Is Sony’s New Midnight Black PlayStation Portal the Handy Remote Play Hero for 2025?
Sony dropped something a little unusual, a little niche, yet strangely alluring in 2025 – the Midnight Black PlayStation Portal. If you’re picturing a sleek, black gadget crafted in the secret lair of some PlayStation hardware wizard, you’re not far off (it does look great). But what it actually is might surprise you, especially if you’re used to handhelds that run games by themselves.
At first glance the Portal looks like your standard controller on a holiday diet: a familiar DualSense layout, but stretched out and hugging a glossy 8-inch 1080p LCD screen right in the centre. It’s comfortable enough in the hands, and the Midnight Black colourway gives it a stealthy vibe that pairs nicely with your PS5 Pro or Retro gaming shelf.
So What Does the Portal Actually Do?
Here’s the twist – the PlayStation Portal is not a standalone handheld like a Switch or Steam Deck. It doesn’t run games itself. Instead, it’s a dedicated Remote Play streaming device. That means it streams games from your PS5 over Wi-Fi straight to its screen, and you play them as if the console were attached to your hands instead of a TV.
That’s both brilliant and weirdly limiting.
In the best case scenario you’re cruising through Elden Ring or Horizon Forbidden West from the couch, bed, or mysteriously empty seat next to your partner who really wanted to watch that cooking show. But try to take it on the bus without a strong signal and it quickly goes from badass to buffering symbol real fast.
What’s in the Box (Apart from Swooning Over the Colour)?
- Nice design; comfortable grips that feel like a DualSense you actually want to hold.
- 8-inch full HD screen – crisp enough for fast action, even if it’s not OLED.
- All the buttons, triggers, rumble tech and adaptive triggers you’re used to.
- No Bluetooth audio support (a big missed opportunity); you need wired headphones or PlayStation Link buds.(Wikipedia)
- On-device power and volume controls plus USB-C charging.
Despite what some might call limitations, it feels like a true PlayStation peripheral rather than a half-baked streaming gadget.
Cloud Streaming, Now With More Power
Sony didn’t just stop at PS5 Wi-Fi streaming. A big 2025 update unlocked cloud streaming for Portal owners with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. That means you can stream a huge selection of games straight from Sony’s servers – no PS5 required. Titles like Cyberpunk 2077, God of War Ragnarök and Spider-Man 2 are in the mix, so you’re not just tethered to your console anymore. (Tom’s Guide)
That’s a game changer for commuters, couch warriors and anyone who hates having to wait to play their own games. Still, you’ll need a beefy internet connection and the top-tier PS Plus to get the most out of it. (GamesRadar+)
Find out more in this video review:
So, Should Gamers Care in 2025?
Here’s the honest take: if you already own a PS5 and you want a premium, official way to play your games out of the living room, the Portal is one of the coolest accessories Sony’s made. It’s pricey for what it does, but the build quality, DualSense features and now cloud streaming make it more than “just a remote player”.
If you hoped for a handheld that would finally replace your Switch or Steam Deck library, well… that’s not this. This is more like a luxury remote control for gamers – with a screen you can take places (as long as your Wi-Fi behaves).
Verdict: It’s a niche device that fills its niche very well, especially in Midnight Black. If you love shiny toys and seamless Remote Play, you might already be sold. Just remember it’s still playing second fiddle to your PS5 – but in a very stylish way.