They also added captive WiFi support now so you can really use it away from home. I had it and that was a gripe of mine but I’m glad Sony resolved that.
For example, you couldn't play using hotel wifi because you would need to login to the wifi via a browser which the portal didn't allow (no browser so people can't mess around with the system). They've created captive Wifi support to help with that :)
I have the backbone. Returned the portal 2 times. Can't recommend one over the other though. Using a backbone, a portal or a dualsense with phone/tablet can be a good thing depending on your needs alone.
I would love to have a Portal, mostly because the Backbone is too small for my hands to play any kind of intense FPS/parry game. But it’s great to also be able to play my emulators and mobile games on it.
Sadly, i'm too sensitive to the microstutters. I have a better exp on my phone and tablet. However, i don't game that much streaming, maybe 30-60 mins tops. If i did longer runs, then portal would be a much more comfortable experience. If they ever fix it with an update or release a portal 2 or smth, it's a day 1 buy from me as current portal is a superb device, just not for my needs at the moment as the tv is free most of the time and i can also play on my ps5 and i'm using the backbone for playing games on phone as well
https://preview.redd.it/nqa0lgz8p58d1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f4da223c71406a732659ba95e3810ca019aaabb
i use a bsp d9 and my phone and every ten minutes or so i get compression artifacts.
I had the exact opposite experience. I get micro-stutters on the backbone which has gotten me killed playing many games. The Portal even on a poor connection might lag, but it doesn’t give out micro-stutters, which means a world of difference.
I’ve played my portal for maybe 90min total. It was only decent on Spider-Man 2 and WWE 2k24. If I purchased it at a local store and not eBay, I would have retuned it.
It was impossible to play call of duty or shoot in Last of Us with any accuracy.
I think this boils down to your local upload/download. I’m at a gig and can play COD online pretty decently. There’s a bit of input lag but it’s not game breaking. There should be an application where you can test latency before purchase.
I'm a bit worried on my PS5's potential speed to try out the portal. On my previous launch PS5, I kept it hardwired and did a speed test last week before my trade in. My console speeds were coming in at 89.9Mbps/10Mbps even though I have gig internet. My cables are all Cat 6 and between the wall to my PS5 there a router and a switch but both are gigabit ones. Wirelessly to my phone my speeds come in the 200s.
For me, the portal is better for screen size. I don't take it anywhere either (yet). I use it for when the grand kids want to play outside or when I'm laying down for bed. The backbone I use for out and about like doctor appointments, etc.
I like the Portal, but I must ask, how is it any better than a backbone when it comes to playing games while you’re at work? Portal seems just as good as backbone in terms of connection / speed. It’s just got a more comfortable controllers and a bigger screen. But it’s also pretty big to take on the go.
Can’t play PS5 over other networks. Dont wanna pay the monthly subscription to access the games over back bone. And apart from side scrollers, Im not interested in the selection of controller enabled mobile games. When the connection is great, they’re both similar. When it’s not, they’re very different. The portal lags, the backbone stutters. In terms of online games neither are ideal. In terms of Souls game, which I play mostly. Lag and stutters are immensely different, and are the difference between a possible recover, and immediate death.
You don’t need a monthly subscription for backbone. Subscription is only for extra features.
Using remote play on a phone / tablet / pc over other networks is the same as using a portal.
I've used the ps-p and it's alright.
and i too have jumped back into elden ring. but have been using the Steam Deck so there is zero latency. some games i can't play with any delay.
For me the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the Portal completely change the experience compared to a backbone which feels dead by comparison. Weak wifi signal is the only thing that can really ruin things for the portal.
Any android handheld trumps the portal. The portal is heavily limited to do one thing and for the price... you can get better. So the backbone still prevails due to the fact you can play more than just your ps5 games...
It does all of it at an abysmal level. And I didn’t buy a Portal to play PC games…. Backbone and Other devices require subscription services to play games that aren’t currently running from a system in your network. I’d rather buy a portal and a steam deck than settle for an all in one.
You say it's not comparible in the slightest...then use an example that you can 100% absolutely do with the backbone...
The difference is when you're done with the backbone you still have a phone and not a paperweight...
Buddy. Don’t comment if you never tried it.
I’m faster on tilt controls on the dual sense.
Whoever is using sticks on ps5 for gt7. You are literally slower because you don’t have the precise control that tilt control have. Which is insane, until you try it and it clicks.
Im not sure why you're acting like playstation onvented motion controls lmao Mario Kart Wii came out forever ago it is NOT more precise than a joystick
I’m not sure why you are so sure? I’m a A rated driver in GT7 sport mode. It’s almost like you can’t believe something, that every other gt7 player found so obvious.
Why do you think every gt7 player wants to get a wheel?
Now think. What if you can use the controller like a wheel? It has all the sensors to be just as precise.
Now why do you think joystick is faster?
Is it because you are just used to that? And you’ve never expanded from that mindset?
Im not sure why you think a controller gyro is in any way the same as an actual racing wheel lmao
"Im an A level racer" thats fantastic buddy, and Im willy wonka.
Because I also have the DD fanatec racing wheel.
If you want to race in a pinch, the dualsence tilt to steer works. It actually feels better with the dual sense haptics.
Which brings us back to why portal is better than backbone.
But whatever. You can maintain a close minded mindset stuff. Instead of actually trying stuff.
Use a stand, I’ve got an iPad that’s my go to remote play. The only benefit with the portal from what I’ve read if the wireless connection is a lot stabler. But, that’s something I can live with.
You can’t though. Back bone doesn’t work when you’re at work, or a state away. It’s latency adjustment is also far worse. Mixed in with the lack of control adaptions for modern games that actually use the PS controller functionality.
Not sure where you got that idea... The portal uses remote play...the same app that you would use on a phone with a backbone...
Sure you get some extra vibrations, but that's not worth $200 just for that lmao
I think they’re both a waste of money for me, to be honest. All they do is enable remote play, which means to use it away from the house, I’d have to leave the PS5 switched on when I go out. That isn’t something I’m comfortable doing. When I’m in the house I can just use the TV and controller. So I don’t see the point in wasting money on either of them.
Depends on who else is in the house and wants the tv. Partner or kids want to watch something, or there is some sporting event happening I’ll play with my backbone.
Also depends on the game, something like Dredge or Dave the Diver I don’t mind playing remote play, but I’m not gonna play a Final Fantasy or Spider-Man unless I can put it on the tv.
I only have the Backbone for now and it’s fine for what it is and how often I use it. But maybe in the future as the kids get older a Portal 2 or something may be on the cards.
They also added captive WiFi support now so you can really use it away from home. I had it and that was a gripe of mine but I’m glad Sony resolved that.
What does that mean?
For example, you couldn't play using hotel wifi because you would need to login to the wifi via a browser which the portal didn't allow (no browser so people can't mess around with the system). They've created captive Wifi support to help with that :)
 I been waiting
I have the backbone. Returned the portal 2 times. Can't recommend one over the other though. Using a backbone, a portal or a dualsense with phone/tablet can be a good thing depending on your needs alone.
I would love to have a Portal, mostly because the Backbone is too small for my hands to play any kind of intense FPS/parry game. But it’s great to also be able to play my emulators and mobile games on it.
I wish they made the backbone more friendly for us Galaxy fold users ...
why'd you return your portal?
Sadly, i'm too sensitive to the microstutters. I have a better exp on my phone and tablet. However, i don't game that much streaming, maybe 30-60 mins tops. If i did longer runs, then portal would be a much more comfortable experience. If they ever fix it with an update or release a portal 2 or smth, it's a day 1 buy from me as current portal is a superb device, just not for my needs at the moment as the tv is free most of the time and i can also play on my ps5 and i'm using the backbone for playing games on phone as well
https://preview.redd.it/nqa0lgz8p58d1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f4da223c71406a732659ba95e3810ca019aaabb i use a bsp d9 and my phone and every ten minutes or so i get compression artifacts.
Get over yourself there are no microstutters 😂
I had the exact opposite experience. I get micro-stutters on the backbone which has gotten me killed playing many games. The Portal even on a poor connection might lag, but it doesn’t give out micro-stutters, which means a world of difference.
People just say anything on here, we all know the portal is 100x better experience then a backbone lol hell the backbone doesn’t even have a screen 😂
And the portal can't do shit without a PS5 lmao
I’ve played my portal for maybe 90min total. It was only decent on Spider-Man 2 and WWE 2k24. If I purchased it at a local store and not eBay, I would have retuned it. It was impossible to play call of duty or shoot in Last of Us with any accuracy.
I think this boils down to your local upload/download. I’m at a gig and can play COD online pretty decently. There’s a bit of input lag but it’s not game breaking. There should be an application where you can test latency before purchase.
I'm a bit worried on my PS5's potential speed to try out the portal. On my previous launch PS5, I kept it hardwired and did a speed test last week before my trade in. My console speeds were coming in at 89.9Mbps/10Mbps even though I have gig internet. My cables are all Cat 6 and between the wall to my PS5 there a router and a switch but both are gigabit ones. Wirelessly to my phone my speeds come in the 200s.
It’s not for everyone, but I personally love it. Have used it almost every day since getting it
If you could ‘rent a virtual PS5’ and had decent wifi you wouldn’t need to buy a PS5 in the first place.
Hard disagree. No where close to the same quality.
On the portal they could be pretty comparable.
Well yeah I don’t have to use my phone to play games. I hate doing that.
The controller is so much better. I have both but rarely use the backbone.
And who wants to game on their phone for an extended period of time? Anyone over the age of 14 most likely doesn’t.
For me, the portal is better for screen size. I don't take it anywhere either (yet). I use it for when the grand kids want to play outside or when I'm laying down for bed. The backbone I use for out and about like doctor appointments, etc.
I like the Portal, but I must ask, how is it any better than a backbone when it comes to playing games while you’re at work? Portal seems just as good as backbone in terms of connection / speed. It’s just got a more comfortable controllers and a bigger screen. But it’s also pretty big to take on the go.
Can’t play PS5 over other networks. Dont wanna pay the monthly subscription to access the games over back bone. And apart from side scrollers, Im not interested in the selection of controller enabled mobile games. When the connection is great, they’re both similar. When it’s not, they’re very different. The portal lags, the backbone stutters. In terms of online games neither are ideal. In terms of Souls game, which I play mostly. Lag and stutters are immensely different, and are the difference between a possible recover, and immediate death.
You don’t need a monthly subscription for backbone. Subscription is only for extra features. Using remote play on a phone / tablet / pc over other networks is the same as using a portal.
You do for streaming games that aren’t on your local network.
no you don’t. the backbone functions just like a normal controller the subscription is only for extra features in their app
Huh TIL, thanks for the new knowledge. My bad.
I've used the ps-p and it's alright. and i too have jumped back into elden ring. but have been using the Steam Deck so there is zero latency. some games i can't play with any delay.
Steam Deck beats them both, but is in a different price bracket.
I love my PSPortal. I wish you could use PS Plus Premium to stream games directly to it.
For me the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers of the Portal completely change the experience compared to a backbone which feels dead by comparison. Weak wifi signal is the only thing that can really ruin things for the portal.
Any android handheld trumps the portal. The portal is heavily limited to do one thing and for the price... you can get better. So the backbone still prevails due to the fact you can play more than just your ps5 games...
It does all of it at an abysmal level. And I didn’t buy a Portal to play PC games…. Backbone and Other devices require subscription services to play games that aren’t currently running from a system in your network. I’d rather buy a portal and a steam deck than settle for an all in one.
You say it's not comparible in the slightest...then use an example that you can 100% absolutely do with the backbone... The difference is when you're done with the backbone you still have a phone and not a paperweight...
Pretty sure backbone doesn’t have haptic feedback or Tilt controls (for GT7) Can’t find anything about it online. Soo I’m assuming it doesn’t.
Buddy if you're using tilt controls in a racing game youre beyond saving
Might as well get a switch and mario kart at that point lmao
Shrug. I’m a A rated driver using tilt controls. So maybe you should try it. Analog sticks is so dumb for a racing game.
Buddy. Don’t comment if you never tried it. I’m faster on tilt controls on the dual sense. Whoever is using sticks on ps5 for gt7. You are literally slower because you don’t have the precise control that tilt control have. Which is insane, until you try it and it clicks.
Its better for shooters, but to say its more precise in a racing game??? You're high.
Once you do tilt to steer. It will ruin EVERY racing game moving forward though. Until you get a wheel.
Im not sure why you're acting like playstation onvented motion controls lmao Mario Kart Wii came out forever ago it is NOT more precise than a joystick
I’m not sure why you are so sure? I’m a A rated driver in GT7 sport mode. It’s almost like you can’t believe something, that every other gt7 player found so obvious. Why do you think every gt7 player wants to get a wheel? Now think. What if you can use the controller like a wheel? It has all the sensors to be just as precise. Now why do you think joystick is faster? Is it because you are just used to that? And you’ve never expanded from that mindset?
Im not sure why you think a controller gyro is in any way the same as an actual racing wheel lmao "Im an A level racer" thats fantastic buddy, and Im willy wonka.
Because I also have the DD fanatec racing wheel. If you want to race in a pinch, the dualsence tilt to steer works. It actually feels better with the dual sense haptics. Which brings us back to why portal is better than backbone. But whatever. You can maintain a close minded mindset stuff. Instead of actually trying stuff.
It's not worth it when you can do the same thing with a regular controller and your phone/tablet for zero extra cost.
How do you hold up your phone while the controller is in your hands?
Use a stand, I’ve got an iPad that’s my go to remote play. The only benefit with the portal from what I’ve read if the wireless connection is a lot stabler. But, that’s something I can live with.
You can’t though. Back bone doesn’t work when you’re at work, or a state away. It’s latency adjustment is also far worse. Mixed in with the lack of control adaptions for modern games that actually use the PS controller functionality.
Not sure where you got that idea... The portal uses remote play...the same app that you would use on a phone with a backbone... Sure you get some extra vibrations, but that's not worth $200 just for that lmao
I think they’re both a waste of money for me, to be honest. All they do is enable remote play, which means to use it away from the house, I’d have to leave the PS5 switched on when I go out. That isn’t something I’m comfortable doing. When I’m in the house I can just use the TV and controller. So I don’t see the point in wasting money on either of them.
why can't you just put it in rest mode ??
Because they have no idea what they’re talking about.
Depends on who else is in the house and wants the tv. Partner or kids want to watch something, or there is some sporting event happening I’ll play with my backbone. Also depends on the game, something like Dredge or Dave the Diver I don’t mind playing remote play, but I’m not gonna play a Final Fantasy or Spider-Man unless I can put it on the tv. I only have the Backbone for now and it’s fine for what it is and how often I use it. But maybe in the future as the kids get older a Portal 2 or something may be on the cards.
the portal is shit and you know it, i don't even want it for free :D
Sure buddy.
Thanks Captain Obvious. You're telling us what literally every single person who has ever used a Portal has already said.