PlayStation Portal Enhances Cloud Streaming with Beta Updates, Adds Gameplay Capture

Sony is enhancing the PlayStation Portal experience with a new update focused on its Cloud Streaming Beta, which will be available to users later today. This update brings several improvements and new features to the remote play system's cloud capabilities.

One of the key additions is the ability to sort games within the Cloud Streaming Beta catalog. Players can now organize their games by Name, Release Date, or based on which titles were most recently added to PlayStation Plus, making it easier to navigate and find the games they want to play.

Another significant update is the introduction of gameplay capture during Cloud Streaming sessions. Users can access the usual create menu options to take screenshots or record video clips. According to the PlayStation blog, video clips can be captured at a resolution of up to 1920x1080 and can last up to three minutes.

Gameplay will now pause automatically when you open the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode using the power button, or if a system error message appears. However, the pause in rest mode is limited to 15 seconds; if the Portal remains in rest mode longer than that, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. It's worth noting that this pause feature does not apply to online multiplayer games.

Additional updates include a queue system for when the streaming server reaches capacity, notifications for inactivity, and new user feedback tools. Sony has emphasized that it will continue to refine and expand the feature set based on user feedback.

The Cloud Streaming Beta is exclusively available to PlayStation Plus Premium members, allowing them to stream select PS5 games from the PS Plus Catalog directly on the PS Portal. Last year's update transformed the Portal into a more independent cloud streaming device, and Sony appears committed to further developing this functionality.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming landscape, it will be fascinating to observe how Sony's service evolves in conjunction with the PlayStation Portal. The ability to capture numerous screenshots during streaming sessions is a welcome addition for players.

This update underscores Sony's dedication to enhancing the user experience and expanding the capabilities of the PlayStation Portal, promising exciting developments for cloud gaming enthusiasts.