PlayStation Portal Enhances Cloud Streaming Beta with Gameplay Capture

Sony has announced a new update for PlayStation Portal users participating in its Cloud Streaming Beta, enhancing user experience and functionality. This update, set to roll out later today, introduces several new features to the remote play system's cloud capabilities.

One of the key additions is the ability to sort games within the Cloud Streaming Beta catalog. Players can now organize their games by Name, Release Date, or based on which titles were most recently added to PlayStation Plus, making it easier to navigate and find their preferred games.

Another significant update is the introduction of gameplay capture during Cloud Streaming sessions. Users can access the create menu to take screenshots or record video clips, with Sony supporting video clips up to 1920x1080 resolution and lasting up to three minutes.

Furthermore, gameplay will now pause under certain conditions. This includes when users open the PS Portal quick menu, enter rest mode via the power button, or encounter a system error message. However, the pause feature in rest mode is limited to 15 seconds; if the Portal remains in rest mode beyond this time, the cloud streaming session will disconnect. It's worth noting that pausing is not supported during online multiplayer sessions.

Additional enhancements include a queue system for when the streaming server reaches capacity, notifications for inactivity, and tools for user feedback. Sony has expressed its commitment to continuously improving the service based on user input.

The Cloud Streaming Beta remains exclusive to PlayStation Plus Premium members, enabling them to stream select PS5 games from the PS Plus Catalog directly on the PS Portal. Last year's update transformed the Portal into a more independent cloud streaming device, and Sony appears dedicated to further refining this feature.

As cloud streaming becomes increasingly integral to the gaming landscape, it will be fascinating to observe how Sony's Cloud Streaming Beta evolves in conjunction with the PlayStation Portal. The ability to capture numerous screenshots during streaming sessions adds a delightful layer of interactivity for users.