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

Sony is rolling out an exciting new update for PlayStation Portal users participating in its Cloud Streaming Beta. This update, set to launch later today, brings a suite of enhancements to the remote play system's cloud capabilities, promising to elevate the user experience.

One of the standout features in this update is the ability to sort games within the Cloud Streaming Beta catalog. Players can now organize their game library by Name, Release Date, or by which titles were most recently added to PlayStation Plus. This sorting feature makes it easier for users to navigate and find the games they want to play.

Another significant addition is the ability to capture gameplay during a Cloud Streaming session. Users can access the familiar create menu to snap screenshots or record video clips, just as they would on a local console. According to the PlayStation blog, video clips can be recorded at up to 1920x1080 resolution and can last up to three minutes, offering ample opportunity for players to capture and share their best moments.

Additionally, gameplay will now pause when you access the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode using the power button, or if a system error message appears. However, note that the rest mode pause is limited to 15 seconds; if the Portal remains in rest mode beyond this duration, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. It's also important to mention that this pause feature won't be available during online multiplayer sessions.

Other 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 refining and expanding the feature set 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 via cloud streaming on the PS Portal. Last year's update transformed the Portal into a more independent cloud streaming device, and with this latest update, it's clear that Sony is dedicated to further developing this capability.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming ecosystem, it will be fascinating to observe how Sony's offerings evolve in tandem with the PlayStation Portal. For now, the ability to capture numerous screenshots while streaming to your Portal adds a delightful layer of engagement to the gaming experience.