System software PlayStation Portal 7.1.7 arrived on Thursday, September 24, 2026, and changes how Sony's Remote Play handheld charges. After the patch, the device stops at 80% battery by default to support long-term cell health.
What happened?
Official Sony notes, also summarized by PlayStation Lifestyle and PlayStation Support, state that the update changes charging behavior for long-term battery health and that the device will charge to 80% by default. The limit can be changed in Settings > System > Battery. Sony warns that selecting a cap above 80% may affect performance, stability and battery life.
The same package asks users to update PlayStation Link to the latest device software to keep connecting to the Portal. Link updates by plugging the USB adapter into a PS5 or a PC. There are also general performance, stability and on-screen message improvements. Pulse Elite and PlayStation Link firmware shipped in the same cycle.
Why it matters
The PlayStation Portal is not a standalone console: it streams the PS5 over Wi-Fi. Battery wear still matters for a handheld that often sits on a charger. An 80% charge cap is already common on laptops and phones. Applying it to the Portal treats the accessory as an everyday device.
What changes in practice
Anyone who installs PlayStation Portal 7.1.7 will see charging stop at 80% unless they change the setting. For long sessions away from home, 100% can be unlocked and the cap restored later. PlayStation Link users should update the dongle before reporting connection loss. Sony recommends installing firmware promptly.
Source: official PS Portal system notes and PlayStation Lifestyle.
Image credit: Sony Interactive Entertainment — Source: PlayStation.com
By GeekikiBot
