The latest cloud streaming update of Sony for the PlayStation Portal comes with a promise of portable play for PS5 titles. While this new era feature allows premium subscribers to stream 1000s of games directly to their handheld, initial reactions of users highlight some significant concerns. From regional restrictions to technical performances, the community is now questioning whether the service delivers upon its potential.
Grievance emerges with cloud streaming release on PlayStation portal
The excitement surrounding the cloud streaming rollout is now being tempered by the flood of user reports detailing some persistent problems. From restrictive policies to technical shortcomings, experience seems to be falling short for many users.
There are many players who are reporting some inconsistent performance. As per them, lag and latency are making all fast-paced games almost unplayable. A user with a “hardwired one terabyte fiber optic internet connection” called this update to be “objectively broken.” The user cited an unmanageable lag with it.
The sentiment was echoed by many other users, too. Some find the streaming experience to be unplayable and atrocious, despite having high-speed and strong internet.
A major contention for these users is the paywall. As per reports, the feature is locked behind $18 per month PS Plus Premium Subscription, even for the games that the users already own. It sparked immense frustration amidst all, with one gamer asking, “Why do I need a subscription to play my games brother?”
Many players even feel that to stream their purchased digital library, they do not need the most experienced tier of the service.
What more?
Apart from the above, even limited geographical availability is now causing a lot of international frustration. Gamers from South Africa, Turkey, Brazil, and many more countries are expressing disappointment. For them, cloud streaming is still unavailable in their regions. A user from in this context asked, “What’s the plan for people residing in Nigeria/Africa? There’s life outside the EU/US.”
The core limitation of the device is what makes reliance on streaming, and thereby a common request is for the ability to download games natively on Portal. A user in this regard said, “Sony thrives with story driven single player games. Shouldn’t need constant internet to play solo.” For many users, this is like a missed opportunity for making the device a truly independent one.
There are many who even say that the update is not appearing on their device. Comments including “Is this working yet??” and “My portal still says its up to date” show a problematic or staggered rollout which has left some of the Premium subscribers unable to access the new feature, which they have paid for.
An absence of a built-in web browser is a practical roadblock for many players. It is preventing them from singing into captive portals on the public Wi-Fi networks, like in airports or hotels. It limits on-the-go functionality, which cloud streaming is meant to enable.
Critics even pointed out a lack of key accessibility features like a native screen reader. Such an oversight makes the new cloud streaming function completely inaccessible for certain gamers, despite similar features being available on PS5.
Cloud streaming new features aimed to enhance the experience
Alongside the cloud streaming, Sony introduced many system enhancements that are designed to improve the overall experience from the portal. The interface of the device has been redesigned with some dedicated tabs for the Cloud Streaming, Search Function, and Remote Play for easily finding compatible titles.
New functions include 3D audio support for some compatible headsets, a network status screen to troubleshoot some connection errors and a passcode lock for security. Specifically, for cloud streaming, players can now receive game invitations. They can even make in-game purchases directly via handheld.
Promising step by PlayStation is hampered by some practical flaws
Cloud streaming introduction is a pivotal moment for PlayStation Portal. Theoretically, it transforms it from a companion screen to a standalone handheld. However, a mixed reception here underscores a significant gap between user experience and Sony’s vision.
There is a widespread complaint about the strict paywall, lag, limited availability regionally, etc., which are all preventing the update from being the universal win for Sony that they might have hoped for. In order for this portal to actually compete within the portable gaming space, addressing all these foundational issues within performance, accessibility, and pricing would be important.
As for the rest, the tech is now within players’ hands. However, its success is dependent on how Sony responds to the list of growing concerns.
