Behold, the PlayStation Portal – Sony’s eccentric and eye-catching new wireless PS5 handheld. Resembling a split DualSense controller with a touchscreen in the middle, it’s a real head-turner, akin to a Hummer transformed into a stretch limousine. If you saw the first snapshots of this contraption online, your initial reaction might have been similar to mine, thinking it was a sketch on a napkin or that PlayStation boss Jim Ryan lost a bet.
Upon unboxing, its enigmatic appearance remains. It’s akin to a boomerang made from a Kindle, with a tactile, grime-attracting texture on the back of each controller arm that, nonetheless, feels good to the touch.
Despite its peculiar looks, Sony’s handheld is surprisingly comfortable. The detached handles shift the center of gravity toward the middle of the screen, making it feel lighter than it actually is. Moreover, the curved sides are gentler on the palms than those of the Switch or Steam Deck. It’s just like holding a standard controller, but in a not-so-standard shape.
The handles are about an inch shorter than those of the standard DualSense, so there might be a bit of a learning curve in getting used to them. Nevertheless, the Portal’s sturdy construction and solid screen frame make it resilient, even though the lower corners of the screen are somewhat vulnerable.
Regrettably, this handheld doesn’t come with a dedicated power brick, just a USB cable to use with another adapter or to plug into the front of your PS5. However, the Portal is set to launch on November 15 with a full review coming soon. PlayStation Portal launches November 15, don’t miss it.
