Link: Exclusive: PlayStation Portal usage peaks at night, an hour after the PS5's does

The peak time for PlayStation Portal usage is at 9pm, according to a Sony executive, which is notably an hour after the PlayStation 5's peak usage. This observation suggests that users might begin on their consoles and switch to the PlayStation Portal to continue gaming elsewhere.

Sony's Hiromi Wakai mentioned the PlayStation Portal's first anniversary, describing its initial confusion among consumers but noting its success in 2024. The Portal, launched in November 2023, functions as a streaming-only handheld device.

Last month, a significant update was announced for the PlayStation Portal, introducing the ability to stream games directly from the cloud, independent of the console connection. This new feature was part of Sony's strategy from the start, aiming to enhance flexibility in gaming.

Despite not releasing specific sales figures, Sony reports strong market performance for the Portal in the U.S., where it ranks as the top-selling gaming accessory by revenue. About 3% of PlayStation 5 owners have also purchased a PlayStation Portal, indicating a healthy market penetration.

According to Sony's vision, the Portal was never intended as a standalone handheld like the former PlayStation Vita but as an extension of the PS5 gaming experience. This approach reflects in their careful expansion and update plans based on community feedback and reception of new features.

Wakai highlighted that PlayStation Portal owners generally spend more time gaming compared to those without the device, suggesting a higher engagement among Portal users. This trend reflects the added value and usage flexibility that the PlayStation Portal introduces to dedicated gamers.

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