PlayStation Portal features an 8-inch LCD screen. (Image Source: Sony)
Sony brought back its handheld ambitions in 2023 with the launch of the PlayStation Portal, and while the idea excited many gamers, the reality felt limited. The device was designed mainly for remote play, which meant users needed a PlayStation 5 at home and a constant internet connection to play games. For many people, that restriction stopped it from feeling like a true handheld console.
Things improved late last year when Sony rolled out an important update. This update added cloud gaming support, allowing PlayStation Portal owners with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription to stream games directly to the device. In simple terms, a PS5 is no longer required to play, making the Portal far more flexible than before. It still does not run games on its own like some other handhelds, but the update made it a much more practical option for gaming on the move.
Now, a fresh leak has stirred new excitement around the PlayStation Portal. It appears that the company is also working to launch an enhanced variant of the console featuring an OLED screen that refreshes at 120Hz. Currently, the gaming console boasts a 1080p display, which refreshes at 60Hz. As such, the new display would provide significant upgrades to the user experience. OLED displays have a reputation for offering black and vivid colours, as well as high contrast, which makes games appear lively.
The leak further reveals that the name of this improved variant may also be the PlayStation Portal Pro. Yet, no information has been released regarding the launch time and possible pricing for the upcoming gaming device. In the event of Sony’s potential launch of OLED variants, the expected pricing may exceed the current cost of the PlayStation Portal, which is $200.
It’s worth noting that this has not yet been confirmed by the company and could simply be a rumour at this time. If an updated *Portal* series title does come out, it could make its appearance later this year during the holiday season when the latest *PlayStation* console releases.
For gamers who were unsure about the original PlayStation Portal, an OLED version combined with cloud gaming support could be enough to change minds. Even with its limits, the device now feels much closer to a proper handheld than it did at launch.
At the same time, many long-time PlayStation fans continue to hope Sony will one day return to making a handheld that plays games natively, like the PSP or PS Vita. While there are rumours of new PlayStation consoles in development, those plans still appear to be years away, and much could change before they become a reality.