Summary
Top 5 Alternatives to PlayStation Portal … In order to bring your PlayStation 5 gaming into the world of portable devices, the PlayStation Portal is an incredible tool. In the event that you are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi, you will be able to stream your preferred PlayStation games onto a screen that is small enough to fit in your hand and provides some really impressive pictures. Nevertheless, the portal has garnered a reputation for being divisive among both its users and its detractors.
Top 5 Alternatives to PlayStation Portal
There is a window of opportunity for competition to grow, and let’s just say that there is no lack of portable consoles available on the market these days.
With your consideration in mind, we have compiled this list of the five alternatives to PlayStation Portal that we feel to be the best.
One of the most superior alternatives to PlayStation Portal overall
Logitech G Cloud
The Logitech G Cloud is a powerful streaming handheld that gives you access to a number of platforms, including GeForce Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, among others. You will also have access to PlayStation Remote Play after downloading it from the Google Play store, but in order to get it to function correctly, you will need to experiment with a few key mapping features.
Although it is not as faultless as PlayStation Portal, it is wonderful to have the ability to access your PlayStation 5 via the G Cloud. This is because the majority of handhelds do not even provide compatibility for PlayStation Remote Play that is available. To add insult to injury, the G Cloud allows you to play regular Android mobile games in addition to providing applications for most of the major game streaming providers. This makes it remarkably flexible for its pricing point.
When you combine a battery life that can last for up to 12 hours, a design that weighs less than 500 grams, and Wi-Fi connection that can reach a maximum of 800 megabits per second, you have a portable system that is ideal for extended gaming sessions. Despite the fact that it does not support PlayStation 5 as much as the first-party Portal does and does not have 5G connectivity, it is an excellent option, particularly if you want to play games that are not part of the PlayStation library.
Logitech G Cloud PROS
- Excellent battery life
- Comfortable design
- best cloud gaming apps supported
- Plays mobile games
Logitech G Cloud CONS
- No 4G or 5G
- UI issues
- Expensive for what it is
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Support for PS Remote Play: | Partial (Requires DualSense) |
| Wireless connection: | Wi-Fi |
| Screen size: | 7-inches (1080p) |
Which portable console offers the most customization options?
ROG Ally
As is the case with the Steam Deck, the ASUS ROG Ally is a portable computer. However, in contrast to Steam Deck, it is compatible with Windows 11, which enables you to access PC titles that are not on Steam. Users who are interested in accessing games that are not part of Valve’s ecosystem or who want to use it to surf the web will find it intriguing because of this.
You are free to personalize the Ally to your heart’s content since it is effectively a personal computer running Windows 11. It is also possible to get PlayStation Remote Play to operate on it; however, you will most likely need to download extra software in order to get it to work seamlessly with the controls made available by the Ally.
The Ally is a comprehensive gaming gear consisting of more than just streaming games. Because of its strong technology, it is capable of handling titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Dying Light 2, making it a formidable contender not just for the PlayStation Portal but also for gaming laptops that are on the more affordable end of the spectrum.
ROG Ally PROS
- Light and comfortable to use
- beautiful 1080p screen
ROG Ally CONS
- Weak battery life
- Worse performance than the Steam Deck
- Windows 11 is a hassle to use
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Support for PS Remote Play: | Partial (Requires a workaround) |
| Wireless connection: | Wi-Fi |
| Screen size: | 7-inches (1080p) |
The finest portable personal computer for gaming
Steam Deck
There are some significant workarounds that are required in order to access PlayStation Remote Play on the Steam Deck; nonetheless, if you are seeking for the greatest portable gaming PC, the Steam Deck is the one you should go for. It is suitable for those who are not bothered by the prospect of abandoning the PlayStation 5 environment and playing games on their personal computers instead. It is available with a choice of specifications and starts at $349.
With the ability to run the majority of games on Steam without breaking a sweat, an optional OLED display, a solid-state drive (SSD) that may be up to 1 terabyte in capacity, and sufficient power, Steam Deck is the perfect partner for mobile gaming. This means that you can play games like PlayStation Portal without the requirement for a fast internet connection since it keeps them locally rather than broadcasting them like PlayStation Portal does.
What is the most significant disadvantage of using Steam Deck? Specifically, it was developed for use on Steam. This indicates that you will be required to make adjustments to its program in order to acquire access to other platforms. However, if you are one of the millions of PC players who have an ever-growing backlog of Steam titles, you may want to think about giving it a try rather than purchasing the Portal.
Steam Deck PROS
- Tons of control flexibility
- Excellent specs
- Fantastic speakers
- Clean Steam interface
- Constantly improving
Steam Deck CONS
- Awkward design
- Poor screen
- Finnicky Linux browser
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Support for PS Remote Play: | No |
| Wireless connection: | Wi-Fi |
| Screen size: | Up to 7.4-inches (1280×800) |
The most convenient and cost-effective alternative to PlayStation Portal
Backbone One Controller
In search of something that is a little bit more affordable? By using Backbone One, you will be able to put an end to your search. At a price of around one hundred dollars, the Backbone One is a gadget that can connect to your smartphone and transform it into a device that can stream video games.
The fact that the Backbone One is recognized as a DualSense controller is what makes it such an excellent choice for PlayStation Remote Play. Because of this, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of mapping extra keys or attaching a real DualSense to your phone. Once you have connected the Backbone One and launched the Remote Play application, you will be able to begin playing digital games.
In addition to a few other color palettes, you will discover formats that are compatible with the majority of Android and iOS electronic devices. It is not as sophisticated as some other alternatives to PlayStation Portal—aafter all, it is effectively just a mobile controller—bbut the fact that it is identified as a DualSense is a huge gain for PS5 lovers who want to take their game with them when they go on the road.
Backbone One Controller PROS
- Affordable
- Portable design
- Models for both Android and iOS
Backbone One Controller CONS
- Requires a smartphone
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Support for PS Remote Play: | Yes |
| Wireless connection: | N/A (Connects to phone via USB or Lightning port) |
| Screen size: | N/A |
The greatest premium gaming system available for 5G
Razer Edge 5G
The fact that the Edge is a premium and upscale gadget is not surprising given that it is manufactured by Razer. In spite of the fact that it is designed to handle numerous game streaming systems, including PS Remote Play, you will need to couple it with a DualSense controller in order to get full compatibility for the platform.
It is possible to purchase the Razer Edge in both Wi-Fi and 5G configurations. When compared to the other model, the 5G model is superior since it provides you with access to speeds that are really fast regardless of where you go. However, the majority of consumers will discover that it is substantially more helpful than its Wi-Fi cousin, despite the fact that it is pricey. During strenuous gaming sessions, you will be forced to accommodate a loud fan, regardless of the model that you choose to purchase for your computer.
That is about the only criticism that can be leveled against what is otherwise a strong product. For gamers who are looking for the greatest possible streaming experience, this premium handheld device is an excellent choice. It has hardware that should make it easy to stream the majority of games, a vivid AMOLED display, and support for refresh rates of up to 144 inches per second.
Razer Edge 5G ROS
- Powerful specs
- Truly portable design
- Beautiful display
- 5G is ideal for cloud
- Great emulation potential
Razer Edge 5G CONS
- Loud fan
- Cramped design
- Pricey considering alternatives
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Support for PS Remote Play: | Partial (Requires DualSense) |
| Wireless connection: | Wi-Fi or 5G |
| Screen size: | 6.8-inch (2880×1080 resolution) |
Although there is a wide selection of mobile gaming devices available, not all of them can be considered potential competitors to the PlayStation Portal. When we were looking for alternatives to the Portal, the following were some of the criteria that we took into consideration:
Features that are both functional and powerful
While the majority of the aforementioned options allow you to access your PlayStation 5 from a distant location, several of them are meant to act as fully working portable computers. Regardless of the titles that they offer, alternatives to PlayStation Portal need to have excellent hardware and the ability to stream games without any hiccups or run them straight off of their built-in solid-state drive (SSD).
Functionality and aesthetics
A gadget is not a good product if it is uncomfortable to handle or if it causes discomfort after just a few minutes of gaming in comparison to other products. The list that was just shown was crafted with ergonomics in mind, which will ensure that you remain comfortable even throughout extended periods of gaming. The aforementioned five handhelds are not only comfortable, but they are also fashionable and easy on the eyes.
Costs and charges
Although handheld devices are not inexpensive, there are those that are obviously overpriced. It is essential to locate items that have hardware that corresponds to their pricing, as this will guarantee that you are not overpaying for anything merely because of the logo that is printed on the back.
Effortlessness in operation
The act of playing games while traveling shouldn’t be difficult at all. It is preferable to use products that make it simple to access your games or explore your collection, as opposed to those that are complicated and hide your titles behind menu screens that are not necessary.
This content is independent of the Digital Trends Editorial staff, which is responsible for its management and creation.
