Sony’s new PlayStation Portal opens preorders, but needs a Japan-registered account
Sony’s new PlayStation Portal Player is up for preorder in Japan ahead of its December 10 release. The Midnight Black handheld has a recommended price of ¥39,980 including tax, and there is a detail to check before you order: it only works with a PlayStation account registered in Japan.
The CFIJ-18100 model is intended for use in Japan, and Japanese is its only system language. If you’re thinking about importing one, I’d check your PlayStation account’s registered country or region first. Sony says an account registered outside Japan cannot be used with this version.
Preorders opened on November 13 at 10 a.m. Japan time. Rakuten Books lists the CFIJ-18100 for ¥39,979 including tax, one yen below Sony’s recommended price. The retailer was accepting preorders with a limit of one per customer when checked, although prices and availability can change.
The new model retains the Portal’s eight-inch screen and DualSense-style controls. Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment
A new name and storage for future features
The handheld still has the Portal’s eight-inch LCD screen, which supports up to 1080p at 60 frames per second. Its controls also retain DualSense features such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback in supported games. You’ll need compatible audio equipment to use 3D audio.
The Midnight Black Portal Player from another angle. Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Inside, Sony has added onboard storage with future features in mind. That sounds like a meaningful change for a streaming handheld, but Sony hasn’t said how much storage is included or what those features will do. The company has not announced local game downloads as a use for it, so I wouldn’t buy this model on that assumption.
The name change has a clearer explanation. Sony says it dropped “Remote” from PlayStation Portal Remote Player to reflect the addition of cloud streaming. The original device launched as a way to stream games from a PS5; the cloud option arrived later.
The Japanese-language model includes a one-month PlayStation Plus Premium entitlement. Image: Sony Interactive Entertainment
What you need to play
If you have a PS5, Remote Play lets you stream supported games installed on your console. You’ll need to pair it with the Portal and leave the PS5 connected to broadband, either switched on or in rest mode. Games that require a VR headset are not supported through Remote Play on the handheld.
Without a PS5, you can stream supported games from the cloud with PlayStation Plus Premium. Sony includes a one-month Premium entitlement with this model, so buyers can try the service after redeeming it. Remember to check the renewal terms: the subscription renews automatically unless cancelled, and the selection of streaming games varies by region and over time.
Whichever route you choose, you’ll need Wi-Fi and a broadband connection. Sony specifies at least 5 Mbps and recommends 15 Mbps; your network and the game you’re playing can affect the experience.
