Last November, Sony added Cloud Streaming (Beta) to the PlayStation Portal, essentially turning it into a standalone handheld. Before that, the PlayStation Portal could only be used for streaming content from another PlayStation 5 console, preferably on the same network for the best performance. In April 2025, the handheld received numerous enhancements to Cloud Streaming, and it looks like it’s finally ready to ship.
Sony has confirmed that starting today, November 5, at 6:00 PM Pacific (9:00 PM Eastern), Cloud Streaming for PS5 Games officially launches on PlayStation Portal for PlayStation Plus Premium members. Again, this allows PlayStation Portal users to play PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog titles via Cloud Streaming, all without needing to connect to an existing PlayStation 5 console.
At launch, thousands of PlayStation 5 games will support Cloud Streaming, including Astro Bot, Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Fortnite, Ghost of Yōtei, and more. PlayStation Plus Premium members will be able to stream select digital PlayStation 5 games from their own library, while hundreds of compatible games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog can be streamed directly from the cloud. PlayStation has published a full list of streamable titles.
The update also brings a redesigned UI to the handheld console. The home screen now features three tabs: Remote Play, Cloud Streaming, and Search. The Remote Play home screen is where you use the PlayStation Portal as originally intended, by connecting to a paired PlayStation 5 console. Users do not need a PlayStation Plus membership to use Remote Play. The Cloud Streaming home screen is where Cloud Streaming lives, for PlayStation Plus Premium members to instantly stream numerous PlayStation 5 games. The Search screen lets users quickly find any game that supports Cloud Streaming.
There are also some tweaks to enhance the gameplay experience, including 3D Audio Support, Passcode Lock, and a Network Status Screen. 3D Audio is now available during Remote Play and Cloud Streaming on supported games, assuming you’re using a compatible audio device. Users can also set up a passcode now to lock their PlayStation Portal device. The final update is one that has been requested by users since the Portal’s launch, adding an easy-to-access status view for network connection.
As for Cloud Streaming, it also received a few enhancements. These include support for in-game purchases, so users can spend money on add-on items and in-game currencies without leaving their game sessions. PlayStation has also added numerous accessibility options, including a screen reader and adjustable text size. Lastly, users can now receive game invites from friends that are playing the same game during Cloud Streaming, allowing them to quickly join a multiplayer session from the Quick menu.
