Top PlayStation Action Games for On the Go Play
For most players, Astro Bot is the top pick because it showcases the DualSense features and runs flawlessly on PlayStation Portal. Its main limitation is that it is a platformer, not a heavy action game. For those seeking intense combat, God of War Ragnarok offers a deep story and satisfying battles, but its large file size may require storage management.
Portable PlayStation gaming has evolved beyond dedicated handhelds. With the PlayStation Portal, you can stream your favorite PS5 games anywhere with a good Wi-Fi connection. But not all action games are created equal when it comes to handheld play. Some demand precise timing, others have complex controls, and some just feel better on a big screen.
We compared seven top action games that are known for their quality and tested their suitability for the Portal based on community feedback and official specifications. Whether you prefer hack-and-slash combat, open-world exploration, or fast-paced platforming, this roundup covers the best options for portable play.
What we recommend
Astro Bot (PS5)
Astro Bot is a delightful 3D platformer that makes full use of the DualSense controller’s haptics and adaptive triggers. It runs at a smooth 60fps, making it perfect for portable play on the Portal. The levels are creative and varied, offering a satisfying mix of challenge and charm.
Pros
- Excellent use of haptics and adaptive triggers
- Runs flawlessly on PlayStation Portal
- Charming and creative level design
Cons
- Short campaign compared to other action games
- No multiplayer mode
God of War Ragnarok (PS5/PS4)
God of War Ragnarok continues Kratos and Atreus’s journey through Norse mythology. It offers brutal combat, stunning visuals, and a compelling narrative. On the Portal, the game streams beautifully, and the fast-paced battles are manageable with the controller’s responsive buttons.
Pros
- Gripping story and character development
- Satisfying combat mechanics
- Runs well on Portal with minimal lag
Cons
- Large file size (over 100GB)
- Some puzzles can be tedious on a smaller screen
Spider-Man 2 (PS5)
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 lets you play as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The web-swinging traversal feels fantastic, and the combat is fluid and stylish. It is optimized for the Portal, with fast loading times and a consistent frame rate, making it a great pick for on-the-go superhero action.
Pros
- Web swinging is incredibly fun and smooth
- Two playable characters with distinct abilities
- Optimized for Portal with minimal input lag
Cons
- Requires high speed internet for best quality
- Side content can feel repetitive
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition (PS5)
Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is the definitive version of the stylish action game. With three playable characters, each with unique combat styles, it offers immense depth for players who want to master combos. The Turbo Mode runs at 120fps on PS5, but even at 60fps on Portal, it feels responsive and precise.
Pros
- Deep combat system with high skill ceiling
- Legendary Knight difficulty adds replay value
- Turbo Mode increases speed for veterans
Cons
- Steep learning curve for newcomers
- Story is not the focus
Returnal (PS5)
Returnal is a challenging roguelike shooter that combines fast-paced combat with psychological horror. Its short runs are perfect for portable sessions. The game uses the DualSense’s haptics and 3D audio to create an immersive atmosphere. It runs at 60fps on the Portal, though occasional frame dips can occur in chaotic moments.
Pros
- Intense, addictive gameplay loop
- Short runs fit well for on-the-go gaming
- Excellent use of haptics and audio
Cons
- High difficulty may frustrate some
- No save and quit feature (must complete run)
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PS4/PS5)
FromSoftware’s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a demanding action game that rewards precise timing and parrying. The game is available on PS4 and is playable on PS5 via backward compatibility. On the Portal, the fast-paced sword fights are manageable, though the game’s difficulty can be amplified by the smaller screen.
Pros
- Masterful combat design
- Rewarding progression system
- Runs fine on Portal with a stable connection
Cons
- Very high difficulty level
- No difficulty options
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5)
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a visual stunner that takes advantage of the PS5’s SSD to load dimensions instantly. The gameplay is a mix of platforming and shooting, with a wide array of imaginative weapons. It is a great showcase for the Portal’s screen, with vibrant colors and smooth 60fps performance.
Pros
- Stunning graphics and art direction
- Innovative dimension shifting mechanic
- Fun and varied weapons
Cons
- Campaign is relatively short
- Limited replay value after platinum
Side by side
| # | Model | Genre | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Astro Bot (PS5) | Platformer / Action | Showcasing DualSense features and platforming fun | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | God of War Ragnarok (PS5/PS4) | Action / Adventure | Epic story driven action with deep combat | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | Spider-Man 2 (PS5) | Action / Adventure | Web slinging action and open world traversal | 9.1 | Check price |
| 4 | Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition (PS5) | Action / Hack and Slash | Stylish action and combo depth | 8.9 | Check price |
| 5 | Returnal (PS5) | Roguelike / Shooter | Roguelike action with intense shooting | 8.7 | Check price |
| 6 | Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice (PS4/PS5) | Action / Adventure | Precision combat and challenging boss fights | 8.5 | Check price |
| 7 | Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart (PS5) | Action / Platformer | Fast paced action with dimension hopping | 9.0 | Check price |
What matters most
Common questions
Can I play PS4 games on PlayStation Portal?
Yes, the Portal can stream PS4 games if they are installed on your PS5 console. It uses Remote Play, so any game compatible with PS5 can be played on the Portal.
Do all PS5 action games run well on Portal?
Most do, but performance depends on your network and the game’s optimization. Games that run at 60fps on PS5 generally stream well, but some may have slight input lag.
Is Astro Bot suitable for all ages?
Astro Bot is family friendly and suitable for all ages. It features colorful graphics and simple controls, making it a great choice for younger players.
Which game has the longest campaign?
God of War Ragnarok has a lengthy campaign, often taking 20 to 30 hours to complete. In contrast, Astro Bot and Ratchet and Clank can be finished in about 10 to 15 hours.
Are these games available on PS Plus?
Some may be part of the PS Plus catalog, but availability changes. Check the PlayStation Store for current offerings.
Can I play multiplayer with these games on Portal?
Most of these games are single player. Returnal has co-op, and Devil May Cry 5 has a Bloody Palace co-op mode, but they require a stable connection.
Do I need a PS5 to use PlayStation Portal?
Yes, the Portal is a streaming device that connects to your PS5 over Wi Fi. You do not need a TV, but the PS5 must be on and connected to the internet.
What internet speed is recommended for Portal?
Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps for quality streaming, but 15 Mbps or higher is advised for the best experience, especially for fast paced action games.
Are these games suitable for short gaming sessions?
Returnal and Astro Bot are ideal for short sessions. Open world games like Spider Man 2 can also be played in 15 minute bursts, but you might get immersed and play longer.
Can I adjust control settings on these games?
Yes, each game offers customizable control options, so you can remap buttons and adjust sensitivity to your liking.
The bottom line
If you want a game that truly shines on the PlayStation Portal, choose Astro Bot for its flawless performance and DualSense integration. For a more substantial action experience, God of War Ragnarok is unbeatable. But if you prefer fast paced combat with high replay value, go with Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition. Each of these games has been verified to run well in portable mode, so you cannot go wrong.
