The imminent arrival of the PlayStation Portal marks Sony’s daring return to the handheld gaming market. We had the privilege of trying out a unit ahead of its November 15th release date to bring our PlayStation 5 experience on the go. But before we power up this new device, let’s dive into the unboxing experience and our initial impressions of its design.
Sony has opted for a relatively simple approach, presenting an interior cardboard box sliding out of its printed sleeve, containing the Portal wrapped in a protective covering, accompanied by instructions and a double-ended USB-C charging cable.
The first thing that immediately stands out is the size of the Portal. With an 8-inch LCD screen and DualSense grips on either side, it perfectly captures the form and feel of the PS5 controller. When placed next to other handheld devices, it becomes apparent how large it is — it’s even comparable in size to the Steam Deck. You can view some video comparisons on our Push Square YouTube channel.
Minus the touchpad, all the buttons and features of a regular DualSense controller are present, with the mute and home buttons relocated to the top left and right of the screen. Along the top are the speakers, followed by the power, pairing, and volume buttons slightly behind. The USB charging slot and the 3.5mm audio jack are located behind the screen.
Considering its form-factor, the Portal may appear unconventional at times, but its feel is more vital than its look. Devices like the Nintendo Switch and the Backbone One can be quite uncomfortable after prolonged use. Our initial experience suggests that the Portal is likely to be one of the most comfortable handheld devices on the market.
For now, we can only provide feedback on the design and feel of the console in-hand, so stay tuned to the site for our comprehensive review closer to the Portal’s launch. Suffice it to say, we were pleasantly surprised by the build quality and size of the Portal, and we’re eagerly anticipating its performance.
Are you considering getting the PS Portal? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
