Sony’s PlayStation Portal, a remote-play device designed to deliver high-quality console gaming experiences away from the TV, received its most substantial update yet.
PlayStation Portal system software update: Here’s what you must know
This update, which rolled out on 18 June 2024, introduced several user enhancements to improve the overall gaming experience.
A standout feature of this update is the added support for public Wi-Fi networks that require additional validation steps.
Previously, the PlayStation Portal was primarily recommended for home use due to the controlled Wi-Fi environment.
However, with the new update, users can now connect to a variety of public Wi-Fi networks commonly found in places like hotels, cafes, and airports.
To facilitate this, the PlayStation Portal will display a QR code when attempting to connect to these networks.
Users can scan this QR code with their smartphone or tablet, which will then allow them to complete the necessary validation steps via their mobile device’s web browser.
This enhancement broadens the device’s usability, making it more versatile for gaming on the go.
Another significant improvement is the visual feedback for touchpad areas on the PlayStation Portal’s 8-inch screen.
The update introduces new visual effects that appear when using the touchpad areas during remote play, providing a more intuitive and responsive experience.
Additionally, users now have the option to display the remaining battery level percentage on the status bar.
This feature can be enabled by navigating to the quick menu, selecting [Settings], then [System], and turning on [Show Battery Percentage] under the [Battery] section. This small but practical addition helps gamers keep better track of their device’s battery life.
How to access public Wi-Fi on PS Portal
Connecting to public Wi-Fi networks on the PlayStation Portal is straightforward with the new update.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Ensure your PlayStation Portal’s initial setup is completed at home.
- When you find a public Wi-Fi network that requires additional validation, the PlayStation Portal will generate a QR code.
- Use your smartphone or tablet to scan the QR code.
- Follow the instructions on your mobile device’s web browser to complete the network’s validation process.
- Once validated, your PlayStation Portal will connect to the public Wi-Fi network.
It’s important to note that the PlayStation Portal requires a Wi-Fi connection with at least 5Mbps for basic functionality, and a high-speed connection of 15Mbps or more is recommended for optimal gaming performance.
However, the device does not support public networks that operate at 5GHz.