Unveiling the Untapped Potential: The PlayStation Portal's Missed Naming Opportunity

Sony appears to have finally found success with the PlayStation 5, as both the quality and popularity of its games continue to rise and units are consistently selling. While there are rumors about a potential upgraded version of the flagship system, Sony has officially announced a new piece of hardware this year: the PlayStation Portal (previously known as the Q-Lite). The PlayStation Portal aims to make remote play a viable method for enjoying games on Sony's current platform.

With an 8-inch LCD screen, the Portal can deliver gameplay at 60fps and a resolution of 1080p. However, its main selling point is that it allows players to experience big-budget PlayStation games in a handheld format. The only drawback is that it requires a Wi-Fi connection, but overall, it provides a great way to enjoy games while the TV is in use. Additionally, the PlayStation Portal represents a significant step towards normalizing remote play and streaming as the gaming industry continues to evolve into a primarily digital medium. Although the name PlayStation Portal has a nice ring to it, there was a missed opportunity to choose a name that aligns perfectly with Sony's history of innovative products.

PlayStation Controllers All Have a Common Theme

Nintendo may have revolutionized the controller with the NES and improved it with the SNES, but some argue that Sony truly perfected it with the original PlayStation gamepad. It offered everything the Super Nintendo had, but with the addition of shoulder buttons and ergonomic design for comfortable hours of playtime. The DualShock, an upgraded version with two thumbsticks for enhanced freedom of movement, marked a significant difference for Sony.

Sony has maintained a fundamental philosophy and has consistently improved the format with new features and ideas. However, the PlayStation 5 decided to break convention and named its controller the DualSense, highlighting its haptic feedback capabilities. While the "Dual" part of the name remains, providing a sense of continuity, the PlayStation Portal presented an opportunity for clever naming.

The Portal's Screen Gives it the Perfect Name

The PlayStation Portal could have been called the DualScreen, given its LCD feature and remote play capabilities, highlighting its role as an extension of the PS5 rather than a standalone system. By using the 'Dual' prefix, it communicates that it is primarily a controller and acknowledges that its screen is an additional feature. Avoiding similarity with the PlayStation Portable (PSP) is crucial to prevent confusion between the two handheld systems. While the Portal requires Wi-Fi connectivity and a connected PS5, it should not be mistaken for a portable device that can be played on the go. While the concept of the PlayStation Portal is intriguing, its name may present more complications than solutions.

PlayStation Portal launches November 15.