Sony PlayStation Portal update introduces 80% battery charge limit

Sony has released system software version 7.1.7 for the PlayStation Portal, which introduces a default 80% charging limit designed to preserve long-term battery health. By limiting the charge, Sony aims to reduce the stress on lithium-ion cells caused by high voltage levels, which can accelerate battery aging. This is particularly relevant for users who frequently leave the handheld device connected to a power source.

Users who require full capacity can manually disable this limit by navigating to Settings > System > Battery. However, Sony warns that maintaining a charge above 80% may negatively impact battery performance and overall device stability over time. Since the battery is not intended to be user-replaceable, managing wear is a significant consideration for device longevity.

The update also requires that all paired PlayStation Link accessories, such as Pulse Explore or Pulse Elite headsets, be updated to their latest firmware to ensure continued wireless connectivity. These accessory updates must be performed by connecting them to a PS5 or PC via the PlayStation Link USB adapter, as the update cannot be applied directly through the Portal handheld.