PlayStation Portal Is Cheaper Than Ever Ahead of Black Friday.
Black Friday sales officially kick off on Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1. Before they end, Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price tracking tools.
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Sales data is current at the time of publication, but prices and stock levels are subject to change.
There used to be games played on big screens and games played on small ones. The former (games for consoles or PCs) could be large-scale, with impressive graphics and lengthy gameplay, while the latter (games for handheld devices) were often smaller in size to accommodate weaker hardware.
The Nintendo Switch turned everything on its head: the console was now a portable device, and vice versa. All games, large and small, were designed to be played either on a TV or on the Switch’s built-in display. While Nintendo initially monopolized this dual market, other hybrid portable devices have since emerged, such as the Steam Deck , Lenovo Legion Go , and Asus ROG Ally .
Sony’s PlayStation Portal lets you do the same with PS5 games (with one major caveat). However, if you want to play full PlayStation games on your portable console, consider picking one up this week, as Portal is currently on sale for Black Friday.
The PlayStation Portal is essentially an eight-inch LCD screen placed in the center of the PS5 controller. This means the Portal will feel similar to the DualSense controller, right down to key features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers. The device supports PS4 and PS5 games at 1080p resolution and up to 60 frames per second. If you’re used to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second on the PS5 Pro, this may seem like a compromise, but at this screen size, it should be sufficient for most players.
Portal normally retails for $199.99, but ahead of Black Friday, it’s available for $178.99. This small discount makes it the lowest price I’ve ever seen for this portable console, at least when buying it new. ( You can save another $28 at GameStop by buying it refurbished.)
If you’re new to Portal, you might be wondering why a device that lets you play PS5 games on the go costs only $200. The original Switch still sells for over $300 , so what’s the big deal? The answer lies in the PlayStation Portal’s biggest compromise. While the build quality is on par with other portable consoles, Portal doesn’t actually play PS5 games on the device. Instead, Portal simply streams gameplay from your PS5 over Wi-Fi. Therefore, you’ll need a PS5 to use this device, significantly increasing the overall cost.
If you don’t have a PS5, now’s a great time to get one, as the PS5 Slim is on sale for $100 off on Amazon . ( The PS VR2 is also on sale ahead of Black Friday , but it’s not compatible with Portal.) If you already have a PS5, Portal isn’t that expensive for you, especially if you can get it a little lower than the MSRP.
While playing PS5 games without an internet connection is impossible, Portal is still quite versatile. Provided it’s paired with the PS5 and connected to the internet, you can use Portal anywhere there’s a stable internet connection. Ideally, Sony, like other companies, would release a dedicated portable console. For now, Portal is the best option for PlayStation fans looking to get away from the TV.
Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?
Yes, Amazon does have Black Friday sales, but the prices aren’t always accurate. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or consult guides like our price-tracking blog . And if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, make the most of it .
Which stores have the biggest discounts on Black Friday?
With both large retailers and small businesses competing for Black Friday shoppers, you can expect sales at virtually every store until Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” discounts depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to be offered by large retailers that can afford lower prices, such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our blog .
Are Black Friday deals worth it?
In short, yes, Black Friday still offers deals you rarely see the rest of the year. If you’re shopping or looking for gifts, now is the time to look for deals on essentials, especially tech , home goods , and fitness equipment . Of course, if you’re looking to save money, the best way to save is to buy nothing.