PlayStation Portal release date window – price, specs and what we know so far

Now that Sony has announced a new device for Remote Play we’re taking a look at the PlayStation Portal release date window, and everything else we know so far.

Sony has just revealed new details about their new PlayStation console. It’s going to be the company’s first proper re-entry to the handheld gaming market since the PS Vita and we’re absolutely here for it. According to Sony, you’ll be able to connect the device to your PS5 over Wi-Fi, and will be compatible with its DualSense and DualSense Edge controller.

It looks like the dream purchase for anyone who has to fight over the communal TV with their housemates, or for those who wish they could play their beloved PS games from the comforts of their bed. Anyone with a stable internet connection on the go should also be very excited indeed. The possibilities are endless!

Sony has not given us a specific date yet, though, but below we’ll run through some predictions around when we could expect to see the PlayStation Portal released. Sony has also announced new Pulse Wireless Earbuds and a new Pulse Elite wireless headset.

PlayStation Portal release date window – when could it arrive?

Before the handheld was formally announced as the PlayStation Portal, Jim Ryans said that the mystery handheld, known then as Project Q, would launch “later this year,” towards the end of 2023. So while we know for sure it’ll launch in 2023, we don’t know exactly when. If we had to make an educated guess, we’d say that the PlayStation Portal could launch at the turn of Q3 and Q4, just in time for the Black Friday and Christmas sales. Start writing your Christmas wish lists, kids!

Prior PlayStation handheld release date history

• PlayStation Portable: December 2004
• PlayStation Vita: December 2011

As shown above, PlayStation’s recent (if you can say that about 2004 and 2011) release history is suggesting that Q4 is a popular time for Sony handheld releases. However, there isn’t really much weight here, especially considering it’s nearly 19 years since now and their first release.

Particularly prior to Sony’s announcement in August, the design was subject to these funny Project Q mock-ups strewn over the internet, though we could expect the simple hardware to reflect a simple development and launch process.

PlayStation Portal specs – what we know so far

To whet your appetites, Sony has confirmed the handheld is built with a vibrant 8-inch LCD screen, making it the same size as the Steam Deck, and about an inch smaller than the ASUS ROG Ally. The PlayStation Portal is capable of 1080p at 60fps which will look great on your favourite games.

Alongside that, we’ve got confirmation of the design – which effectively confirms the controller specs. It features the classic PS5 controller layout, though the touchpad is expectedly missing.

We don’t really know much about the internal hardware in the PS Portal, though we expect it to be reasonably simple. The device will just be streaming content from your PS5 – so much of the graphical rendering can be offloaded to the dedicated hardware. We can expect a sophisticated controller interface, alongside impressive networking features.

PlayStation Portal price – how much will it cost?

Sony has confirmed the PlayStation Portal will cost 199.99 USD / 219.99 EURO /199.99 GBP / 29,980 YEN. There’ll also be a pre-order period that will start soon too.

---

We’re going to be keeping our eyes peeled for the latest on the PlayStation Project Q – so make sure to check back in with us periodically for the latest updates.