Sony has dropped more details on its new handheld PlayStation Portal remote player, Pulse Elite Headset, and Pulse Explore Earbuds. The recent post on the PlayStation Blog website finally confirmed the specs, features, and what the device would be used for.
Back in May the previously named Project Q, was a bit of a mystery after Jim Ryan announced a short trailer showcasing a surprise new handheld device. But with no details to back it up, fans were left wondering what had just happened. Was this the new Vita everyone was hoping for? Is it really just a streaming device? Here are all the latest details to answer your questions.
PlayStation Portal to launch later this year at $199.99 / £199.99 / €219.99
To finally confirm, PlayStation Portal is the first dedicated remote-playing device for the PS5, which will let you stream your PS5 to the palm of your hands. One of its key focuses is its controller, which boasts a full-sized DualSense layout that includes: the Touchpad, Adaptive Triggers, and Haptic Feedback, so you won’t miss out on any next-gen features when utilizing the new handheld.
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The screen is a generous 8″ LCD which is capable of displaying games in 1080p at 60fps, which is a considerable improvement over its new Switch rival. It’s also important to note that Sony has stated PlayStation Plus Premium streamed games will not be supported on the new handheld.
“PlayStation Portal is the perfect device for gamers in households where they might need to share their living room TV or simply want to play PS5 games in another room of the house. PlayStation Portal will connect remotely to your PS5 over Wi-Fi, so you’ll be able to swiftly jump from playing on your PS5 to your PlayStation Portal. PlayStation Portal can play supported games that are installed on your PS5 console and use the Dualsense controller. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack for wired audio. PS VR2 games, which require the headset, and games that are streamed through PlayStation Plus Premium’s cloud streaming, are not supported.”
This is Sony’s answer to the Switch, but it will set you back $199 / £200 / €219.99. No set release date has been confirmed, but rumors are suggesting November to hit the Christmas run-up.
Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore Boast Brand-New Audio Technology
Alongside the Portal, Sony dropped even more details regarding its new Headset and Earbuds. Both Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore will be the first of Sony’s devices to use custom-designed magnetic drivers, which makes Sony the first company to offer this professional tech to the mass consumer market. This should bring an incredible sound experience alongside PS5’s 3D audio.
“Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore will be the first PlayStation audio devices to use custom-designed planar magnetic drivers for an audiophile-level listening experience normally found in premium headphones for professional sound engineers. With Pulse Explore, we’re pleased to be one of the first companies to provide wireless earbuds to the mass consumer market using planar magnetic driver technology” says Hideaki Nishino the Senior Vice President for SIE.
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PlayStation Link wireless technology is a new feature to achieve extremely low latency and lossless audio to help amplify sound for players. This works with the new Link USB adaptors that come with both Elite and Explore. Not only will the USB adaptor improve sound, but it will also free up Bluetooth capabilities and give players the option to connect multiple devices, like a mobile phone. This means you can still answer your calls while playing your favourite games with no interruptions, as “the call audio seamlessly mixed with the game audio.”
Both headsets also have new improved AI noise-cancelling microphones which can cancel out unwanted noises like rustling crisp packets and chewing noises.
Again, no specific release date has been given, but prices are set. The PlayStation Pulse Elite will launch at $149.99 / £129.99 / €149.99 and the PlayStation Pulse Explore will launch at $199.99 / £199.99 / €219.99
What do you think about the PlayStation Portal? Do we really need a remote-play device? Should Sony give fans a proper handheld? Get in touch, drop us a comment, and let us know your thoughts.
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