PlayStation Portal OLED reportedly in development

Sony may upgrade its Portal handheld with an OLED screen by 2026, according to industry insider claims. The enhanced display would deliver better contrast and colours for PS5 game streaming, building on the original's reported success.

PlayStation is reportedly developing an OLED version of its Portal handheld gaming device, according to gaming industry insider KeplerL2 on Neogaf. The claim suggests the enhanced model could arrive in 2026, following what the source describes as the original Portal's success in the market.

What the rumour claims

The information comes from KeplerL2, who stated on Neogaf that the original Portal model "seems to be a success," with PlayStation working on "another version this year." When asked for clarification, the insider specified they were referring to an "OLED version."

KeplerL2 has previously shared information about PlayStation hardware, though this particular claim remains unverified by official sources. Neither Sony nor PlayStation have responded to requests for comment regarding the rumoured OLED model.

Why OLED would matter

An OLED display would represent a significant upgrade over the current PlayStation Portal's LCD screen. OLED technology offers superior contrast ratios with true blacks, more vibrant colours, and faster response times - all beneficial for gaming experiences.

The improvement would be particularly noticeable when streaming PS5 games, which the Portal received support for last year through a cloud-streaming update. This feature allows PS Plus Premium subscribers to stream select titles directly to their devices, including major releases like Astro Bot, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and God of War Ragnarök.

Original Portal's success

The PlayStation Portal launched in November 2023 as a remote play device for PS5 consoles, priced at $199.99 globally. The handheld allows users to stream games from their PS5 over Wi-Fi, featuring an 8-inch LCD display and DualSense controller functionality built-in.

Sony has not disclosed official sales figures for the Portal, making it difficult to verify claims about its market performance. However, the device has maintained steady availability since launch, suggesting reasonable demand in key markets.

The Portal's functionality has expanded since launch, with the addition of cloud streaming capabilities for PS Plus Premium subscribers representing a significant feature enhancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PlayStation Portal OLED officially confirmed?

No, the PlayStation Portal OLED model is currently a rumour based on claims from gaming insider KeplerL2. PlayStation has not officially announced or confirmed any OLED version.

What would be different about the OLED version?

The main difference would be the display technology. An OLED screen offers better contrast ratios, more vibrant colours, and faster response times compared to the original's LCD display.

When might the PlayStation Portal OLED be released?

The rumour suggests a 2026 release timeframe, but no specific date has been mentioned. This timeline remains speculative without official confirmation from PlayStation.

Would the OLED version work the same way?

Presumably yes - the OLED model would likely maintain the same core functionality as the original Portal, including PS5 remote play and cloud streaming capabilities for PS Plus Premium subscribers.

How much would it cost in the UAE?

No pricing has been announced for the rumoured OLED model. The original PlayStation Portal costs approximately Dhs 829 in the UAE, providing a potential reference point.