The latest system update for the PlayStation Portal is here, and it’s packed with significant improvements that enhance the overall user experience, particularly for those leveraging the Cloud Game Streaming Beta. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect from this update.
Enhanced Game Management with New Sorting Options
One of the most welcomed additions is the new sorting system for your cloud game library. Users can now sort games by recently added to PS Plus, name, or release date. This feature makes navigating through the growing catalog of PS5 titles much more manageable and intuitive. Whether you’re looking for the latest additions or organizing your games alphabetically, this update has got you covered.
Capture Gameplay Like a Pro
For the first time, PS Portal users can capture gameplay directly during cloud streaming sessions. The Create button on the PS Portal is now fully functional, allowing you to display the create menu with a single press, take a screenshot with a hold, or start and finish recording a video clip with a double press. These captures are automatically uploaded to the cloud server and can be accessed via the PlayStation App, where they will be stored for 14 days.
Smarter Session Management
The update introduces several quality-of-life improvements to session management. Gameplay can now be paused when you open the quick menu, enter rest mode by pressing the power button once, or if a system error message appears. However, it’s important to note that this pause functionality does not apply to multiplayer games, and if the PS Portal remains in rest mode for more than 15 seconds, the cloud streaming session will disconnect.
Handling Server Crowds with Ease
When streaming servers are full, a new queue system kicks in, displaying estimated wait times on the screen. Once a spot opens up, the game session will automatically start, making the process much more seamless and user-friendly.
Staying Active and Providing Feedback
To prevent accidental session closures, the update includes inactivity notifications. If you’ve been inactive for over 10 minutes, you’ll receive a warning that your session is about to end. Additionally, a user feedback screen has been added at the end of each session, allowing you to rate your experience with emoji-style ratings, which will help Sony further refine the service.
Practical Applications and Future Implications
The Cloud Game Streaming Beta, available exclusively to PS Plus Premium subscribers, allows users to stream PS5 games directly to their PS Portal without needing a PS5 console. This update reinforces Sony’s commitment to enhancing cloud gaming, making it a more viable option for gamers on the go.
With these new features, the PS Portal is becoming an increasingly attractive option for those looking to leverage cloud gaming. The ability to capture gameplay, manage sessions more efficiently, and navigate through the game library with ease all contribute to a more polished user experience.
As cloud gaming continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sony builds upon these improvements and what other features might be on the horizon for the PS Portal. For now, this update is a significant step forward, addressing many of the user requests and needs that have been voiced since the Cloud Game Streaming Beta’s inception.