 |
| Firmware update 7.1.7 is a minor update that introduces an 80% charging limit for battery health. |
Sony has quietly released a new system software update for the PlayStation Portal, and it’s one of the more practical updates the remote player has received so far. Firmware version 7.1.7 doesn’t add a new game-streaming feature or a redesigned interface. Instead, it focuses on something far less glamorous but arguably more important: battery health.
After installing the update, the PS Portal will stop charging at 80% by default. That may sound like a limitation, but it’s a deliberate move. Lithium-ion batteries—the kind used in handhelds, phones, and laptops—tend to age faster when they’re kept at 100% for long periods, especially when the device is plugged in and sitting idle. By capping the default charge at 80%, Sony is trying to reduce that wear and help the Portal’s battery last longer.
How the PS Portal 80% charge limit works
The new charging behavior is automatic. Once your Portal is running version 7.1.7, it will charge to 80% and stop there by default. If you want the old behavior, you can change it. The setting lives in Settings > System > Battery, where you can raise the charge limit above 80%.
Sony isn’t hiding the trade-off, either. The company warns that choosing a charge limit over 80% “might impact battery performance and overall stability, reducing long-term battery health.” In other words: you can still fill the battery if you need maximum playtime, but doing it all the time could shorten the battery’s useful life.
You can read the full patch notes on PlayStation’s official PS Portal system software update page. And if you’re still trying to get your hands on the handheld, it’s worth checking current PS Portal listings and bundles before the next restock disappears.
Why 80% is the sweet spot for battery health
Battery experts have recommended an 80% charge limit for years. The reason is simple: batteries are happiest in the middle range. Charging to 100% and leaving the device plugged in puts extra stress on the cells. Heat makes it worse. The PS Portal is exactly the kind of device that can sit unused for days or weeks, fully charged and waiting. That’s not ideal for long-term battery health.
For people who use the Portal in short sessions and then leave it on a shelf or charger, the 80% cap is a sensible default. It means the battery won’t spend as much time at full voltage. If you’re about to take a long trip and need every minute of playtime, you can temporarily raise the limit. But for everyday use, leaving it at 80% is probably the smarter move.
Other changes in PS Portal firmware 7.1.7
The charging limit is the headline, but it isn’t the only change. Sony says version 7.1.7 also improves general system software performance and stability. The update also refines messages and usability on some screens, which should make navigating the Portal feel a little smoother.
There’s also a reminder about PlayStation Link devices. If you use a PS Link headset or earbuds, Sony says you should update that device to the latest software version to connect to the PS Portal. You can do that by connecting the PlayStation Link device to a PS5 or PC using its USB adapter.
As always, Sony recommends installing system updates as soon as possible. The company notes that skipping updates can expose your device to security risks, prevent it from connecting to online services, or affect proper functionality. So even if you’re not excited about an 80% charge cap, it’s still worth downloading.
A useful feature that arrived late
Here’s the frustrating part: this is not a new idea. Rival handhelds, smartphones, and laptops have offered battery charge limits for years. The PS Portal launched in late 2023, which means many early adopters have spent a long time charging it to 100% without an easy built-in way to protect the battery. Some of them may have already caused unnecessary wear without realizing it.
To be fair, better late than never. Sony can’t retroactively fix batteries that have already degraded, but it can help slow down aging for everyone going forward. The 80% default is a welcome change, and it should be standard on every modern handheld. It just would have been nice to see it much sooner.
Should you update your PS Portal?
Yes. Firmware 7.1.7 is a small update, but it’s a meaningful one. The 80% charging limit is a smart default for anyone who wants their Portal to last. If you usually play for long stretches and need 100% battery, you can change the setting. Just remember Sony’s warning: keeping it above 80% all the time may reduce long-term battery health.
In the end, this update is less about flashy features and more about good habits. Sony is finally giving PS Portal owners a simple way to take better care of their device. It took longer than it should have, but for a handheld that’s meant to be used for years, that’s still a win.