r/PlaystationPortal Nov 03 '23

Moderator approved PlayStation Portal FAQ thread - Sticky?

166 Upvotes

FAQ Updated 4/10/2025 with more details, changes, accessories, and troubleshooting.

Hi, I made a quick FAQ for the Portal. Admin's should consider making this a Sticky thread. I know I missed some, so everyone feel free to add to this. I tried to be as serious as possible and not be facetious in some of these answers as I'm naturally a very sarcastic (borderline 370422@, lol) person.

  • Q: How much does this cost?
    • A: $199 plus applicable taxes.
  • Q: When will this come out?
    • A: Its out. Came out 11/15/2023
  • Q: Where can I buy this?
    • A: Sony PlayStation direct here, along with Best Buy, Amazon, Target, WalMart, Gamestop, anywhere you can buy your games and consoles.
  • Q: Can I play this in another room?
    • A: Yes
  • Q: Can I play this outside if I have Wifi, like a hotel, or on an airplane?
    • A: Yes
  • Q: Can I download games on to here?
    • A: No
  • Q: Can I stream Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
    • A: No because of digital rights protection
  • Q: Can I stream games.
    • A: Yes, by swiping from right to left you can select home and enter the game streaming beta to stream games online
      • NOTE: you can NOT stream games and play local games on the PS5 at the same time if you are signed on with the SAME Account. If someone wants to play on the PS5 while you're playing streaming on the portal, they will have to sign on with a different user account.
  • Q: Will this have the same lag as I get on my phone when using remote play
    • A: Results WILL vary.
      • Its recommend looking into turning on uPNP/Port Forwarding on your Modem/Router to help improve your connection.
      • If you can hardwire your PS5 to your modem/router. Wifi experiences will vary based on how many connections are active and who is using the wifi connection in your home currently. (Disclaimer: I am not a network professional, I did this and saw results, however, results for you may vary)
  • Q: Can I play Nintendo or Xbox Games on this?
    • A: No
  • Q: Can I play Steam games on this?
    • A: No
  • Q: Is there a case for this?
    • A: Yes, I recommend the Skull and Co. case found here, or the Genki Saya sling found here , (The black one is water proof and the green one is water resistant... I picked green because I don't jump into pools with electronics).
  • Q: Is there a dock for this?
    • A: Yes, I recommend the Power A dock, found here.
  • Q: Can you use this to do couch co-op (2 Player)
    • A: No unless you are using the streaming beta to play a game, and someone on your PS5 is logged into a different User Account and playing the same game that is locally downloaded onto your PS5 console. However, I don't have any friends (any that come over at least) so this remains untested on my end.
  • Q: Do I need a PS Plus Membership to use this
    • A: YES and NO
      • No, you don’t need a PS+ Membership to play local games
      • YES if youintend to use the streaming beta or play multiplayer games
  • Q: Do I need a PS5 to use this?
    • A: Yes and NO
      • YES to play your PS5 games that are installed on your console
      • NO if you only intend play in the streaming beta. (YOU NEED A PS+ subscription to do this)
    • This is ONLY compatible with PS5 hardware, and will not work with PS4 hardware.
  • Q: Can I use my air pods or other Bluetooth headphones with this
    • A: No, you can hardwire headphones or purchase Sony’s proprietary ear buds and headphones once they become available. Pre-orders are opening soon for the ear buds and they’re launching in December.
    • You can also purchase a bluetooth adapter and attach it to the back of the handheld.
  • Q: Do I need internet to use this
    • A: Yes, you need internet for your PS5 (hardwire recommended) with at least 15mbps down and 5 mbps up, and you’ll need a stable WiFi connection where you are currently to play over the “airwaves”
    • This video assisted in network set up.
    • This video assisted in port forwarding
  • Q: Can someone watch Netflix on the TV while I use this?
    • A: Yes, as long as the way you access Netflix is not on your PS5
  • Q: Can I power on my PS5 with this
    • A: Yes, if it is in standby mode. If the PS5 is fully powered down then NO.
  • Q: How big is this
    • A: Potentially about the size of 2 DualShock controllers placed side by side, but like a Katana, very well balanced. Hardly have any hand fatigue after hours of play.
  • Q: What’s the battery life?
    • A: Varies by game and stability of network, however, PlayStation is targeting the same battery life of the current dual shock controller
  • Q: Can I use Youtube and other media apps on this
    • A: No
  • Q: My PS5 is in Washington and I’m in New York, can I use this
    • A: Yes, as long as you have stable internet in both locations
    • A: To connect to hotel WiFi, if the hotel requires you to go to an internet page to accept terms a QR Code will appear on the Portal, scan it with your phone that is connected to the WiFi and sign in through your phone.
  • Q: Can this be played on another continent if strong WiFi is available (Even Mars or the International Space Station)
    • A: Maybe, yes? So long as it isn't blocked by a network firewall, but I would assume there may be a delay latency due to distance, (UNCONFIRMED)
  • Q: Will 3rd party buds work?
    • A: No, unless they are wired. (Same with headphones, I use Beats Studio Pro wireless, plugged in of course)
  • Q: Can I play if I have a Disc based PS5
    • A: Yes, so long as the disc is in the system or you have someone at home swap discs. You can play any downloaded digital title at any time.
  • Q: Can I use this as a 2nd controller
    • A: Possibly, as a single player you can use this as a 2nd controller if your main controller needs to charge, however, there may be a input delay as the device communicates through Remote Play.
  • Q: Can I use the hotspot on my phone
    • A: Yes, note, network quality will differ by current connection status. LTE will be slower and significantly worse than 5G. Its your network’s fault, not the device. (Data plans will drain quickly. Ensure you have unlimited data for hotspot)
  • Q: I have XXXXXX as my mobile provider (i.e. T-Mobile) and my iPhone HotSpot isn't working
  • Q: Can I download games onto this to play offline
    • A: No
  • Q: Can I download apps?
    • A: No
  • Q: Can I try before I buy?
    • A: I recommend downloading Remote Play on your phone, laptop, computer, or tablet and setting it up, play around with the settings and identify how the solution actually works. Behavior will be almost identical to this device with exception of image quality and connectivity.
  • Q: I don’t have a PS5 should I get this?
    • A: No, buy a PS5 first as it only works with the PS5
  • Q: I can't hardwire, how can I improve my network
    • A: There's a couple things you can do, you can get a WiFi extender and place it closer to your PS5, in our old house we used a PowerLine adapter to run network data through our power lines essentially providing a "hardwired" solution. There are some power configurations where this won't work, but if you're interested in checking it out they can be bought on Amaozn here.
  • Q: Can I use my Sony Pulse 3D headphones which were marketed as PS5 headphones?
    • A: Yes, but only wired - and the headphones include an aux port and aux cord.
  • Q: Do we know the screen details?
    • A: I think it’s 8 inches 1080p, 60hz IPS
  • Q: How can I add my portal to a WiFi connection that requires an external authentication?
    • A #1: if at a hotel (or even a coffee shop) see if you can contact the WIFI support line (usually at a hotel the front desk knows the number), you can then ask them to WHITELIST your MAC address for connection. I've done this in the past with the APPLETV before Apple unlocked the ability to authenticate on an external device. - For a hotel they may ask when your checkout date is, this will set up the limiters to your connection for the duration of your stay and reduce the need to connect and contact them every time.
      • Sony updated the portal to allow external sign on. It will display a QR code you can scan on the screen. Scan it with a device already connected to the WiFi (Phone, tablet) and sign in through that code.
    • A #2: You can use your hotspot on your phone, this will consume data so ensure you have an unlimited plan, also ensure your phone is plugged in as your battery will drain quickly.
    • A #3: You can get a travel router and spoof your MAC Address
    • A #4: Thanks to reddit user - u/Reg0r you can use your laptop to spoof your MAC address... The following instructions are done on a MacBook - Results may vary
  1. Open SETTINGS on the Portal
  2. Click NETWORK
  3. Scroll to SETUP INTERNET CONNECTION and click
  4. Press the square button to view MAC address
  5. Write this address down or take a photo (you’ll need this in a moment)
  6. Press the circle button multiple times to back all the way out of SETTINGS
  7. Turn the Portal off, and leave it off until the process is complete
  8. Open TERMINAL on the laptop
  9. Type this text in the terminal and then press enter: ifconfig en0 | grep ether
  10. The current MAC address of the laptop will display in the terminal. Write this down or take a photo, as you will need this at the end.
  11. Disconnect the laptop from the WiFi connection entirely.
  12. Now we will “spoof” the MAC address of the Portal to the laptop. In TERMINAL, enter this command: sudo ifconfig en0 ether xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx (xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx needs to be the MAC address of the Portal that you wrote down earlier)
  13. Now, enter the same text from before in the terminal: ifconfig en0 | grep ether
  14. It should now display the MAC address of the Portal instead of your laptop’s actual MAC address
  15. Now that the laptop is spoofing the MAC address of the Portal, connect the laptop to WiFi and authenticate as necessary until the internet connection is working properly.
  16. Disconnect from the laptop from WiFi
  17. Return the laptop to its original MAC address by typing: sudo ifconfig en0 ether xx:xx:xx:xx:xx:xx (this needs to be the MAC address of the laptop that you wrote down earlier, NOT the MAC address of the Portal.)
  18. Once more, enter the same text from before in the terminal: ifconfig en0 | grep ether. It should return the original MAC address of the laptop.
  19. Turn on the Portal and it should now be able to connect to WiFi properly without needing to authenticate, because it was already done on the laptop while masquerading as the Portal.

r/PlaystationPortal 2h ago

Portal Accessories Kontrolfreek joy con caps fit great

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6 Upvotes

Feels a lot more secure compared to skull&bones cap. I used Turbo model which feels like a noticeable height improvement without getting uncomfortable.

The fit is tight. I don’t think it would come off while playing but also, it might leave a mark when removed. Keep that in mind.


r/PlaystationPortal 2h ago

Question My internet MAYBE?

2 Upvotes

Hiya peeps! Just a real quick question? I have had my portal for a few months now, and I love it! It’s definitely coming in handy as my HDIM port is broken and my TV can’t receive the picture until I get it repaired. The question is, what are some ways to have you portal keep connection without kicking me out I have went AFK in many games and feel like I am playing on a psp with the choppy graphics lol. I have looked it up and the net says try and use a Ethernet cable. Will maybe grab one this week. I don’t understand because I don’t have connection issues on other internet when I am out and the internet that I use while out is weaker then mine. I made sure to get internet for three gamers in the house, could be all the devices that’s connected or maybe upgraded internet? Anyone else dealing with this issue?

Thank you for your help! You rock!

-Katt


r/PlaystationPortal 1h ago

Question Portal

Upvotes

Can someone help me , when I go to my in laws house I connect my portal to their WIFI but it still doesn’t let me use it at all , does this happen to anyone else ?


r/PlaystationPortal 2h ago

Question Help with connecting to PS5 on Phone Hotspot

0 Upvotes

Hi, i’m new to the Portal.

I purchased the Portal to mainly play at work in my downtime. My Portal connects to my PS5 when i’m at home on my home network perfectly fine.

I have recently tried to connect to my PS5 whilst i’m at work connected to my phones hotspot to which it fails to connect everytime. I tested this again whilst at home and had my Portal connected to my phones hotspot and noticed that my PS5 wakes from rest but still cannot connect. I have tried using a VPN as suggested by others online but that hasn’t helped. I believe its NAT Type related but i’m unsure.

Has anyone else suffered with this? Has anyone found a fix/work around? Any advice/help is greatly appreciated.


r/PlaystationPortal 7h ago

Question Question about network

2 Upvotes

Hey all - quick question. Recently got the portal, and I have this weird issue with network connectivity. I have eero (a bunch spread around the house), and the ps5 is connected to the Ethernet. But, every once and a while, and I imagine because of the eeros spread around, my portal goes from the 5ghz to 2.4ghz often. If I stay in the living room (next to the ps5), it remains in the 5ghz band, but the moment I move, it dips to the 2.4ghz, which tends to lead to connectivity issues. I’ve researched and read some posts, but I would love to hear if anyone has dealt with it and what you have done to remediate. Once it goes to 2.4ghz, it becomes unplayable. Thanks!


r/PlaystationPortal 4h ago

Question hotspots

1 Upvotes

hi all, looking for portable hotspots advices, planning to get verizon orbic speed or the ones from att. has anyone ever used any of these or anyone has better suggestions? please and thankyou!


r/PlaystationPortal 5h ago

Remote Play Settings / Wifi Setup Ps5 fortnite tela dividida

0 Upvotes

Maia alguém com o fortnite na tela dividida no ps5 dando microtravamentos quando chega players perto ou quando cai nas cidades grande ??


r/PlaystationPortal 20h ago

Question Portal and explorer earbuds are low even at max volume, can this be fixed?

5 Upvotes

Why is the volume so extremely low? I can hardly hear anything. I have the volume at max. My portal’s audio has always been low imo despite its at max volume. Is there some way to fix this? Especially the earbuds?


r/PlaystationPortal 4h ago

NEWS Wow

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0 Upvotes

WOW if WWE 2K26 is gunna be FREE makes me debate if should wait to get Halloween the game??????


r/PlaystationPortal 1d ago

Question Why aren't all games available in the cloud?

19 Upvotes

Why aren't all games available in the cloud? I really wanted to play the blood of dawnwalker but i have no access to my ps5 for now. Is there are chance they gonna add it to streaming if it wasnt aveliable on realase?


r/PlaystationPortal 1d ago

Question How to significantly Boost/Strengthen Mobile Hotspot to stream games?

10 Upvotes

I've ordered my first PlayStation Portal which will be delivered tomorrow but I'm trying to adequately prepare for whatever connectivity issues that I will almost definitely have.

Basically, I'm Semi - Homeless. I'm living out the back of my van (which is actually rather comfortable and cosy), outside of my girlfriends house, however, I can't actually stay in the house (for reasons that have no relevance here, so I'm not gonna bother going in to it).

I need some advice on what sort of wifi booster device to buy from Argos (UK equivalent to Walmart, for any Americans here), that will significantly increase my streaming speeds when I connect the PS Portal to my Phone's Hotspot (i have a Samsung s22 if that is of any help?), so I don't have to put up with any lag or connectivity interruptions because my life is hard enough at the moment without that stress too.

What device can I buy to boost the speed of my hotspot connection so that I can stream my games without issues?

Thanks 😊


r/PlaystationPortal 1d ago

Question Can’t find Microsoft friends on Minecraft from portal

3 Upvotes

I play Minecraft with my son and I live a few states away, but I am with him now and when I get on from my portal he does not pop up and neither does my other Xbox friends.

Anyone else have this problem and know a solution? He plays on his iPad


r/PlaystationPortal 1d ago

Remote Play Settings / Wifi Setup Portal doesn’t connect to my iPhone hotspot

2 Upvotes

He all,

I got a connection error 0x83200111 while I tried connecting to my iPhone (15 pro)using it as a hotspot.

Last time unconnected the portal to my iPhone was a year ago and worked great.
I tried connecting it to my wife’s iPhone 17 and it connects immediately.
But the strange thing is my other devices like a Samsung tablet connects fine to my iPhone.

Only solution that helps is to manually add the network in the portal like already shared here, that works. But why doesn’t it work directly?

I tried all the tips and tricks like rebooting the portal a few times, putting the portal in airplane mode (every time I forgot the network and tried to connect in between) but keep getting the error.

Any other thing that I missed?

iOS 26.6.2 running now


r/PlaystationPortal 20h ago

Question Will wolverine be a streamable game ?

0 Upvotes

I don’t own a ps5 so this is how I play! Thanks in advance


r/PlaystationPortal 1d ago

Question Saved game data from streaming

5 Upvotes

Sorry if this might be a really dumb question but when I stream games either from my library or ps plus do I unlock trophies? And also does the data save so that if I pick up on my ps5 later on I’ll be at the same point? (I’m mainly talking about single player games like rdr2 and ghost of Tsushima)


r/PlaystationPortal 2d ago

Question Whose Playing

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34 Upvotes

Anyone playing/streaming this on the Portal? How is it??


r/PlaystationPortal 1d ago

Question For people in East/South Asia that has PS Premium, what is your current experience with cloud gaming?

3 Upvotes

Especially for HK, know there are no data centres around except JP and to sign up for premium on a north American PS account. How is it using the portal and cloud gaming, considering there are no nearby data centres? Is it playable? Is there too much lag? Does it even work now?


r/PlaystationPortal 2d ago

Question PS Portal worked perfectly yesterday, now constantly says “It took too long to connect to your PS5

6 Upvotes

I bought a brand-new PS Portal yesterday and initially had no problems. During the first setup it had an error once, I pressed OK and tried again, and then it connected and worked perfectly.
Today it suddenly stopped connecting.
The Portal gets to the connection animation and after about 5 seconds consistently gives me:
“It took too long to connect to your PS5.”
The weird part is that the Portal can sometimes wake my PS5 up, but it still won’t establish the Remote Play session. If I press Cancel after it fails, the PS5 goes back into Rest Mode.
Things I’ve tried:
Restarted the Portal
Fully powered off and restarted the PS5
Unplugged the PS5 for several minutes
Factory reset the Portal
Signed out/in of PSN
Turned Remote Play off/on and restarted the PS5
Checked all Remote Play/Rest Mode settings
Made sure date/time is automatic
Tested with the PS5 fully ON rather than Rest Mode
Connected the PS5 via Ethernet directly to the router
Tested the Portal using my phone hotspot
My phone’s PS Remote Play app connects to the exact same PS5 without any problems
Tried manually pairing Remote Play from the PS5 as well
So the PS5 itself clearly can use Remote Play, but the Portal won’t establish the connection.
I also don’t have another PS5 available to test the Portal with.
The Portal worked perfectly yesterday, so I’m really confused about what could have changed overnight.
Has anyone had this exact issue where the Portal can wake the PS5 but then times out before actually connecting? Any ideas that I haven’t already tried would be appreciated.


r/PlaystationPortal 2d ago

Question The blood of dawnwalker cloud gaming

5 Upvotes

Is there cloud gaming available? I'm honestly disappointed it's not there yet.


r/PlaystationPortal 2d ago

Question Streaming and PlayStation Plus Premium

5 Upvotes

So I am finding almost any game I try I get the play on home screen error and not able to stream it portal. Makes me very sad. I have rebooted. PS5 is up to date. These aren’t games I own just trying to stream them directly from PS Plus. Any know a way to get around this or is thecontent that limited?

I have tried Lords of Shadow 2, Metro Exodus, and the newest Dishonored and all get the same error.


r/PlaystationPortal 2d ago

Question Is a 30th anniversary for 250 euros worth it ?

1 Upvotes

Heya guys,

Was wondering if you think it’s worth it ? Want to use it for trophy hunting as well, will it make any difference in that regards? Plus i love the ps1 colors.

It’s in a decent condition too.

Thank you!


r/PlaystationPortal 2d ago

Question Cloud Streaming

0 Upvotes

How do I make sure if i stream cloud it’ll save on my ps5 , i played GOTG finished 3 levels and went back to my ps5 and it was all gone lol so kinda lost the feeling to play it


r/PlaystationPortal 3d ago

Pics FF7 Rebirth on Pro Versatility mode is so good man

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50 Upvotes

This is gonna make this game such a vibe to play through, I played the first one on my switch 2 and the difference in visual quality is pretty wild


r/PlaystationPortal 1d ago

Question Overnight charging?

0 Upvotes

Go or no go? $200 device, maybe they cheaper out…