Sony Unveils Japan Exclusive Midnight Black PlayStation Portal Player With Extra Storage

Sony is preparing to sell a new version of its portable game streaming device in Japan next month. The PlayStation Portal Player Midnight Black Japanese Only model arrives on December 10 for 39,980 yen, which converts to roughly 250 US dollars. Preorders open on November 13 at 10 a.m. local time through PlayStation retailers and online shops across the country. Each unit includes a one-month PlayStation Plus Premium membership so buyers can begin streaming games right away.⁠

This handheld features the same physical design and screen as previous Portal machine. An 8-inch LCD panel displays games in 1080p resolution at up to 60 frames per second. Haptic feedback and adaptive triggers from the DualSense controller are still accessible in games that support them. 3D Audio works best when used with compatible headphones or speakers. A broadband Wi-Fi connection of at least 5 megabits per second is necessary, with 15 megabits recommended for optimal performance. Actual performance remains dependent on the quality of the home or mobile network.⁠

Sony renamed the product from PlayStation Portal Remote Player to PlayStation Portal Player for this release. The change acknowledges that the device may now stream approved PS5 games straight from the cloud via a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, in addition to the previous remote play method, which connects to a PS5 console at home. Owners without a console can still play hundreds of eligible titles by redeeming the accompanying subscription. Those who already own a PS5 can continue to use the familiar remote play feature by connecting over Wi-Fi to a console that is turned on or off.⁠

Sony added extra internal storage to this model, describing it as preparation for functions that will arrive later. The corporation has yet to specify what those functions will be or how much space the additional storage will offer. Earlier Portal hardware included a tiny amount of internal memory that was inaccessible to players because the gadget only streamed material. The extra space on the Japanese model opens up the possibility of offline media, app support, and other features once Sony finalizes the plans.⁠

The device’s use is restricted to Japan, while the system language can only be adjusted to Japanese, and signing in requires a PlayStation account registered in Japan. Sony notes that the product is only for domestic usage within the country. Importing one would consequently prevent operations with accounts from other regions.⁠

Cloud streaming requires an active PlayStation Plus Premium subscription once the free month expires. The catalog includes a rotating selection of PS5 games, and customers can stream a large number of previously purchased titles that utilize the feature. Remote play continues to require a linked PS5 console on the same or compatible network. The Portal does not currently run games via local downloads, and Sony has not suggested that the increased storage will change this.⁠

Reservations begin in a few days, with the portable shipping in December. Japanese players gain a black finish that matches the region’s limited PS5 model, as well as the promise of storage for an unspecified purpose. A similar unit’s international availability has yet to be disclosed.