PlayStation Portal Enhances Cloud Streaming with Beta Updates, Adds Gameplay Capture

Sony is introducing a new update for PlayStation Portal users participating in the Cloud Streaming Beta, bringing several enhancements to the device's cloud capabilities. Set to roll out later today, this update focuses on improving user experience and expanding functionality for players who enjoy streaming their favorite PS5 titles remotely.

One of the most notable additions is the ability to sort games within the Cloud Streaming Beta catalog. Players will now be able to organize titles by Name, Release Date, or filter based on which games were most recently added to PlayStation Plus. This feature adds convenience for users navigating the growing list of available titles.

Another welcomed enhancement is the ability to capture gameplay during a cloud streaming session. Users can access the familiar Create Menu to take screenshots or record video clips. According to the PlayStation blog, recorded video clips are supported at resolutions up to 1920x1080 and can last for a maximum of three minutes.

The update also introduces a pause function under certain conditions. Gameplay will now automatically pause when you open the PS Portal quick menu, activate rest mode via the power button, or if a system error message appears. However, it’s important to note that the pause feature only lasts for 15 seconds in rest mode—should the Portal remain inactive beyond that window, the cloud session will disconnect. Additionally, this pause functionality is not supported during online multiplayer sessions.

Other improvements include the addition of a server queue system to manage access when streaming servers reach capacity, an inactivity notification to help prevent accidental disconnections, and new user feedback tools to assist Sony in refining the service. The company has stated its commitment to continuously evolve the platform based on player input.

Currently, the Cloud Streaming Beta is available exclusively to PlayStation Plus Premium members, allowing them to stream select PS5 games from the PS Plus Catalog directly to the PS Portal. While the Portal was initially designed to work alongside a local PS5 console, a previous update transformed it into a more independent cloud streaming device. It’s clear Sony intends to keep enhancing this functionality moving forward.

As cloud gaming becomes increasingly integrated into the modern gaming landscape, it will be intriguing to observe how Sony continues to develop its offering in tandem with the PlayStation Portal. For now, being able to capture multiple screenshots while streaming to your Portal is a small but satisfying perk of the latest update.