The PlayStation Portal and the Steam Deck couldn’t be more different. The Portal is essentially a way to stream your PlayStation 5 games at home, while the Steam Deck offers portable access to a vast library of PC games.
In this breakdown, I’ll analyze what each device brings to the table so you can decide which one fits your gaming habits better. Without further ado, let’s dive in!
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PlayStation Portal vs Steam Deck: The Verdict
The PlayStation Portal was released in November 2023 for $199.99. It lets you stream your PS5 games over Wi-Fi, so you can play them on a handheld screen from anywhere in your home where your PS5 is connected. Think of it as your PS5’s trusty sidekick—handy, but it won’t do much without the main console.
That said, the Steam Deck is a beast of a portable gaming device. It starts at $399 for the 256 GB version and goes up to $775 if you want the 1 TB model. The best part is that you can dive into your Steam library anytime, anywhere, no Wi-Fi required.
Now, as someone who already owns a PS5, I’d lean toward the Steam Deck—and here’s why. First off, if you don’t have a PS5, the Portal’s not even an option. If your TV isn’t always in use at home, the Portal doesn’t offer much more than the convenience of gaming from the couch or bed—which, honestly, you can already do with a regular PS5 and a controller on a bigger screen. The only difference is that the Portal lets you game on a smaller, handheld screen, while with the regular PS5, you’d be using your TV and a controller.
The Steam Deck, though, is a whole different story. If you’re like me and love games like Hellgate: London, the Deck lets you squeeze in a couple of quests while riding the bus or waiting at a café. You’re only limited by storage and battery life, but otherwise, it’s gaming freedom at its finest.
So, here’s the deal: if you’re all about staying in the PlayStation ecosystem and playing in different rooms, go with the Portal. But if you want a device that runs games on its own, wherever you are, the Steam Deck is the better pick. At the end of the day, it’s all about your gaming style.
Buy the PlayStation Portal if you: – Already own a PlayStation 5 and want a way to play your games away from the TV. Like the idea of streaming your PS5 games on a handheld screen. – Want something cheaper than most gaming consoles. – Care about having DualSense controller features built into the device. Have strong Wi-Fi at home for smooth streaming. | Buy the Stem Deck if you: – Want to play PC games on the go without needing an internet connection.Have a large Steam library and want access to it anywhere. – Need a device that can run other game launchers or apps like Epic Games or Xbox Game Pass. – Prefer a console that works as a standalone gaming system without relying on another device.Don’t mind spending more for a portable gaming PC with more flexibility. |
PlayStation Portal vs Steam Deck: Detailed Breakdown
| Feature | PlayStation Portal | Steam Deck |
| Price | $199.99 | Starts at $399; higher configurations available at increased prices |
| Display | 8-inch LCD, 1080p resolution, 60Hz refresh rate | 7-inch LCD, 1280×800 resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 60Hz refresh rate |
| Processor | Qualcomm SG4150P chip | AMD APU: Zen 2 CPU with 4 cores/8 threads, up to 3.5GHz; RDNA 2 GPU with 8 compute units |
| Storage Options | Not applicable; uses PS5 storage via streaming | 64GB eMMC (base model), 256GB NVMe SSD, 512GB NVMe SSD with anti-glare screen; 1TB. |
| Battery Life | Estimated up to 4 hours; varies by game and settings | Approximately 2-8 hours; varies by game and settings |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi for streaming; no Bluetooth support | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 support |
| Game Library | Access to PS5 games via streaming; requires a PS5 console | Access to Steam library; supports other game launchers and emulators |
| Operating System | Custom OS optimized for streaming | SteamOS 3.0, based on Linux; supports Windows installation |
| Additional Features | Ergonomic design; PlayStation Link wireless standard for peripherals | Customizable controls; dockable to external displays; supports various peripherals |
Here, I’ll be breaking down the differences between the PlayStation Portal vs Steam Deck, so you can get a better sense of what each device offers. I’ll walk you through how their specs translate into real gaming experiences to help you figure out which one fits your needs best. Let’s dive in!
PlayStation Portal vs Steam Deck: Display
- The PlayStation Portal has an 8-inch LCD screen with 1080p resolution—great for PS5 games. You’ll get crisp, sharp visuals, especially with graphically rich games like Horizon Forbidden West. If you want that bigger screen and solid display for home streaming, the Portal’s a good pick.
- The Steam Deck comes with a 7-inch LCD, with a 1280×800 resolution. It’s not as sharp as the Portal but still gets the job done for games like Stardew Valley or Apex Legends. While smaller, the Steam Deck’s compact design makes it easier to carry around and game anywhere.
PlayStation Portal vs Steam Deck: Storage
- The Steam Deck gives you the freedom to store games locally, with options ranging from 64GB eMMC to 1TB. That means no Wi-Fi needed once games are installed—perfect for long trips or places without good internet.
- The PlayStation Portal doesn’t have storage and relies entirely on streaming from your PS5. You need a strong Wi-Fi connection to play, which is fine if you’re home, but a bit limiting if you want to game on the go.
PlayStation Portal vs Steam Deck: Battery Life
- The PlayStation Portal lasts around 4 hours of streaming. This is enough for short bursts of gaming, but you might need to charge it during longer sessions.
- The Steam Deck has a larger battery, lasting anywhere from 2 hours for demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 to 8 hours for lighter ones like Stardew Valley. You can game longer without worrying about running out of juice.
PlayStation Portal vs Steam Deck: Game Library
- The Portal is limited to your PS5 games, so you’re only playing what you’ve already bought for the PS5. It’s great if you’re deep into PlayStation games, but the variety stops there.
- The Steam Deck, on the other hand, gives you access to the entire Steam library. You can play thousands of games and even add other platforms. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a lot of choices and variety.
PlayStation Portal vs Steam Deck: Connectivity
- The PlayStation Portal needs Wi-Fi to stream games, meaning you’re stuck playing at home or wherever you have a solid connection.
- The Steam Deck works offline once games are downloaded. You can play anywhere, anytime—whether you’re on a train, plane, or park bench.
Claim Your PS5 Accessories First with Prelaunch Pre-Orders
If you want to improve your PlayStation setup, I recommend checking out Prelaunch for some awesome accessories. From a PowerA bundle with a protective case and charging station to sleek Chroma Teal console covers, these items will help you keep your PS5 safe and looking great. Plus, you can pre-order them before they’re available anywhere else!
PowerA Accessory Bundle for PS Portal
The PowerA Accessory Bundle for PS Portal offers essential accessories for gamers who want to enhance their setup. It includes a protective case, a charging station with RGB lights, and a screen protector kit to keep your device safe during travel.
- Price: Pre-order for $74.99 instead of the regular $94.00
- Includes: Charging station, protection case, screen protector kit
- Link to Product: PowerA Accessory Bundle.
PS5™ Console Covers (slim) – Chroma Teal
These official PlayStation console covers are simple to install. Just remove your old PS5 covers and snap the new ones into place for a stunningly vivid gaming experience.
- Price (Pre-order): $64.99
- Link to Product: PS5 Console Covers
- PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller – Chroma Teal
The PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller in Chroma Teal offers an eye-catching design with improved gaming features. The standout aspect is its immersive feedback, adjusting the feel of every action as you play. With its adaptive triggers and versatile connectivity, it’s built to elevate your gaming experience.
- Price: Pre-order and pay $80 instead of the regular $130
- Link to Product: PlayStation DualSense Wireless Controller
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Conclusion
At the end of the day, it all comes down to what kind of gaming experience you’re after. If you’re all about your PS5 and want to take your games on the go, the PlayStation Portal is a great fit. But if you want something that gives you more freedom to play a huge variety of games anywhere, anytime—no strings attached—the Steam Deck is definitely worth considering. It’s all about which one lines up better with how you like to game.
