Key Highlights
- Takuro Fushimi, Senior Manager of Product Management at Sony, announced that the PlayStation Portal is now the most widely used device for PS5 Remote Play.
- The average gameplay session on the PlayStation Portal is around two hours.
- A new update to the PlayStation Portal will introduce cloud streaming for PlayStation Plus Premium members.
- This update aims to provide more options for PS5 players to enjoy their games and increase PS5 user engagement.
PlayStation Portal Surpasses Other Devices in Remote Play Usage
According to Takuro Fushimi, the Senior Manager of Product Management at Sony, the PlayStation Portal has become the most widely used device for PS5 Remote Play. This announcement comes almost two years after the handheld’s launch and marks a significant milestone in the PlayStation ecosystem.
The Success of the PlayStation Portal
Fushimi shared that before the launch of the PlayStation Portal, there were doubts about its demand due to its unique position as a dedicated Remote Play device. However, Sony has seen an overwhelming response from the community, indicating high engagement and usage rates.
Statistics and User Engagement
The senior manager revealed that data shows PlayStation Portal users are more engaged than non-users. Specifically, Fushimi stated, “Our data shows that PlayStation portal users are more engaged than non-users.” Furthermore, the average gameplay session on the PlayStation Portal is around two hours.
New Cloud Streaming Feature Enhances Remote Play Experience
Along with confirming its popularity, Sony has announced plans to introduce a new cloud streaming feature in the upcoming update. This update will arrive on November 5 at 6pm PT / November 6 at 2am GMT and is aimed at providing more options for PS5 players.
Cloud Streaming Details
The new cloud streaming feature, available to PlayStation Plus Premium members, allows one person to play a game on the PS5 while another user can stream a different game on the PlayStation Portal simultaneously. This capability was not possible with the previous Remote Play functionality. Fushimi highlighted the potential of this update by stating that “7 out of 10 premium portal owners are already streaming as we speak.”
Black Friday Strategy and Future Plans
The launch of dedicated handheld devices by Xbox and Nintendo in 2025 could see Sony countering with PlayStation Portal deals during the upcoming Black Friday. Fushimi emphasized the strategic importance of this update, stating that the goal is to “provide more options for PS5 players to enjoy their games, attract more PS5 users to PlayStation Portal and PlayStation Plus, and to drive PS5 user engagement even further.”
Conclusion
The success of the PlayStation Portal in Remote Play usage demonstrates Sony’s commitment to expanding its gaming ecosystem. The upcoming cloud streaming feature is expected to enhance the remote play experience significantly, catering to a broader range of players and their needs.