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

Sony is rolling out a significant update for PlayStation Portal users engaged with its Cloud Streaming Beta, enhancing the user experience and functionality of the remote play system's cloud capabilities. This update, which will be available later today, introduces several key features to streamline and enrich the gaming experience for users.

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

Another exciting feature is the introduction of gameplay capture during Cloud Streaming sessions. Users can utilize the familiar create menu to capture screenshots or record video clips, with Sony supporting video clips up to 1920x1080 resolution and up to three minutes in duration. This allows players to share their best moments from their cloud streaming adventures.

Additionally, the update brings a pause feature to gameplay. The game will automatically pause when you access the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode via the power button, or if a system error message appears. However, the pause in rest mode is limited to 15 seconds; if the Portal stays in rest mode beyond this time, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. It's important to note that this pause feature will not be supported 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 expressed its commitment to continuously improving the service based on user input.

The Cloud Streaming Beta is exclusively available to PlayStation Plus Premium members, enabling them to enjoy select PS5 games from the PS Plus Catalog through cloud streaming on the PS Portal. Following an update last year that transformed the Portal into more of a standalone cloud streaming device, Sony appears dedicated to further refining and expanding this feature.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming landscape, it will be fascinating to observe how Sony's services evolve in conjunction with the PlayStation Portal. At the very least, the ability to capture and share numerous screenshots while streaming to your Portal adds a delightful layer to the gaming experience.