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

Sony is enhancing the gaming experience for PlayStation Portal users with a new update to 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.

One of the key features 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 by which titles were most recently added to PlayStation Plus, making it easier to navigate through the selection.

Another significant enhancement is the introduction of gameplay capturing during Cloud Streaming sessions. Users can access the usual create menu options to take screenshots or record video clips, with support for video clips up to 1920x1080 resolution and up to three minutes in duration, as detailed in the PlayStation blog.

Additionally, gameplay will now pause automatically when you open the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode using 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 longer, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. Note that pausing is not supported during online multiplayer sessions.

Other updates include a queue system for when the streaming server reaches capacity, notifications for inactivity, and tools for user feedback. Sony has committed to continuously adding new features based on user input.

The Cloud Streaming Beta is exclusively available to PlayStation Plus Premium members, allowing 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 refining this feature.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming ecosystem, it will be fascinating to see how Sony's service evolves in conjunction with the PlayStation Portal. One immediate benefit for users is the ability to capture numerous screenshots during their streaming sessions on the Portal.