In 2025, Sony continues to focus on high-quality exclusives for the PS5, despite the trend of multiplatform releases, and has enhanced its ecosystem with the PlayStation Portal, a device that allows cloud streaming and portable gameplay for over 2,000 games, making it a significant addition for PlayStation users.
Sony's PlayStation Portal has seen continuous updates that expand its game library and features, but it remains a streaming-only device heavily dependent on high-speed internet, which limits its portability and effectiveness. The article argues that Sony needs to develop a dedicated, native handheld console—similar to Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck—to truly compete in the portable gaming market, especially as the current cloud-based approach faces significant connectivity challenges.
Sony has announced an update to its PlayStation Portal cloud streaming service, challenging Microsoft's offerings in the gaming cloud space, signaling increased competition in game streaming technology.
PlayStation has officially launched cloud streaming on the PlayStation Portal, allowing PS Plus Premium members to stream thousands of PS5 and compatible games directly from the cloud, along with new features like 3D audio, accessibility options, and multiplayer support.
Sony has released a major update for the PS Portal, enabling cloud streaming of over 2,800 PS5 games for PS Plus Premium members, along with a redesigned user interface, 3D audio support, passcode lock, network status check, in-game store, accessibility options, and game invitations, enhancing the device's functionality and user experience.
Microsoft is expanding the Xbox brand beyond traditional consoles to include a variety of devices like phones, laptops, VR headsets, and handheld gaming PCs, aiming to redefine it as a broad gaming platform. However, there is confusion about the new Xbox handheld devices, which do not natively run Xbox games but instead stream from the cloud, raising questions about user experience and brand perception.
The newly released Xbox Series X exclusive, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, is facing harsh criticism from users, with a 4.8/10 rating on Metacritic and a "Mostly Negative" rating on Steam. Players are frustrated with the game's reliance on inefficient Cloud streaming, problematic UI and controls, and numerous bugs, leading to a perception of a rushed release. Despite these issues, there is hope that post-launch updates could address the game's current shortcomings.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024's launch has been marred by severe technical issues, rendering it nearly unplayable on both Xbox and PC. Players have faced constant crashes, loading screen freezes, and cloud-streaming bugs, making it difficult to experience the game's new features like career mode and flight challenges. While Xbox Cloud Gaming offers a more stable experience, the game's current state is disappointing, and potential buyers are advised to wait for patches to address these problems.
Sony has announced a PlayStation Portal update that introduces a cloud streaming beta for PlayStation Plus Premium members, allowing them to stream over 120 PS5 games on the go without needing a PS5 console. The beta, which supports up to 1080p at 60fps and includes DualSense features, is rolling out today, with a European release starting Wednesday. While the update enhances the PlayStation Portal's capabilities, some features like game trials and streaming for purchased titles are not yet available. The update also includes audio enhancements and settings for Sony's wireless audio technology.
Sony has introduced cloud streaming to the PlayStation Portal, allowing users to stream select PS5 games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, provided they are PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers. The feature, currently in beta, requires a minimum internet speed of 7 Mbps for 720p and 13 Mbps for 1080p streaming. However, some features like Game Trials and 3D audio are not yet available, and PS4 and PS3 games cannot be streamed. The beta is available in select countries, and the update also includes audio setting enhancements.
PlayStation fans were disappointed after Sony's latest announcement, which included PS3 games Resistance: Fall of Man and Resistance 2 in the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, led to false hopes of backward compatibility with PS5 and PS4. Instead, these games will only be available via cloud streaming, a feature that many fans dislike. Despite ongoing requests, Sony has not made PS3 backward compatibility a reality, likely due to the PS3's complex architecture.
PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can look forward to the potential addition of PlayStation 2 titles, as Implicit Conversations is reportedly working on bringing PS1, PS2, and PSP games to the PS4 and PS5. This news has sparked excitement among subscribers, with many expressing their hopes for specific titles to be included. The Premium tier already offers cloud streaming, limited-time trials of new releases, and access to retro titles from the PS1 and PS3 eras, making the addition of more PS2 games a highly anticipated prospect.
Ubisoft has rebranded its subscription service to Ubisoft Plus and introduced a new plan called Ubisoft Plus Premium, offering day one access to new releases and more for $17.99 per month. The company also launched Ubisoft Plus Classics, focusing on back catalog games, available for $7.99 per month. Additionally, Ubisoft is working on adding the Activision Blizzard catalog to its service, following its acquisition of cloud streaming rights last year.
Xbox Game Pass may become available for free in the future, with the condition that players watch a certain amount of advertisements. Tim Stuart, Microsoft Gaming CFO, shared this vision during a Wells Fargo summit, suggesting that players could watch ads in exchange for a designated amount of time with Xbox Game Pass Cloud streaming. This model aims to provide a cheaper way for gamers to access the platform, particularly for those who may not have other means to do so. However, it is important to note that this is just an idea and not a confirmed plan.
Sony has launched its PS5 cloud streaming feature in Japan, providing bandwidth recommendations for different resolutions. The recommended settings range from 5Mbps for 720p to 52Mbps for 4K. However, the minimum bandwidth requirements are as low as 5Mbps for 720p and 38Mbps for 4K. Cloud streaming is currently limited to streaming PS5 games to the PS5 console, and it will be available in various countries. The service is live in Japan, with Europe and North America set to launch on October 23rd and 30th respectively.