PlayStation just announced three new products to the PlayStation family, the PlayStation Portal, formerly known as Project Q, Pulse Elite, and Pulse Explore.
PlayStation Portal
This remote play device has an 8-inch LCD 1080p display running at 60hz for up to 60fps gaming. It also has a non-detachable DualSense controller that support haptic feedback and adaptive trigger features.
Besides that, it has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a USB-C port for charging, but there’s no Bluetooth support, so you can’t connect your other wireless audio devices to it.
You can, however, connect to Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore via PlayStation Link. More on that below.
As noted in the previously leaked images of the PlayStation Portal (PSP), it seems that the device is running on a modified version of Android.
The PSP is purely used for streaming PS5 games. You can’t play any games offline, and there’s no cellular support either, so you can only stream PS5 games via Wi-Fi.
The company recommends at least 5Mbps for streaming and at least 15Mbps is recommended for a better experience.
Another caveat is that games that require a VR headset (PlayStation VR or PlayStation VR2) or additional peripherals (other than a DUALSHOCK 4, DualSense, or DualSense Edge wireless controller) are not compatible.
Games that must be streamed on PS5 using a PS Plus Premium membership are also not compatible.
Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore
Both audio devices feature planar magnetic drivers, a technology more often seen in high-end headphones. To put it simply, these flat drivers, unlike the usual cone-shaped ones, transmit a broader array of subtle sounds. When this is combined with PlayStation’s powerful 3D audio, gamers can expect a clear and all-encompassing gaming experience.
Both the Pulse Explore and Pulse Elite also have the capability to connect via Bluetooth audio, enabling users to use it across various devices.
Users can also pair and listen to multiple devices in a single session, so players can listen to game audio and multitask by watching YouTube on another device at the same time.
The Pulse Explore and Pulse Elite also come equipped with AI-enhanced microphone noise reduction to reduce background noises.
The Pulse Elite wireless headset has a microphone built into it, which can be extended and it also comes with a charging hanger to hang your headset in a convenient location of your choosing.
A power cable can be routed into the hanger which charges the headset through contacts located inside the headband.
PlayStation Link
This wireless technology enables the PS5 console, PSP, Pulse Explore wireless earbuds, and Pulse Elite headset to achieve low-latency, lossless audio. The goal is to empower players to seamlessly switch between devices at home, effortlessly transitioning between their PS5 and PlayStation Portal for gaming while maintaining audio continuity.
Both the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds and Pulse Elite headset come with a PlayStation Link USB adapter. This adapter can be connected to your PS5, PC or Mac to ensure a minimal delay and maintain high-quality, lossless audio.
This is similar to a 2.4Ghz dongle that you use with your wireless keyboard and mice.
Pricing and Availability
The PlayStation Portal and Pulse Explore wireless earbuds costs USD199.99 (approx. RM928), while the Pulse Elite is priced at USD149.99 (approx. RM696).
According to PlayStation PR contact in Malaysia, Asia’s local pricing, release date and pre-order details will be announced in the future.
