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

Sony is rolling out a new update for PlayStation Portal users participating in its Cloud Streaming Beta, introducing several enhancements to the remote play system's cloud capabilities later today.

A key addition is the ability to sort games within the Cloud Streaming Beta catalog. Players can now organize titles by Name, Release Date, or according to which games were most recently added to PlayStation Plus, making it easier to navigate and find what you're looking for.

Another exciting update is the introduction of gameplay capturing during Cloud Streaming sessions. Users can access the familiar create menu to take screenshots or record video clips. According to the PlayStation blog, video clips can be recorded in up to 1920x1080 resolution and last up to three minutes.

Gameplay will also 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 remains in rest mode longer, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. Note that pausing isn't supported in online multiplayer games.

Additional 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 refining the service 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 a more standalone cloud streaming device, and Sony appears dedicated to further enhancing this feature over time.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming ecosystem, it will be fascinating to see how Sony's service evolves with the PlayStation Portal. The ability to capture numerous screenshots while streaming to your Portal is certainly a welcome addition.