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

Sony is rolling out an exciting new update for PlayStation Portal users participating in its Cloud Streaming Beta. This update, set to be released later today, introduces several enhancements to the user experience and general functionality of the remote play system's cloud capabilities.

A significant feature of this update is the ability to sort games within the Cloud Streaming Beta catalog. Players can now organize their games by Name, Release Date, or by which titles were most recently added to PlayStation Plus, making it easier to navigate through the selection.

Another eagerly anticipated addition is the capability to capture gameplay during a Cloud Streaming session. Users can access the create menu to take screenshots or record video clips, just as they would in regular gameplay. According to the PlayStation blog, video clips can be recorded at up to 1920x1080 resolution and up to three minutes in length.

Gameplay will now pause automatically when you open the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode using the power button, or if a system error message appears. However, note that the rest mode pause is limited to 15 seconds; if the Portal stays in rest mode beyond this time, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. This pause feature does not apply to online multiplayer games.

Additional updates include a queue system for when the streaming server reaches capacity, notifications for inactivity, and new user feedback tools. Sony has committed to continuously refining the service based on user input.

The Cloud Streaming Beta is exclusively available to PlayStation Plus Premium members, enabling them to stream select PS5 games from the PS Plus Catalog directly to their PS Portal. Last year's update transformed the Portal into more of a standalone cloud streaming device, and it seems Sony is dedicated to further developing this functionality.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming landscape, it will be fascinating to observe how Sony's offerings and the PlayStation Portal evolve. For now, the ability to capture dozens of screenshots during a streaming session adds a delightful layer of engagement for users.