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

Sony is enhancing the PlayStation Portal experience with a new update for users engaged in its Cloud Streaming Beta. This update, set to roll out later today, introduces several user experience and functionality improvements to the remote play system's cloud capabilities.

A key feature of this update 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 through the available selections.

Another significant addition is the capability to capture gameplay during a Cloud Streaming session. Users can access the familiar create menu to take screenshots or record video clips, with Sony supporting video clips up to 1920x1080 resolution and up to three minutes in length, as detailed in their PlayStation blog post.

The update also introduces gameplay pausing under specific conditions. If you open the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode via the power button, or encounter a system error message, the gameplay will pause. However, note that pausing in rest mode is limited to 15 seconds; if the Portal stays in rest mode beyond this duration, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. It's important to mention that pause functionality is not available during online multiplayer sessions.

Further enhancements include a queue system for when the streaming server reaches capacity, notifications for inactivity, and tools for user feedback. Sony has committed to continuously refining the service based on the feedback received from users.

Currently, the Cloud Streaming Beta is accessible to PlayStation Plus Premium members, enabling them to stream select PS5 games from the PS Plus Catalog directly on the PS Portal. Last year's update transformed the Portal into more of a standalone cloud streaming device, and it appears Sony is dedicated to further developing this feature.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming ecosystem, it will be fascinating to observe how Sony's offerings evolve in conjunction with the PlayStation Portal. The ability to capture numerous screenshots while streaming to the Portal is certainly a welcome addition for gamers looking to share their experiences.