Sony launches global PlayStation Portal player update with 1080p high quality mode, more

Although it was never the modern portable PlayStation that everyone wanted, Sony says that it has continued to grow in the involvement of the PlayStation Portal and is now ready to release some enhancements to the site.

Sony said since its last platform update in November, “Monthly users of cloud streaming grew 162% year-over-year in January” and “more than 50% of PS Portal users are now PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers – reflecting growing engagement with the cloud experience.”

It’s clear that at least some people are happy with the experience to some extent and Sony is now ready to release a global update that “introduces improvements designed to deliver higher visual fidelity, smoother interactions, and a more seamless experience..”

These updates include a 1080p High Quality mode, “several enhancements to improve usability and reduce friction during Cloud Streaming sessions,” and what it calls a smoother onboarding experience. Here’s a look at the details:

High quality 1080p mode

Players can now select High Quality 1080p mode during Remote Play and Cloud Streaming. This new mode enables players to enjoy games at a higher bitrate compared to the standard 1080p mode, providing a smoother and more reliable experience.

• To enable the mode, go to [Quick Menu] > [Max Resolution] and select [1080p High Quality] during Remote Play or Cloud Streaming.
• You can apply the change by restarting the Remote Play / Cloud Streaming session.

A refined cloud streaming experience

We’ve introduced several enhancements to improve usability and reduce lag between Cloud Streaming sessions***.

• Enhanced Product Details Page: If you select “Streaming” on the product details pages of a game bundle, a new UI will appear, allowing you to select a specific game to play from that bundle.
• Game invitation: If you’re streaming a supported title and receiving game invites, you’ll now see a clear on-screen notification in the PS Portal, ensuring you don’t miss an invite while playing.
• Advanced Trophy Notifications: Trophy notifications now clearly display the trophy name and associated image when opened. Platinum trophies will also feature their own special animation, bringing greater visibility and celebration to your achievements.
• Advanced search screen: The search interface has been improved for convenience, such as an on-screen keyboard display that is immediately available when searching.

Smooth riding experience

If you don’t already have a PlayStation account, getting started is now easier than ever. With an improved UI and onboarding flow, you can now quickly create an account and log in to your PS portal by scanning a QR code using your mobile device.