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 enhance the remote play system's cloud capabilities, will be available later today and brings a suite of user experience and functionality improvements.

A significant addition to 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 according to which titles were most recently added to PlayStation Plus, making it easier to navigate and find their preferred games.

Another key feature is the introduction of gameplay capturing during Cloud Streaming sessions. Users can access the familiar create menu to take screenshots or record video clips, with Sony supporting video resolutions up to 1920x1080 and durations up to three minutes.

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 longer, 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 and expanding the features of the Cloud Streaming Beta based on user input.

Currently, the Cloud Streaming Beta is exclusive 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 a more independent cloud streaming device, and Sony appears 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 service evolves in conjunction with the PlayStation Portal. The ability to capture numerous screenshots during streaming sessions is just one of the many enhancements that make this update a welcome addition for users.