New Update Enhances PlayStation Portal Handheld for Public Wi-Fi Use

Sony is rolling out a series of quality-of-life updates for the PlayStation Portal handheld with a firmware update on June 19, 2024.

Announced on the PlayStation Blog, the software update aims to enhance the user experience of the PS Portal by refining several features based on community feedback.

The most notable improvement is making the device more compatible with public Wi-Fi networks. While originally designed for home use with a stable connection, Hiromi Wakai, VP of Product Management at Sony Interactive Entertainment, noted that “many players have been utilizing” the PS Portal on the go.

“Although we recommend using PS Portal at home where you have control over the Wi-Fi quality, it can also be used in places with a fast and stable Wi-Fi connection – and many players have taken advantage of this,” Wakai explained.

The PS Portal can now connect to various public Wi-Fi networks that require additional authentication steps before users can go online, such as login screens. When encountering such a barrier, the handheld will display a QR code to be scanned with a smartphone or tablet, facilitating the necessary sign-in process.

Another new feature is visual feedback for touchpad areas. PlayStation has introduced a light effect that mimics the exact shape of the PlayStation 5 controller’s touchpad, along with its inputs. This enhancement will help users perform the intended motions and commands more accurately.

Lastly, the battery life on the PlayStation Portal will now display as a percentage if players prefer, instead of just a bar icon. Users can enable this feature by navigating to Settings, then System, then Battery, and selecting Show Battery Percentage once the update is available.

The PS Portal, released in November 2023, serves as a companion to the PlayStation 5. Unlike the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation Vita, it does not run games independently. Instead, the entire PS5 system is streamed to the device, allowing users to play games and access other apps as if they were using the console directly.