![A PlayStation Portal sits in front of a blue background.](https://i.kinja-img.com/image/upload/c_fit,q_60,w_645/f1159c207f238c243c9c3a1e1c4278b3.jpg)
The PlayStation Portal is Sony’s surprisingly nice Distant Play handheld for the PlayStation 5, and it’s about to get even higher because of some new options arriving by the use of the most recent firmware replace.
Outlined over on the PlayStation Weblog as we speak, the modifications will start rolling out on June 19 and consists of three vital options. The primary is help for sign-in screens on public Wi-Fi networks. Suppose espresso outlets and resort rooms, or wherever else that requires greater than only a easy password to start accessing the web. The brand new function permits house owners to scan a QR code on their PS Portal and sign-in by their smartphone.
The second new function is improved visible suggestions for the touchscreen. A translucent white field now seems on the display screen whenever you contact it to point whether or not you’re tapping, holding, or swiping. It appears easy, however it ought to assist the general expertise really feel slightly smoother and extra responsive.
Lastly, my favourite tweak is to the battery life settings. At launch, the PS Portal solely displayed a bar to point out how a lot juice the system has left. Now you’ll be able to activate a share quantity to seek out out precisely how for much longer you have got till your bedtime Balatro run is about to chop off.
The PS Portal appeared like an oddly designed, overpriced boondoggle when it was first revealed, however for many who can afford the $200 price ticket for a handheld that solely streams video games out of your present console, it’s a very nice accent to have round. Possibly that’s why it’s routinely out of inventory and often the best-selling PlayStation peripheral.
In as we speak’s weblog publish, Sony VP of product administration, Hiromi Wakai, wrote that 60 % of Portal house owners are utilizing Distant Play—round because the PS3-era—for the primary time. He additionally stated that on-line multiplayer video games like Fortnite and EA Sports activities FC 24 are routinely among the most performed on the system, regardless of potential latency or framerate points.
Given the optimistic reception thus far, it looks like the PS Portal will proceed getting up to date with extra options. Who is aware of, perhaps it can even persuade Sony come again with a brand new full-blown gaming handheld.