Rumours about the PlayStation Portal had the gaming world buzzing. Was this the successor to the beloved PlayStation Vita? Would it rejuvenate Sony’s dominance in the handheld market, reclaiming the throne it once held? These were the burning questions on every gamer’s mind. However, the answer turned out to be neither of these.

The PlayStation Portal is indeed a handheld device, but not the kind many had envisioned.

The Rumor Mill Was in Overdrive

Before its official release, speculation about the PlayStation Portal ran rampant. And why wouldn’t it? Gamers and industry experts alike were eager to know what this meant for Sony’s future in handheld gaming. Could it be the long-awaited successor to the PlayStation Vita? It seemed like a logical progression for Sony, given its history. But that question remains unanswered for now.

Instead, the PlayStation Portal is something else entirely.

The PlayStation Portal: A PS5 Companion

While the PlayStation Portal is handheld, it’s not a standalone device like the Vita. Instead, it’s designed as a companion to the PS5, made primarily for home use. So, in many ways, the “Portal” moniker feels a bit misleading—it’s not exactly a device you’ll be carrying around outside. It’s meant to stay within range of your home’s Wi-Fi network, allowing you to pick up your PS5 game from another room.

In essence, the PlayStation Portal is the new accessory for your home, maybe even for those gaming moments in the bathroom—depending on how well the streaming holds up. Early reviews have noted some lag, but a future software update should hopefully resolve those issues.

A Unique Form Factor, But Not Very Portable

From the first look, it’s clear that the PlayStation Portal isn’t a device you can easily slip into your bag. With controllers attached to either side of an 8-inch, 1080p LCD screen, its design makes it somewhat cumbersome to carry around. This isn’t a gadget you’ll tuck into your jacket pocket and take on the go.

Given that it’s tethered to the PS5, the PlayStation Portal’s portability feels limited. Unlike the Vita, a true handheld console you could use anywhere, the Portal requires you to be near your PS5 to stream games. It’s a way to play your PS5 games from a different part of your house—not the world (2024 Update: the PlayStation Portal can be used outside the home as long as you have a wifi connection. As long as your PS5 is connected you will be able to play games even in the gym).

Is the PlayStation Portal Worth It?

So, should you buy the PlayStation Portal? That depends. If you want to extend your PS5 experience to another room and enjoy the convenience of a high-quality screen paired with familiar controls, then this might be the right device for you. The PlayStation Portal fills a niche role, similar to devices like the Nintendo Wii U GamePad or controllers like the Backbone One, but with more seamless integration into the PS5 ecosystem.

However, streaming performance may vary, and users should expect some hiccups until updates smooth things out. If you’re someone who likes having the latest tech, and you’ve got the budget, the PlayStation Portal could enhance your PS5 experience—albeit with limited portability.

Dreaming of a Future PlayStation Vita Successor

While the PlayStation Portal isn’t the handheld console many hoped for, it allows us to dream of a future where Sony might re-enter the portable gaming market in a bigger way. Could a new Vita-style device be on the horizon in the next few years? Only time will tell.

For now, the PlayStation Portal is a sleek, intriguing addition to the PS5 experience—perfect for those who want to game beyond the living room but within their home.