PlayStation has announced a new software update for the PlayStation Portal. The new update introduces a 1080p High Quality mode and several Cloud Streaming improvements. The update begins rolling out globally on March 18. It comes alongside a significant milestone: Cloud Streaming monthly users on PlayStation Portal grew 162% year-over-year in January, with more than half of all Portal owners now PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers.
Those numbers tell you where the Portal is heading, and this update is the next step in that direction. The new 1080p High Quality mode is available for both Remote Play and Cloud Streaming. It sits above the existing 1080p Standard mode and streams at a higher bitrate (the amount of data transferred per second), giving you a sharper, more detailed picture when your connection can support it. To turn it on, open the Quick Menu during a session, go to Max Resolution, select 1080p High Quality, then restart the session. Keep in mind you’ll need a strong, consistent connection to get the most out of it. PlayStation recommends at least 15 Mbps for a better streaming experience.
Everything Else in the PlayStation Portal Update
Beyond the new resolution mode, PlayStation has made several improvements to the Cloud Streaming experience. Streaming a game from a bundle is now easier. You can select the specific title you want directly from the product detail page. Game invites now trigger a clear on-screen notification while you’re streaming. You won’t miss a friend jumping into a session. Trophy notifications have been upgraded too. You’ll now see the trophy name and image when one unlocks. Platinum trophies get their full special animation. The search interface has also been refined. The on-screen keyboard now appears immediately when you enter search.
For new users, getting set up is now faster. If you don’t have a PlayStation account yet, you can create one and sign in by scanning a QR code from your mobile device. That removes a step that slowed down first-time setup considerably.
That 162% growth figure says a lot. Cloud Streaming on PlayStation Portal launched in November 2025, and usage is already scaling at that rate. The fact that over 50% of Portal owners are now PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers is also impressive. The people buying the device are actively engaging with cloud streaming, not just using it for Remote Play at home. PlayStation keeps refining the experience with updates like this one. That suggests they’re treating the Portal as a serious long-term platform, not a peripheral that gets occasional attention.
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