The PlayStation Portal’s newest update now allows players to stream PS5 games directly from the cloud. This update means the device can run games without needing a PS5 console, making gaming more accessible. Over 120 PS5 games are available during the beta.
The update also improves audio settings, such as speaker volume adjustments, making the Portal easier to personalise. These changes come alongside the introduction of cloud streaming, which opens new possibilities for how players enjoy their favourite games.
Sony released the beta version of this feature for PlayStation Plus Premium members. Gamers need a stable internet connection and the latest system software to participate in the testing phase.
What Is Cloud Streaming?
Cloud streaming, in gaming, is a technology that directly lets players access games through the internet, removing the need for downloads or installations. Games are stored on remote servers and streamed to a device in real-time, so that they have instant access.
This process relies on a stable internet connection and uses adaptive streaming technology. This means the quality of the stream adjusts based on the player’s internet speed, ensuring smooth gameplay even on slower connections.
For gamers, cloud streaming takes away the need for more hardware. It eliminates the need for large storage capacities or high-end consoles, making advanced gaming experiences more accessible.
How Does Cloud Streaming Work?
Cloud streaming in gaming starts when a player selects a game on their device. The game’s data is stored on servers and is broken into small, manageable chunks that are sent to the player in real-time. This allows games to start almost immediately without any downloads.
The process is as follows:
Uploading Content: Game files are uploaded and stored on cloud servers by developers.
Encoding and Transcoding: The files are formatted to ensure compatibility with different devices and internet speeds.
Streaming to Users: When a player hits play, the server delivers the game in segments, adapting quality to the player’s connection speed.
Adaptive Playback: The system continuously adjusts video quality for seamless gameplay, avoiding interruptions.
Technologies like Content Delivery Networks help deliver these streams with speed by routing data through the nearest available server to reduce latency and to bring a better experience for players.
How Does The Cloud Streaming Beta Work?
PlayStation Plus Premium members can access the beta after updating their Portal device. Once the beta feature is activated in the settings menu, users can stream games directly from Sony’s servers. A connection speed of at least 7 Mbps is required for 720p resolution, while 13 Mbps is needed for 1080p.
The beta currently supports PS5 games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalogue, but older titles and certain features like Game Trials and voice chat are unavailable during this phase. Feedback from participants will likely influence future updates.
Sony has stated that the beta is an experimental phase, so features and requirements could change before the full rollout.
What Games Can Be Played Through the Cloud?
Players can play a whole variety of favourites such as Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Monster Hunter Rise, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. These games fully support DualSense features like adaptive triggers and haptic feedback for gamers to enjoy a more engaging experience.
Game progress is synced automatically through PlayStation Plus cloud storage, allowing players to switch between devices without losing their saves. Sony plans to expand the library, giving players even more options to enjoy on the Portal. For now, the current selection provides plenty of choices across different genres.
