Playstation’s new remote play device at first glance looks somewhat like the Backbone controller connected to a huge Android or iPhone smartphone. However, as you focus in, you begin to notice similarities to that of an actual PS5 controller sawed in half, with an 8″ screen that puts an iPhone 15 Pro Max to shame.
BUT, as amazing as it looks, it’s important to do our due diligence by reading the fine print…

Read The Fine Print…
Yes, the fine print can be small and boring, but if we don’t read it, we won’t see what it is we’re really purchasing. For instance, Playstation’s new remote play device is not a standalone portable game console like its predecessors, The PSP and PS VITA.
As beautiful and affordable as it is, its capabilities cap at only connecting to your PS5 and playing the games you have installed from another location. If you’re new to Remote Playing, you can Remote Play within your own network or you can remote play from anywhere in the world. I have one setup that’ll do both. Keep reading…
How Does Playstation’s new remote play device Connect To Your PS5 console?
This is a great question, Boutros. Welcome to the conversation… Here’s the scoop on how the connection is made. First off, your PS5 console must be set up for Remote Play and don’t forget to turn on Rest Mode and Stay Connected To Internet in Power Saving. Doing this is simple:
Remote Play: Settings > System > Remote Play, and then turn on Enable Remote Play > Link Device.
Rest Mode and Stay Connected To Internet: System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode. Then turn on Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning On PS5 from Network.
How To Remote Play From Anywhere In The World?
Another great question, Boutros!! This is the real reason to Remote Play, BUT to connect to your PS5 from another network is going to require some port-forwarding, which means adding some specific port numbers and data-transfer protocols to your router.
If your interested in learning how to complete these very necessary steps, click on the following link, which will take you to one of our articles that will give you detailed instructions on how to go about doing this:
HOW TO REMOTE PLAY PS5 FROM AROUND THE WORLD
How Much Does Playstation’s new remote play device COST?
The cost of the Playstation Portal is $199.00, and you already can pre-order the unit HERE. For those who wish to wait, the release date is set for November 15th, 2023.
FINAL THOUGHTS…
As much as I admit missing my PSP, and no matter how nostalgic I may feel seeing this new, beautiful, and well constructed handheld mobile console, in the end, it’s only an extension of the PS5. What I mean to say is, Playstation’s new remote play device is a hollow shell. We cannot download a single game onto it and play it independent from the PS5. We can only connect the handheld to our PS5 and utilize the unit as a controller with a screen to see and experience gameplay from our PS5.
We can already accomplish the same thing via our smartphone, tablet, and laptop using Playstation’s Remote Play App. Other than for someone who is without any of the above mentioned devices, I don’t see myself spending $199, when I can Remote Play from anywhere in the world via my smartphone, tablet, or laptop.