In a recent statement, Sony’s Executive and PlayStation Senior Vice President, Eric Lempel, emphasized that the upcoming PlayStation Portal peripheral is not intended as a direct competitor to similar systems like the Nintendo Switch. The PlayStation Portal marks Sony’s return to handheld gaming, but with a unique twist. Unlike previous standalone handheld consoles like the PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Vita, the PlayStation Portal is designed as a gaming handheld peripheral specifically meant to work in conjunction with the PS5.
The system was initially unveiled as “Project Q” earlier this year and was later officially named the PlayStation Portal with a release date set for November 15, 2023. Initial reactions to the PlayStation Portal were mixed, with some drawing comparisons to the Nintendo Wii U gamepad and suggesting that it could have been more akin to Nintendo’s Switch or Valve’s Steam Deck. However, Eric Lempel clarified that the PlayStation Portal is not meant to compete with Nintendo or Valve’s hardware.
Lempel highlighted the primary distinction between the PlayStation Portal and its competitors, such as the Switch and Steam Deck. While the latter can function as standalone gaming systems, the PlayStation Portal is reliant on a PS5 to operate. Moreover, it requires an internet connection for seamless game streaming from the console to the handheld device, instead of relying on a physical cable.
Additionally, Lempel confirmed that the PlayStation Portal won’t support game streaming directly from Sony’s cloud gaming service. He explained that the handheld is designed for gamers who want the flexibility to play in different rooms, on the sofa while others use the TV, or even outside of their homes. A strong internet connection is recommended to make the most of its portability and game streaming capabilities.
In the same conversation, Eric Lempel also discussed the PS5 Access Controller, Sony’s first customizable controller for disabled gamers. He made it clear that this controller is specifically designed to work with Sony’s hardware and offers diverse customization options to accommodate the needs of disabled gamers without requiring extensive adjustments.
