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, enhancing the user experience and general functionality of the remote play system's cloud capabilities. This update, set to be available later today, introduces several key features that will improve the way players interact with the service.

One of the standout additions is the ability to sort games within the Cloud Streaming Beta catalog. Players can now organize their games by Name, Release Date, or based on which titles were most recently added to PlayStation Plus, making it easier to navigate and find the games they want to play.

Another significant update is the introduction of gameplay capturing during Cloud Streaming sessions. Users can now access the familiar create menu to take screenshots or record video clips, with Sony supporting video clips up to 1920x1080 resolution and up to three minutes in duration. This feature allows players to capture and share their favorite moments from their cloud streaming experiences.

Additionally, gameplay will now pause under certain conditions, such as when the PS Portal quick menu is opened, when entering rest mode via 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. It's worth noting that this pause feature is not supported in online multiplayer games.

Other enhancements include a queue system for when the streaming server reaches capacity, notifications for inactivity, and tools for user feedback. Sony has expressed its commitment to continuously improving 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 more of a standalone cloud streaming device, and it appears Sony is dedicated to further refining this feature.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming ecosystem, it will be fascinating to see how Sony's offerings evolve in conjunction with the PlayStation Portal. The ability to capture numerous screenshots during streaming sessions is just one of the many conveniences that enhance the overall experience for users.