PlayStation Portal May Be Due for a Redesign

Key Insights

• Buzz is that Sony’s PlayStation Portal might soon come in a sleek black model.
• The black version is expected to cost the same as the current white model.
• Other PS5 gear, including a potential black DualSense Edge, is also part of the rumor mill.

PlayStation fans may soon have a new color option to consider. According to a well-connected source in the gaming industry, Sony is planning to launch the PlayStation Portal in black. Right now, gamers can pick from a standard white model or the limited edition 30th anniversary classic grey. The new color option seems like a strategic way to refresh the device’s look.

This speculation about a new hue for Sony’s in-demand streaming gadget is hot on the heels of PlayStation Portal’s most significant update to date. Until the update rolled out on November 19, the Portal could only stream from a PlayStation 5, requiring both devices for gameplay. Now, PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers have the flexibility to access over 120 games straight from the cloud. As long as there’s a solid Wi-Fi connection with at least 5Mbps download and upload speeds, a PS5 isn’t necessary. That said, for games not in the PlayStation Plus library, you’ll still need to link up to a PlayStation 5.

A New Black PlayStation Portal on the Horizon?

Despite whispers of Sony working on a new handheld PlayStation device, the current chatter is about a black PlayStation Portal rolling out soon. Trusted Dealabs journalist, billbil-kun—who’s known for nailing hardware release predictions—claims that the black variant will debut with limited availability, so anticipate some scarcity. Pricing reportedly stays steady at $199.99 USD or £199.99 GBP, with the black version launching across Europe, North America, and "other regions."

Sony has a track record of jazzing up its product color palettes. While initially released in white, the PlayStation 5 and its accessories like the DualSense controller have since seen various color adaptations. So, while Sony hasn’t officially confirmed a black PlayStation Portal, it wouldn’t be out of character given their history. The Portal’s been a hit, and adding a fresh color could keep that momentum going.

Further boosting these claims, Dealabs reported earlier that Sony might also launch a black version of the DualSense Edge. The company’s line-up of other accessories, including the Pulse Elite wireless headset and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, are expected to hit the market around the same time. However, as of now, there’s no definite timeline for when we might see the new black PlayStation Portal in stores.

Spotlight on the PlayStation Portal

While it’s not exactly picking up the PSP’s baton, the PlayStation Portal fills an old void—offering a private gaming screen instead of sharing the family TV. This remote play gadget lets players mirror their PlayStation 5 onto an 8-inch 1080p LCD screen. What makes the PlayStation Portal stand out is its DualSense wireless controller technology, featuring adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. However, it falls short with no Bluetooth support for audio, although it works with the PlayStation Pulse earbuds or a headset via a 3.5mm jack.

This device promises 6-8 hours of gameplay on a single charge. Weighing in at 529g, it’s comfortably portable, and its display promises clear, vibrant gaming visuals. Launched on November 15, 2023, the PlayStation Portal is truly rewriting how we play.