January 16, 11:30am ET: I've checked all the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black pre-orders for availability and had a sweep at other retailers to see if additional reservations are available. Stock is holding up pretty well for now, but I'll be keeping a close eye on listings for any changes.
PlayStation Portal Midnight Black pre-order stock is going strong, but that could change as players start reserving the handheld. You could say that the Switch 2 announcement has distracted people for immediately jumping on the portable player, but it also feels like Best Buy, GameStop, Target, and PS Direct are well stocked.
The Midnight Black PlayStation Portal comes in at $199.99 / £199.99, the same price as the standard model. While the handheld boasts all the same PlayStation 5 remote play features as the original gaming handheld, it will look pretty snazzy next to your dark and brooding Midnight Black PS5 setup, whether you pick up an entirely new console or dress up your system with some face plates.
My mission specifically is to help you grab a Midnight Black PlayStation Portal as easily as possible. To do just that, I've whipped up a bunch of retailers I'd hit first once pre-orders go live. Think of it as a sort of cheat sheet for reaching pre-order listings before anyone else, in turn increasing your chances of actually getting the new Portal.
Where to pre-order PlayStation Portal Midnight Black in the US
Where to pre-order PlayStation Portal Midnight Black in the UK
PlayStation Portal pre-orders FAQ
What is the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black?
Just like the 30th anniversary model, the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black is a color variant of Sony's streaming handheld. That means it features the exact same PS5 Remote Play and cloud streaming abilities as the 2023 version, rather than boasting any new abilities or ways to play.
When will the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black release?
The Midnight Black version of the PlayStation Portal officially arrives February 20, 2025 alongside a matching PlayStation 5 console, DualSense Edge controller, Pulse Elite wireless headset, and earbuds.
Should you buy the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black?
How much is the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black
Coming in at $199 / £199, the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black will cost the same as the original white handheld. While third-party sellers may try and list the device for more if stock runs low, you should be able to grab the new version for under $200 / £200.
With the PlayStation Portal Midnight Black set to release next month, now could be the perfect time to pick up Sony's Remote Player. Not only has it gained newfound cloud streaming abilities since its initial release, but the new color variant is perfect for players who aren't into white handhelds. While I'm not in that particular camp, the black version will almost certainly look nicer after a long day of portable play, as the white casing can start to look grubby.
Of course, it's worth stressing that the Midnight Black isn't a new PlayStation Portal under the hood. It'll feature the same built-in DualSense features and low-powered chipset as the original, making it perfect for linking up to your existing PS5 or accessing games via PS Plus cloud streaming. Simply put, you're going to magically be able to run games natively on this handheld, and you'll need to wait for a successor to the PS Vita or even consider the Steam Deck OLED if that's more your jam.
Since the Midnight Black Portal comes in at the same price as the white version, opting for the latter won't necessarily save you pennies. However, you may find that the new colorway ends up going for more on the second-hand market, so keep that in mind if you prefer to shop for pre-loved gear.
Looking for more PlayStation goodies? Swing by the best PS5 accessories and best PS5 headsets. If it's more handheld bits you seek, check out the best Steam Deck accessories and best Steam Deck dock for great add-ons.
