not be able to connect to Internet unless it’s very fast Internet and when you’re away from your home it’s about portable as a chocolate fireguard. Seriously, save your money. Mine has ended up being used as a plastic paperweight. The funniest part of about all of it is that Sony after ringing them seven times, literally have no idea how to work the device. Not sure how the Maths on that works.
Works fine on a mobile hotspot. Of course Internet speed is important at that point. At home if you've a decent network setup them it's sold.
$200 is why it’s great. I don’t want to pay $300 for a portable game ever again. I have a vita and I’m not doing that again. $200 is the sweet spot. Oled or cloud access means nothing to me. Couldn’t care less.
Picked up my first ps vita in 2016. Now I have 4 and I’m playing 3 different generations of PlayStation with the option to play other ports yep this portal is straight trash 🚮
Gamepass is Microsoft, not Sony
I know that. But there were rumors speculating that it might be coming to PlayStation and that Microsoft would focus on a digital gaming platform instead of making consoles.
Worth the Hype? There was no hype for this. The only people who got this were people who are crazy Sony Fans or people who didn't know not to get this thing.
Well, considering it's raised Sony's accessory sales percentage by 10%, and that it's constantly sold out and hard to get, I would say there's plenty of hype around it for those who like it, and their marketing led to it's lack of availability. So yeah, pretty popular.
I don't see the point of it.
When there’s cheaper alternatives on the market like there is now, then I agree. But I will say that it’s really good at what it’s designed for. But I can’t really justify the purchase outside of this video
@@freakytechreviewsLet me help you out… 1. Nobody wants to pay 4-800 bucks on a steam deck or Rog ally if they already own a ps5. Which means they will have to rebuy their games over again 2. Those devices don’t give you the full gaming experience as the portal does 3. As a truck driver I love being able to play my portal via hotspot while I’m waiting to unload my truck which sometimes takes up to an Hour of free time I’m sitting there 4. Some people have children and a fiancé who takes up the tv 5. I like being able to play in my bed instead of being on the couch all the time 6. I like how I can use my portal to stream instead of my phone when I need it 7. The controller feel 8. It’s cheap…. I mean you’re complaining about a 200 device when the controller itself is around 85 bucks and a high end LCD screen which is around 100.
Me neither .. quite backwards .. it almost feels like they are late to the party.. expensive for what it is and does ..
The point is for people who want to use remote play with a device with bigger screen and better controller.
@@poopedonyourchest799 You could get a tablet and use the PS5 controller.
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I bought mine a month ago and am selling it today. I need it on the go and with it being streaming based, its just not worth it for me. Then it always disconnects from my ps....ill pass
Lol what hype? People have been dunking on this dumb thing since it's announcement.
Well, considering it's raised Sony's accessory sales percentage by 10%, and that it's constantly sold out and hard to get, I would say there's plenty of hype around it for those who like it, and their marketing led to it's lack of availability. So yeah, pretty popular.
It's even sold out, before being negative check your facts young boy
Tell the Internet you're clueless why don't you 😅😅😅