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

Sony is set to enhance the user experience for PlayStation Portal users with a new update to its Cloud Streaming Beta, rolling out later today. This update introduces several key features aimed at improving functionality and user interaction within the remote play system's cloud capabilities.

One significant addition is the ability to sort games within the Cloud Streaming Beta catalog. Players can now organize their game library by Name, Release Date, or according to which titles were most recently added to PlayStation Plus. This feature will help users navigate the catalog more efficiently and find new games to enjoy.

Another exciting update is the introduction of gameplay capture during Cloud Streaming sessions. Users can access the familiar create menu options to take screenshots or record video clips, with Sony supporting video clips up to 1920x1080 resolution and up to three minutes in length. This feature allows players to capture and share their gaming moments directly from the cloud.

Additionally, gameplay will now pause when you access the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode using the power button, or if a system error message appears. However, the rest mode pause is limited to 15 seconds; if the Portal remains in rest mode beyond this time, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. It's worth noting that pause functionality is not supported in online multiplayer scenarios.

Other enhancements include a queue system for when the streaming server reaches capacity, notifications for user inactivity, and new user feedback tools. Sony has committed to ongoing development, promising to add more features based on user feedback.

The Cloud Streaming Beta remains exclusive to PlayStation Plus Premium members, enabling them to stream select PS5 games from the PS Plus Catalog on the PS Portal. Last year's update transformed the Portal into a more 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 observe how Sony's offerings evolve in tandem with the PlayStation Portal. The ability to capture dozens of screenshots during streaming sessions is just one of the many conveniences this update brings to the table.