Sony's PlayStation Portal just scored its first real discount, dropping to $179 across major retailers for Black Friday. The handheld streaming device rarely sees price cuts, making this $21 markdown significant for gamers who've been waiting to grab one. With recent cloud streaming updates improving the experience, now might be the time to jump in.
Sony's PlayStation Portal is finally getting the discount treatment. The handheld that lets you stream PS5 games over Wi-Fi just dropped to its lowest price ever at $178.99-$179.99 across major retailers, marking the device's first significant markdown since launching in 2023. While PS5 console deals are practically routine at this point, Portal discounts have been as rare as hen's teeth until now. The timing couldn't be better either - Sony just rolled out a game-changing cloud streaming feature that makes the Portal way more useful than before. PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can now stream select games like Astro Bot and Resident Evil 4 directly from the cloud, no PS5 console required. That's a huge shift from the Portal's original Wi-Fi-only local streaming setup. When The Verge's Antonio G. Di Benedetto first reviewed the Portal, he called it "flawed but fun" - and that was before the cloud streaming update. The device launched to mixed reviews, with most critics pointing out its dependence on solid internet and limited functionality. But Sony has been steadily addressing those concerns. The hardware itself is pretty solid though. Think of it as a DualSense controller that got split in half with an 8-inch 1080p screen wedged in the middle. You get all the DualSense features too - haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, the works. It's perfect for gaming around the house, though your mileage will vary depending on your Wi-Fi setup. If you're planning to stream from your PS5, definitely wire that console to ethernet for the best experience. The Portal still has some quirks that might annoy certain users. Audio support is weirdly limited - you can only use Sony's own Pulse Explore earbuds or Pulse Elite headset wirelessly. There's a 3.5mm jack for wired headphones, but no standard Bluetooth audio support. It's one of those classic Sony moves that makes you wonder what they were thinking. But here's the thing - at $179, the Portal makes a lot more sense than it did at full price. The cloud streaming feature alone transforms it from a niche accessory into something approaching a standalone handheld. PlayStation Plus Premium costs $18 monthly but gives you access to a growing library of streamable games. That's compelling for anyone who wants PS5 gaming without being tethered to their living room TV. The Black Friday timing is interesting too. is clearly pushing hard on PlayStation hardware this season, with PS5 console discounts reaching up to $100 across all models including the Pro. It feels like they're trying to capture holiday shoppers who might have been on the fence about PlayStation's ecosystem. Inventory has been solid for the Portal lately, unlike the PS5's early shortage days. You should be able to snag one without much trouble, though Black Friday deals tend to move faster than normal stock. The fact that all three major retailers - , , and - are matching the price suggests this isn't just a flash sale.
