PS Portal vs Steam Deck: Best Choice for PS5 Remote Play?

The lounge TV is occupied, or perhaps you just want to relax in bed after a long week. The battle of PS Portal vs Steam Deck for PS5 Remote Play is a hot topic in South Africa right now. One offers a dedicated, streamlined experience; the other opens the door to a wider universe of PC gaming. Which device truly offers the best bang for your buck?

The Specialist: PlayStation Portal

The PS Portal is a sleek piece of kit. It is essentially a DualSense controller split down the middle by an 8-inch LCD screen. Its primary—and only—job is to mirror your PS5 over WiFi.

For purists, this is fantastic. You get the full haptic feedback and adaptive triggers that make PS5 games feel immersive. The setup is seamless… turn it on, press a button, and you are in. However, it cannot browse the web, play media files, or run games natively. If your WiFi dips or load shedding knocks out your router, this device becomes an expensive paperweight.

The Powerhouses: Steam Deck & Windows Handhelds

On the other side of the ring, we have the PC-grade heavyweights. While the Steam Deck started the revolution, the South African market has been flooded with incredible Windows-based alternatives that arguably do the job better.

Using software like Chiaki or PSPlay, these devices can stream your PS5 games just like the Portal, often with higher bitrates and customisable resolution settings. But the real magic lies in versatility. When you aren't streaming God of War, you can play native PC games, emulate retro titles, or even do some light work.

If you are browsing for modern handheld gaming consoles, you are looking for a device that does it all.

The Contenders

The PS Portal vs Steam Deck debate shifts when you realise you can get devices with better screens and more power locally.

For example, the ASUS ROG Ally runs Windows 11 natively. This means no complex Linux workarounds to get your non-Steam games running. You install the remote play app, map your buttons, and you have a 120Hz streaming machine ⚡.

If screen real estate is your priority, the Lenovo Legion Go boasts a massive 8.8-inch QHD+ display. This is significantly sharper than the Portal's 1080p screen, making small text in RPGs much easier to read. Plus, the detachable controllers give you that Switch-like flexibility.

Then there is the MSI Claw, which brings Intel Core Ultra performance to the palm of your hand. Unlike the Portal, which is locked to the PlayStation ecosystem, these devices allow you to access Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games, and Steam.

Performance and Value

The PS Portal usually retails around the R5,000 to R6,000 mark. It is cheaper, yes, but its utility is singular. If you spend R14,000+ on a high-end handheld, you are buying a portable computer that happens to stream PS5 games perfectly 🚀.

When streaming via Chiaki on these handhelds, you can often push the stream quality higher than the official app allows, provided your home network is up to scratch.

Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want zero friction, love the DualSense features, and already own a PS5, the Portal is a solid accessory.

However, if you want a device that justifies its price tag through sheer utility, the PC handheld route is superior. The ability to play native games during a flight or when the internet is down makes them the smarter investment for the South African gamer.