Latest news with #PlayStationPortal
Metro
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The biggest problem with the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it's too big
A reader is happy with the games on the Switch 2 but wishes that it, and other modern portables like the PlayStation Portal, were a bit smaller. The first console I ever got was the Game Boy Color, in about 1998. Even then it was obvious to me that it was old tech, but the games were great, so it didn't matter and there started a life of loving video games. I like to think I'm not too biased in terms of companies and formats, but I have to admit I have a soft spot for Nintendo and portables so, as you can imagine, I've loved the Switch and immediately got a Switch 2. I've not played a lot of Donkey Kong Bananza so far, but I like what I have played and Mario Kart World is great. I certainly wouldn't have complained if there were more game announcements at this point, but I think, knowing games take longer nowadays, it's a good launch. I also don't regret getting the Switch 2 but I do have a big problem with it, and it's something I knew was going to be an issue before I got it: it's too big. The Switch 2 has a 7.9 inch screen and is 27.2 cm × 11.6 cm. That is, in short, massive. The smallest portable I own is the Game Boy Micro, which is 10.1 cm by 5 cm. That's one extreme to another but even the clunky big original DS was only 14.9 cm x 8.5 cm when it was closed. These are actual portable consoles that you can put in your pocket and carry around with you. There is no way that I can comfortably put a Switch 2 in the pocket of any coat or trousers I own. I tried to talk my girlfriend into putting it in her handbag, but it didn't fit. Especially as you have to put it in its own carry case first or risk getting it bashed up and scratched. I get the Switch 2 is very powerful and the screen is huge and all that. It's definitely a decision, not a mistake, but I don't like it. I especially don't like it because it's part of the modern trend where all portables are not actually portable. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. I've got a PlayStation 5 and a PlayStation Portal, and while the Portal is useful its size is really awkward, even though you only use it in the house. I don't own a PC portable or an Xbox but that Xbox Ally looks massive and clunky too. I think we've really lost sight of the benefits of what a portable console should be. The ability to, you know… port it around to you. If I want to take the Switch 2 with me anywhere I basically have to take a bag with me, whether I was going to or not. It's bigger than the Switch 1 but not by that much, so this isn't a new problem, but I would like to see a proper alternative. The Switch Lite was smaller but it was still pretty massive compared to any previous handheld console. And now we hear rumours that the PlayStation 6 and next gen Xbox are going to be portables, or have portable versions? I'm going to take a wild guess and imagine they're going to be the size of a house too. Because if there's one thing the PlayStation 5 has taught me, it's that Sony does not value the idea of making consoles a convenient size. I'm not angry and I'm not going to start a petition, but I do think it's a shame and I wish things like the Switch Lite offered a real alternative in terms of the size, because it really makes a different to how, and how often, you use them. Since I don't expect any change with the inevitable Switch 2 Lite, what I will ask for instead is some kind of mini-console portable from Nintendo. Something that can play games from all their pre-Switch portable consoles, that has the same design as the 3DS but is as small as they can make it. More Trending I think a lot of people would be interested in that, not just weirdos like me, and it might even help people to appreciate the idea of a handheld that can actually fit in the palm of your hand. By reader Gorby The reader's features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro. You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@ or use our Submit Stuff page and you won't need to send an email. MORE: Donkey Kong Bananza is Nintendo and gaming at its best - Reader's Feature MORE: The best thing the PS6 can do is be less powerful than PS5 – Reader's Feature MORE: The standards for video game reviews need to be higher - Reader's Feature
Tom's Guide
10-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
PlayStation Portal gets rare discount for Prime Day — and this useful PS5 accessory has aged like a fine wine
Despite some pre-launch skepticism (including from yours truly), PlayStation Portal has gone on to become a popular PS5 accessory and even experienced stock shortages during its first winter on the market. It's one of those gaming items that seems to be stubbornly holding its price since launch, so I was pleasantly surprised to spot this Prime Day 2025 deal. As part of Amazon's annual sales event, PlayStation Portal is on sale for £179 at Amazon U.K. That's a £20 discount on the remote play devices' full price, and the joint lowest price I've spotted to date. While it's not the biggest saving of Prime Day 2025, it's a noteworthy deal on a device that's rarely on sale. Meanwhile, in the U.S., a brand new PlayStation Portal is sticking with its $199 MSRP. However, if you're willing to dip into the used market, Amazon is selling PlayStation Portals in 'new like' condition for $177. PlayStation Portal is a remote-play device that connects to your PS5 and lets you experience the console's library of games via its 8-inch display, which is sandwiched between two halves of a DualSense controller. Breaking free from TV is pretty liberating, but be sure to note that the Portal requires a strong Wi-Fi connection at all times to function. The device is rarely on sale, so don't miss this chance to pick one up at a discount thanks to Amazon Prime Day. Over in the U.S., Amazon isn't discounting the PlayStation Portal for Prime Day (yet, at least). However, you can still score one for a little bit cheaper if you're willing to go down the "used" route. Amazon claims its "used" Portals are in "Like New" condition, and you do get a warranty too. In the Tom's Guide offices, the PlayStation Portal is a pretty polarizing device. Due to its strict functionality as a remote play-only device, some staffers have endured a less-than-stellar experience marred by significant stuttering and problematic input lag. I don't say the above to put you off a purchase, but rather to make clear that the PlayStation Portal is a 'your mileage may vary' piece of tech. It requires a strong and dependable internet connection at all times. But if you get the Wi-Fi conditions just right, it's a pretty nifty gadget that allows you to enjoy the best PS5 games on a very ergonomic handheld device. The PlayStation Portal is a 'your mileage may vary' piece of tech. As noted, prior to its release in November 2023, I was unenthused about its prospects, but after getting my hands on one, I quickly fell in love with PlayStation Portal. I still make regular use of mine to this very day. Even if my portable play time has been dominated by the Nintendo Switch 2 in recent weeks, you simply can't beat being able to chip away at the new PS5 exclusive Death Stranding 2: On the Beach from the comfort of the couch when someone else is using the TV. Sony also didn't just release the PlayStation Portal and forget about it. Instead, the PS5 accessory has been updated over the past 18 months with various improvements, including the ability to cloud stream select PlayStation Plus games directly to the Portal without the need to be tethered to a PS5 console. Although my colleague Nick Pino is still waiting for Netflix support, I can't say this is an omitted feature I particularly care about. If I wish to stream Netflix on the go, there are a myriad of options already out there. The PlayStation Portal has gone on to become one of the best-selling PlayStation accessories in history, and while the launch hype has died down now, with consistent stock levels throughout 2025, scoring one at a discount remains pretty rare. So, if you've been itching to play your PS5 games pretty much anywhere (with the caveat that you'll need stable Wi-Fi), now is the perfect time to pick up a Portal on sale courtesy of Amazon Prime Day 2025.
Metro
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Sony talks PS6 and next gen plans with hint at new portable console
Sony has discussed its next generation plans for PS6, which seems to include some kind of handheld. There's still a sense the PlayStation 5 generation has barely begun, due to the lack of exclusive games and the amount of people still playing on last gen hardware, but Sony has its eyes firmly set on the next generation. As such, Sony Interactive Entertainment's new president and CEO, Hideaki Nishino, was asked various questions about the future of PlayStation during a recent business presentation, a transcript of which was released this week. As part of this presentation, Nishino was asked specifically about the advancements in cloud gaming, and whether it could make a new home console redundant. After highlighting how Sony has experimented with cloud gaming since the PlayStation 3 generation, Nishino explained how he believes the majority of players still want to play games through 'local execution' due to the instability of online connections. 'The business model for cloud gaming must be sustainable for the longer term gross,' Nishino said. 'Cloud gaming is progressing well from a technical standpoint, we have demonstrated with these offerings, but end-to-end network stability is not in our control. And the higher cost per playtime compared to the traditional console model remains a challenge. 'Cloud gaming is increasingly providing additional options for players to access content, but our belief is that the majority of players continue to want to experience gaming through local execution without dependency on local network conditions. And PS5 and PS5 Pro have validated this thesis, I believe.' Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. On the subject of the next generation, Sony didn't share any details about its next console but stated that it is 'top of mind' at the company. 'Our console business has evolved into a multi-faceted platform, and we now have a large ecosystem of highly engaged players across both the PS5 and PS4 generations, so naturally therefore, there's a huge interest in our next generation console strategy,' Nishino added. 'While we cannot share further details at this stage, the future of the platform is top of mind. 'We are committed to exploring a new and enhanced way for players to engage in our content and services.' Later in the Q&A, Nishino was asked about Sony's strategy around the PlayStation Portal, and if handhelds are part of its next generation plans – something which has been rumoured over the past year. While he largely dodges the latter part of the question, Nishino states that they 'remain committed' to the handheld space and 'exploring' other new ways for players to 'access our content and services'. 'The PlayStation Portal is part of our strategy to offer more flexible playstyles,' he said. 'When we invested in the PlayStation Portal, we wanted to ensure that any handheld device we create would be able to provide players with the full PlayStation experience that they have come to expect through our consoles. 'We want to ensure games look good when played on handhelds. The smartphone is too small [a] screen for high fidelity, so I wanted to approach portable gaming via streaming, which led to the PlayStation Portal. 'Currently, the Portal owners spend 30% more time playing and later into the evening. It's showing the impact the Portal has had on the play patterns. Sales are progressing steadily and more importantly, it has unlocked additional engagement across our player base, so we remain committed to exploring new ways for players to access our content and services.' While nothing is known about the PlayStation 6, rumours suggest it could launch with two variants, namely a home console and portable device. Just recently, known leaker Kepler claimed the portable will have AI upscaling and a third of the overall memory bandwidth of the PlayStation 5. It's claimed the portable will also have 16GB of RAM, along with a 4MB L2 cache (a second tier of memory) and 16MB of MALL (memory attached last level). More Trending Sony previously talked about its next generation plans last year, where it suggested that the console will improve 'other elements' beyond graphics. 'Technology is constantly evolving, so I think there's still more we can do,' Nishino said. 'With the PlayStation 5, we've shortened loading times by switching from the hard disc drive (HDD) used in the PlayStation 4 era to a solid-state drive (SSD). 'The sound can now be heard more three-dimensionally through the PS5 controller's speakers, enhancing the sense of immersion. Visual accuracy is important, but we will also be updating other elements.' The big question is what Sony can do to convince PlayStation 5 players to jump ship to the next generation, which could arrive as early as 2027. Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. MORE: Where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 in the UK right now MORE: The Witcher 3 rumour says new DLC is on the way but it's not a full expansion MORE: Silent Hill 1 remake is official – new Castlevania still happening claims source
Scottish Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Secret Xbox ‘put on hold' in launch cancellation for console that would've rivalled new Nintendo & PlayStation machines
But another Xbox machine is still on the horizon BOXED UP Secret Xbox 'put on hold' in launch cancellation for console that would've rivalled new Nintendo & PlayStation machines Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A TOP-SECRET Xbox console that was potentially due out in just two years has been shelved. New reports suggest the unannounced Microsoft machine has been paused indefinitely – with its planned launch cancelled entirely. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The rumoured Xbox console would've been a rival to Sony's PlayStation Portal Credit: Sony PlayStation 5 Microsoft's most recent console was the Xbox Series X, which came out in 2020 Credit: Microsoft Xbox 5 A future Microsoft handheld device would've allowed Xbox fans to easily play games on the go Credit: Microsoft Xbox Rumours of a handheld Xbox console have been circulating for years.. And in 2024, Microsoft's Xbox gaming boss Phil Spencer confirmed that the company was prototyping the machine. It would've lived alongside the plug-in-to-your-telly Xbox Series X as a more portable option for gamers. But a new report from Windows Central warns that Microsoft has "shifted priorities" and is pausing work on the gadget entirely. Instead, the report notes, Microsoft will pour its efforts into boosting Windows 11 gaming performance. That will help Microsoft boost the Asus partner gadget Project Kennan, which is a handheld gaming machine instead built by the Taiwanese tech giant. It notes that Microsoft would still like to produce a gaming handheld in the future, but is going to spend its time RIVAL MACHINES Microsoft will be feeling the pressure from gamers to compete with its industry rivals. Back in November 2023, Sony released the handheld PlayStation Portal. This portable gadget device streams video games from your PS5 over the internet – and has a built-in controller. Hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2 Japanese gaming giant Nintendo is also nearly ready to debut its next big handheld. The new Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to land in stores on June 5. It'll plug into televisions – but can also work undocked as a portable gaming device for when you're out and about. And Nintendo saw runaway success with its original Switch console, which launched back in 2017. 5 This year marks the launch of the new Nintendo Switch 2 Credit: Nintendo Also worrying Microsoft will be the Steam Deck, which is a handheld gaming device built by Valve. The gaming giant is responsible for the virtual Steam store, which is one of the main ways PC gamers buy and play titles on their computers. Valve's Steam Deck lets players enjoy PC games on the go, and has been available since 2022. To fend off these rivals, Microsoft has partnered with Asus to help with its upcoming Project Kennan portable device. 5 Valve's Steam Deck is a hit with PC gamers looking to play titles on the move Credit: Valve / Steam This will be an official Xbox partnership, but it's not an in-house Microsoft product like the paused handheld machine would've been. Microsoft is still expected to release a major new at-home console in the next few years. This will be a sequel to the Xbox Series X, and could land in 2027 or 2028 – as a direct rival to the rumoured Sony PlayStation 6. The Sun has asked Microsoft for comment and will update this story with any response.
The Irish Sun
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Secret Xbox ‘put on hold' in launch cancellation for console that would've rivalled new Nintendo & PlayStation machines
A TOP-SECRET Xbox console that was potentially due out in just two years has been shelved. New reports suggest the unannounced Microsoft machine has been paused indefinitely – with its planned launch cancelled entirely. Advertisement 5 The rumoured Xbox console would've been a rival to Sony's PlayStation Portal Credit: Sony PlayStation 5 Microsoft's most recent console was the Xbox Series X, which came out in 2020 Credit: Microsoft Xbox 5 A future Microsoft handheld device would've allowed Xbox fans to easily play games on the go Credit: Microsoft Xbox Rumours of a handheld Xbox console have been circulating for years.. And in 2024, Microsoft's Xbox gaming boss Phil Spencer confirmed that the company was prototyping the machine. It would've lived alongside the plug-in-to-your-telly Xbox Series X as a more portable option for gamers. But a new report from Advertisement Read more on PlayStation Instead, the report notes, Microsoft will pour its efforts into boosting Windows 11 gaming performance. That will help Microsoft boost the Asus partner gadget Project Kennan, which is a handheld gaming machine instead built by the Taiwanese tech giant. It notes that Microsoft would still like to produce a gaming handheld in the future , but is going to spend its time RIVAL MACHINES Microsoft will be feeling the pressure from gamers to compete with its industry rivals. Advertisement Most read in Gaming Back in November 2023, Sony released the handheld PlayStation Portal. This portable gadget device streams video games from your PS5 over the internet – and has a built-in controller. Hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2 Japanese gaming giant Nintendo is also nearly ready to debut The new Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to land in stores on June 5. Advertisement It'll plug into televisions – but can also work undocked as a And Nintendo saw runaway success with its 5 This year marks the launch of the new Nintendo Switch 2 Credit: Nintendo Also worrying Microsoft will be the Steam Deck, which is a handheld gaming device built by Valve. Advertisement The gaming giant is responsible for the virtual Steam store, which is one of the main ways PC gamers buy and play titles on their computers. Valve's Steam Deck lets players enjoy PC games on the go, and has been available since 2022. To fend off these rivals, Microsoft has partnered with Asus to help with its upcoming Project Kennan portable device. 5 Valve's Steam Deck is a hit with PC gamers looking to play titles on the move Credit: Valve / Steam Advertisement This will be an official Xbox partnership, but it's not an in-house Microsoft product like the paused handheld machine would've been. Microsoft is still expected to release a major new at-home console in the next few years. This will be a sequel to the Xbox Series X, and could land in 2027 or 2028 – as a direct rival to the rumoured Sony PlayStation 6. The Sun has asked Microsoft for comment and will update this story with any response. Advertisement A HISTORY OF XBOX CONSOLE RELEASES Here's when previous Xbox consoles came out... Xbox – November 2001 Xbox 360 – November 2005 Xbox One – November 2013 Xbox Series X / S – November 2020 Picture Credit: Microsoft Xbox
