PlayStation Portal is a new way to enjoy your PlayStation 5 games
PlayStation have officially unveiled the PlayStation Portal, formally known as Project Q, the device lets gamers keep their PlayStation 5 games going, as long as they are in the house.
As you can see in the images below, the device features the familiar DualSense controller sides, but rather than a touch panel in the middle, gamers can make use of the 8inch LCD. The screen itself is a FullHD display, meaning 1080p and 60Hz for its refresh rate, so those used to 4K 120fps on their TV might not like the downgrade, but its still a good display.
This is where things get weird, using the device is only possible in your house, but your Wi-Fi setup must be connected to the internet, with a 5mbps connection minimum or a 15mbps preferred. There are also other weird issues, the device can only play games that are supported, which means most PlayStation VR2 titles are excluded, which makes sense given you need the headset. But other titles, there is no list yet, can also be excluded for a random reason. The device also doesn’t offer Bluetooth audio connections, instead you can only use a wired 3.5mm connection, unless you get the new PlayStation headsets below. Finally, if you stream your PlayStation games, not that we can down under yet, there is no support for that here.
The device is set to launch later this year, but there is no date for it yet, however the price is expected to land somewhere between $300 to $400 AUD.
For those seeking new audio options PlayStation have two, the previously announced earbuds and the new headset. The earbuds are not keeping a simple name that provides context to players, but instead are called Pulse Explore. The Pulse name is part of the audio line for the PlayStation 5, its just not user friendly.
With the Pulse Explore, gamers will find a premium portable audio experience with dual microphones and AI-enhanced noise rejection capable of filtering background sounds. It also offers lossless audio and comes with a charging case. The earbuds have the same price as the PlayStation Portal, meaning $199 USD, so again somewhere between the $300 to $400 AUD range.
For those seeking a cheaper option, there is the Pulse Elite, the newly announced headset that takes inspiration from the Pulse 3D wireless headset, but adds more to it. The headset comes with a retractable boom mic and AI-enhanced noise rejection capable of filtering background sounds. A charging hanger is also included with the product for a convenient charging and storage option.
Price wise its set at $149 USD, which means we will be somewhere between $200 and $300 AUD.
Finally, the new audio options and the PlayStation Portal are going to make use of a new connection method called PlayStation Link. Think exclusive Bluetooth, but its not that at all, in fact if you want to use wireless headphones on the PlayStation Portal, then you need to purchase of these headsets.
When using Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore with PS5, the USB adapter that’s included with each headset and earbuds is required for PlayStation Link. The PlayStation Link USB adapter will also be sold separately as a standalone item, and can be used on PC and Mac, so players can connect Pulse Elite or Pulse Explore to experience the same lossless and low latency audio.
Details on release dates for all the items should come soon, likely at Tokyo Game Show next month, but we will need to wait and see.
