Sony’s New PlayStation Portal: Unboxing and Initial Impressions
The highly anticipated PlayStation Portal is set to make its debut on November 15th, marking Sony’s return to the handheld gaming market. In preparation for its release, we had the opportunity to get our hands on a unit and share our initial impressions of the design and unboxing experience.
The packaging for the PlayStation Portal is relatively simple, with an interior cardboard box sliding out of its printed sleeve. Inside, the Portal is wrapped and accompanied by instructions and a double-ended USB-C charging cable.
Upon first glance, the size of the Portal is striking. With an 8-inch LCD screen and DualSense grips on either side, the device closely resembles the form and feel of the PS5 controller. In comparison to other handheld devices, such as the Steam Deck, the Portal stands out for its substantial size. The console features all the buttons and features of a regular DualSense controller, with the exception of the touchpad, and includes speakers, power, pairing, and volume buttons along the top of the screen, as well as a USB charging slot and a 3.5mm audio jack tucked behind the screen.
Despite its somewhat unconventional form-factor, the Portal is surprisingly comfortable to hold. In contrast to other handheld devices on the market, the Portal is poised to be one of the most comfortable options for extended gaming sessions.
While our experience has been limited to the design and feel of the console, we anticipate providing a full review closer to the Portal’s launch. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised by the build quality and size of the Portal, and we’re eager to see it in action.
Are you considering purchasing the PS Portal? Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more coverage leading up to the release date.