As a new dad, the PlayStation Portal - a $200 peripheral that streams games from my PS5 to an 8-inch screen - has proven to be a lifesaver. It was initially met with skepticism when it was announced alongside the Nintendo Switch, but I've grown to appreciate its unique benefits.
My wife gifted me the Portal just before we welcomed our first child, and at the time, I wasn't too keen on using it. As a mid-30s man, my priorities were more focused on work and gaming than parenting, but life took a drastic turn with the arrival of my baby. The transition was jarring, and finding time for myself became increasingly difficult.
The Portal has helped me cope with this new reality by allowing me to play games in short bursts - perfect for a tired parent who needs a break. I've spent countless hours playing platformers like Balatro, multiplayer games like Rocket League, and slower single-player experiences that let me save and quit at any time. These types of games are ideal for handheld devices like the Portal, which has reignited my passion for gaming.
What sets the Portal apart is its ergonomic design, which essentially splits a PS5 controller in half. The 1080p LCD display is roomier than my phone's screen, making it easier to game without squinting. While I'm not a fan of wired headphones, this wasn't a deal-breaker for me.
Streaming games directly from the cloud using PlayStation Plus Premium has also been a boon - albeit with some minor connectivity issues. When playing competitive multiplayer titles or shooters, there's often lag, but the Portal generally handles more casual games without any major hiccups.
My experience with the Portal is influenced by my modest apartment and decent internet connection. I wouldn't recommend it to most PS5 owners unless they're looking for a dedicated handheld solution that can stream games seamlessly. However, as a new dad who needs a break from the exhaustion of caring for an infant, the Portal has been a godsend. It's allowed me to enjoy my gaming library while still being present and available to my family - provided I don't pass out first, that is.
My wife gifted me the Portal just before we welcomed our first child, and at the time, I wasn't too keen on using it. As a mid-30s man, my priorities were more focused on work and gaming than parenting, but life took a drastic turn with the arrival of my baby. The transition was jarring, and finding time for myself became increasingly difficult.
The Portal has helped me cope with this new reality by allowing me to play games in short bursts - perfect for a tired parent who needs a break. I've spent countless hours playing platformers like Balatro, multiplayer games like Rocket League, and slower single-player experiences that let me save and quit at any time. These types of games are ideal for handheld devices like the Portal, which has reignited my passion for gaming.
What sets the Portal apart is its ergonomic design, which essentially splits a PS5 controller in half. The 1080p LCD display is roomier than my phone's screen, making it easier to game without squinting. While I'm not a fan of wired headphones, this wasn't a deal-breaker for me.
Streaming games directly from the cloud using PlayStation Plus Premium has also been a boon - albeit with some minor connectivity issues. When playing competitive multiplayer titles or shooters, there's often lag, but the Portal generally handles more casual games without any major hiccups.
My experience with the Portal is influenced by my modest apartment and decent internet connection. I wouldn't recommend it to most PS5 owners unless they're looking for a dedicated handheld solution that can stream games seamlessly. However, as a new dad who needs a break from the exhaustion of caring for an infant, the Portal has been a godsend. It's allowed me to enjoy my gaming library while still being present and available to my family - provided I don't pass out first, that is.
I think it's awesome how the PS5 Portal has helped this new dad balance his responsibilities with his love for gaming! 
The ergonomic design and 1080p display are total wins for gaming on-the-go 
Even if it's not perfect, it's a great option for those looking for a handheld gaming solution. And who knows? Maybe one day we'll see more devices like the Portal that cater to different needs... 
I gotta say, this thing is a lifesaver for dads like you, but it's also just a fancy way to get away from the responsibilities of parenthood 
. Like, who needs to spend quality time with their baby when you can be gaming on a tiny screen? 
It's not exactly what I'd call "dedicated parenting", if you know what I mean.
. I mean, a $200 peripheral for streaming games on an 8-inch screen? That's just a bunch of hype, if you ask me. I've got a decent gaming rig at home and I don't need some fancy handheld thing to play my PS5 games... Plus, wireless controllers are all the rage now, why not go with that? 
And what's up with the lag issues when playing competitive multiplayer titles? Not exactly ideal for a dedicated gaming peripheral... 
and its honestly saved my sanity lol. streaming games on the go is like the best thing ever - i can just chill with my gaming controller in hand and watch my kid sleep while still getting some gaming in 
, it's all about work-life balance... or in my case, gamer-parent balance 
.
i never thought i'd be sayin this but gaming has actually helped me cope w/ parenthood better 
and that ergonomic design is pure genius! no more phone screens 4 me, give me dat 8-inch LCD display any day 
! With the Portal, you can chill out & play games whenever you need a breather from diaper changes & feedings 
. and streaming from ps5 premium is a game changer... errr gamer changer lol