Finally, you can play games almost entirely on your own with the "PS Portal"! I tested firsthand exactly how and what you can play using the cloud streaming feature.
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/990/G999027/20251107038/
Editorial Department: Junpoco | 2025/11/08 00:00 (UTC)
PS Portal finally gets cloud streaming functionality—now almost fully playable as a standalone device! (Yay, wow!)
Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation 5–exclusive remote play device, “PlayStation Portal Remote Player” (hereafter PS Portal), has finally gained the ability to launch games directly from the cloud—without needing a PS5 console.
This update was officially released on November 6, 2025, roughly one year after beta testing began in November 2024.
Now, PS Portal is no longer just a remote-only device—it’s taking its first step toward becoming a streaming handheld gaming console. But what exactly does this mean? How can you actually play games with it? Which titles are supported? And how’s the gameplay feel like? We’ve tested it firsthand and hope this helps anyone considering using PS Portal.
“Ghost of Yōtei” (C) 2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions. Ghost of Yotei is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Thumbnail image No.004 / Finally, PS Portal lets you play games (almost) independently—with cloud streaming: here’s how it actually works
Official PlayStation website - “PlayStation Portal Remote Player” page
Related article
PS Portal officially launches cloud streaming: Play your purchased games and PS Plus catalog titles without needing a PS5
On November 6, 2025 (today), Sony Interactive Entertainment officially released the cloud streaming feature for PlayStation Portal Remote Player (PS Portal). This allows users to launch games directly from servers—without going through a PS5 console.
[November 6, 2025, 11:08 AM]
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Before trying it out, let’s cover the setup. You’ll need a PS Portal unit (obviously) and a subscription to PlayStation Plus Premium.
PlayStation Plus offers three plans—Essential, Extra, and Premium—and only the top-tier Premium plan supports cloud streaming. At ¥1,550 per month or ¥13,900 annually, it’s the most expensive option—but if you already own a PS Portal (i.e., someone who plays games on PlayStation), chances are high you’re already subscribed to Premium—or at least Extra.
If you’re already using PS Portal as-is, upgrading from Extra (an additional ¥250/month or ¥2,200 annually for the yearly plan) is a reasonable step. However, whether it’s worth signing up anew—or upgrading from Essential—depends on your needs. Since PS Portal is already very convenient as a remote play device, you might not feel compelled to upgrade solely for this feature.
That said, if you’re someone who wants to casually enjoy PS5 games more freely—even while out and about—it’s definitely worth discussing with family or yourself.
Playing games and checking available titles is super simple. Turn on the PS Portal, press L1/R1 to select the streaming icon, then open the “Streaming Games (PlayStation Plus Premium)” menu.
Using L1/R1 lets you switch between three menus: Remote Play, PlayStation Plus Premium Streaming Games, and Search for Streaming Games. If connecting directly to a PS5 console as before, just choose “Remote Play”—the control feel remains unchanged.
On the “Streaming Games” home screen, the last six games you played appear at the top. Below them are two categories: “Library Streaming Games” and “PlayStation Plus Streaming Games.”
Selecting “Library Streaming Games” opens a list of all your previously purchased titles or free-to-play games obtained via PS Plus. Choosing “PlayStation Plus Streaming Games” displays only the cloud-compatible titles from the PS Plus game catalog and Classics catalog.
The grid layout is clean and intuitive—just like browsing your PS5 library—you can instantly see which games are currently playable. While search functionality is available, you might find it faster to glance through the visual list.
As of November 7, 2025, there are currently 2,307 cloud-compatible titles—161 from the PS Plus catalog and 90 from the Classics catalog (see official list here).
At the time of a previous news post on November 6, there were 2,287 titles—so even between then and now, the number has increased.
Among games I purchased via download, only “DEATH STRANDING 2: ON THE BEACH” and “ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON” seemed not yet supported. But instead of disappointment, it felt natural to just connect to my PS5—no big deal.
Official PlayStation website - “Streaming-Compatible Games” page
Now, about actual gameplay. While results may vary depending on your network and server conditions… I played Ghost of Yōtei for about two hours, plus roughly one hour each across several PS5 titles, indie games, and classic titles—under my home setup—and the experience felt nearly identical to remote play via PS5.
“Ghost of Yōtei” (C) 2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions. Ghost of Yotei is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Thumbnail image No.021 / Finally, PS Portal lets you play games (almost) independently—with cloud streaming: here’s how it actually works
As someone who enjoys single-player games at a moderate difficulty level (normal to slightly challenging), I didn’t notice any significant input lag. However, players deeply invested in high-difficulty timing-based action or online multiplayer might perceive differences.
“Baby Steps,” an indie game by the creators of “Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy” and “Ape Out”—a quirky title where you control left foot via L2 and right foot via R2. I managed to guide a 35-year-old unemployed man named Nate through his wobbly steps without any noticeable issues.
“Baby Steps” (C) 2023 Devolver Digital Inc. All rights reserved. Thumbnail image No.006 / Finally, PS Portal lets you play games (almost) independently—with cloud streaming: here’s how it actually works
You can also monitor your network status anytime by opening the PS button menu and turning on “Show Network Status” under “Troubleshooting.” Resolution options are 1080p and 720p (with a game restart required when switching). That said, dropping to 720p won’t necessarily dramatically improve lag—depends entirely on your environment.
My home Wi-Fi is generally stable. I experienced almost no quality drops or slowdowns during gameplay. In the photo, signal strength shows as “weak,” but just moving slightly can shift it to “very strong”—small fluctuations in signal seem to greatly affect readings.
“Ghost of Yōtei” (C) 2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions. Ghost of Yotei is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Thumbnail image No.003 / Finally, PS Portal lets you play games (almost) independently—with cloud streaming: here’s how it actually works
To be honest, for users whose gaming habits have already changed thanks to PS Portal, this new cloud streaming feature is even more valuable. I personally experienced a complete shift in how I play games with the device—initially skeptical and hesitant to buy it, but once I tried it, I immediately thought: “I wish I’d bought this sooner.”
It allowed me to enjoy everything from new releases and backlog titles to PS Plus games—all while making full use of my subscription fees.
That’s why this feature feels like a long-awaited official launch. It promises even more time spent enjoying games—despite having used it for just one day so far, I already strongly sense its potential.
After completing the main story, I thought: “Time to do side quests” or “Let me grind experience and gather materials.” The ability to start right there on my device is truly convenient.
“Ghost of Yōtei” (C) 2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions. Ghost of Yotei is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Thumbnail image No.019 / Finally, PS Portal lets you play games (almost) independently—with cloud streaming: here’s how it actually works
The convenience of cloud support is obvious when you want to quickly try a game that’s not currently on your PS5, or test out a newly added title in the catalog—without downloading it.
Sure, “You could just play it on the PS5” (especially for the latter), but sometimes even setting up the console and turning on the TV—or connecting the PS Portal—feels like too much effort. If you’re someone who tends to procrastinate with “I’ll do it later,” this instant-on capability is incredibly valuable.
Classic titles are now well-supported. I’d thought, “I cleared ‘Slitterhead: Wild Dog,’ and since I have a PS5, maybe I’ll play it again,” only to realize nearly a year had passed… Now I’m finally diving back into “SIREN.”
“SIREN” (C) 2003 Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Siren is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Thumbnail image No.007 / Finally, PS Portal lets you play games (almost) independently—with cloud streaming: here’s how it actually works
Another key advantage is being able to play games on a separate account from the PS5.
Previously, when family members were using the PS5, I’d often put off playing my desired game—“Oh well, maybe later.” Now, that time can be dedicated entirely to PlayStation gaming. But even more so, this feature shines during moments like: “Family watching movie/animation,” or “I want to play a PS5 game while streaming videos”—situations where you’d otherwise have no chance.
Recently, my wife wanted to play “SILENT HILL f,” I wanted to progress in “Ghost of Yōtei,” and our child wanted to play “Astro Bot.” We had a brief family dispute—but then we realized: “Hey! Both Ghost of Yōtei and SILENT HILL f are running simultaneously!” Now the household peace is restored. (Okay, no actual fighting—just taking turns peacefully.)
“Ghost of Yōtei” (C) 2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. Developed by Sucker Punch Productions. Ghost of Yotei is a trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC.
“SILENT HILL f” (C) Konami Digital Entertainment Thumbnail image No.002 / Finally, PS Portal lets you play games (almost) independently—with cloud streaming: here’s how it actually works
As previously mentioned, whether upgrading to Premium or signing up anew solely for this feature depends on your cost-benefit analysis.
But if you’re someone who regularly plays games on PS, shares a PS5 with family, or uses the console as an integral part of daily life (e.g., watching movies/TV shows), this new function is definitely worth trying.
Thumbnail image No.005 / Finally, PS Portal lets you play games (almost) independently—with cloud streaming: here’s how it actually works
Official PlayStation website - “PlayStation Portal Remote Player” page