Can Sony’s PlayStation Portal Run Emulated Games?

Sony’s recent handheld PlayStation Portal gaming device is designed to stream games from a PS5 console. 

However, two Google engineers have reportedly managed to hack the PS Portal to run emulated games locally without needing Wi-Fi streaming. 

If true, this exploit could significantly expand the Portal’s capabilities.

Image: @PlayStation

What Is the PlayStation Portal?

The PlayStation Portal is Sony’s dedicated handheld gaming device. 

Released in November 2023, it allows users to stream games wirelessly from a paired PS5 console. 

With an 8-inch LCD screen and built-in controls, it promises 1080p resolution at 60fps for PS5 titles at $199. 

However, the device is limited to streaming only and cannot run or download games locally without a PS5.

How Did Engineers Hack the Portal?

Recently, two Google engineers say they’ve managed to bypass the Portal’s streaming restrictions. 

The engineers used software exploits to get the PPSSPP emulator running locally on the device.

PPSSPP allows PlayStation Portable (PSP) games to be emulated. 

With the exploit, the engineers got Grand Theft Auto 3 PSP running natively on the Portal without needing to stream from a PS5.

The hackers, Andy Nguyen and Calle Svensson, state the Portal exploit is “all software-based” needing no physical modifications. 

This suggests the exploit took advantage of a software vulnerability rather than requiring chips or soldering.

Why Is This Significant?

If this exploit enables loading emulators and running older games locally, it could vastly expand what the PlayStation Portal is capable of. 

Users wouldn’t be limited to just streaming modern PS5 titles.

The ability to run software like game emulators and possibly even Android apps would make the Portal much more versatile. 

It could potentially turn the handheld into an all-in-one retro gaming machine.

Will This Hack Be Publicly Released?

While the Portal exploit is big news, Nguyen stated there are no plans to publicly release it as a mod in the near future. 

Significantly more work still needs to be done before it’d be ready for public use.

If the hackers do eventually create and release a full mod, it could let all Portal owners enhance their devices well beyond Sony’s original streaming-only vision.

However, there are legal concerns around running emulated games. 

While many view emulation as a “gray area,” Sony would likely take action against any piracy enabling mods.

For now, the future accessibility of this hack remains uncertain.

In Summary:

• The Portal is limited to only streaming games from a PS5 console, not playing downloaded or emulated titles.
• Two Google engineers have now reportedly hacked the Portal to run the PPSSPP emulator, allowing native play of PSP games.
• Their hack enables games like Grand Theft Auto III to run locally on the Portal without a PS5 connection.
• The exploit is software only, requiring no hardware modifications to the Portal.