Sony’s PlayStation Portal, a remote play device that allows users to play PS5 games remotely, has been met with mixed reactions since its launch. While some users have enjoyed seamless gameplay, others have experienced lag issues even with high-speed Wi-Fi connections. Despite this, Sony is actively working on improving the device’s functionality.
A major pain point for gamers has been the inability to connect to public Wi-Fi networks, a feature that is finally being addressed in a software update launching on June 19th. This update will allow users to connect to public Wi-Fi networks that require additional validation steps beyond just entering a password, such as scanning a QR code with a smartphone or tablet.
The biggest question now is how well this feature will work in real-world scenarios, especially on notoriously slow hotel Wi-Fi networks. While Sony recommends a minimum speed of 5 Mbps for basic functionality and 15 Mbps for an optimal experience, the effectiveness of this update in challenging Wi-Fi environments remains to be seen.
Beyond public Wi-Fi support, the software update also brings visual feedback for touchpad areas and a battery level percentage display. This demonstrates Sony’s commitment to refining the PlayStation Portal experience, despite initial drawbacks. Whether this update will be enough to win over skeptical gamers and improve the device’s overall usability remains to be seen.