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TechRadar
TechRadar
Harry Padoan

I tested a cheap PS Portal case with a molded interior, charging cable passthrough, and a super-durable build — and it’s become a permanent part of my portable gaming setup

PowerA Protection Case for PS Portal on table.

PowerA Protection Case for PS Portal review

The PowerA Protection Case for PlayStation Portal is designed to keep your beloved remote player protected from scratches, drops, bolts of lightning…you name it. OK, I was lying about that last one, but this case is a very durable option indeed, and during my two weeks testing it, it’s proved to be a highly reliable carry case — here’s why.

First of all, let’s talk about the case’s exterior. This is a hard case, so it’s not the most flexible or anything, but it’s very resistant to damage of all kinds. When dropping the case, scratching it, throwing it in a bag, it didn’t show any signs of wear whatsoever.

The case’s interior is also well optimized for damage-prevention in a number of key ways. First of all, the inside is molded to your remote player, enabling it to securely slot into place. There’s also a couple of hook-and-loop straps, which keep it fastened when you’re on the go. On top of that, you’ll find a padded screen-protector flap for preventing scratches. There are so many layers of protection here, enabling this model to compete with some of the very best PS5 accessories.

This screen-shielding flap does even more, though. That’s right, it also has a mesh flap on the top side, which is excellent for storing small accessories. I found it very useful for storing cables and wireless earbuds, for instance, making it easy to take plenty of gaming gear on the go. Sure, there’s no room for a headset or anything large, but this case is meant to fall on the more minimalist side.

(Image credit: Future)

While some may still find PowerA's case to be on the bulky side — I found the Venom Carry Case for PlayStation Portal to have a more modest footprint — this model is still very portable, and it easily fits in my work bag alongside my laptop, Nintendo Switch 2, and Sony WH-1000XM6.

Something else worth mentioning is the inclusion of a cable passthrough feature. There’s a tab on the underside of the case that you can insert a USB-C cable into and charge up your Portal, even when it’s boxed away. This is very convenient, and I used it to safely charge my system in my bag, with it connected up to a power bank.

Before we wrap up, let’s talk looks. This model is available in either Black or White, and I used the latter variant. This looks incredibly on-brand for the Portal — and indeed the PS5 — retaining that fairly futuristic aesthetic. My only complaint in terms of the look would be the fabric handle, which appears a little cheap in comparison to the rest of the case. But this can be forgiven for a case that only costs $34.99 / £19.99 / AU$49.95.

So, is the PowerA Protection Case for PlayStation Portal worth the money? Absolutely. It’s relatively rugged, it’s well-priced, and it even looks the part. The molded interior and screen-protecting flap keep your remote player safe and secure, and the cable passthrough feature is something you won’t get on every case out there. Therefore, it’s an easy recommendation from me.

(Image credit: Future)

PowerA Protection Case for PS Portal review: price & specs

Price

$34.99 / £19.99 / AU$49.95

Dimensions

7.7 x 13 x 3in / 195 x 330 x 75mm

Weight

1lb / 440g

Compartments

2

Handle

Yes

Color

Black or White

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the PowerA Protection Case for PS Portal?

Attributes

Notes

Score

Design

Neat look, molded interior, cable passthrough, protective flap, handle could be better though.

4.5/5

Storage

Plenty of room for small accessories, Portal itself, but nothing too large.

4/5

Value

A very reasonable price for a great case overall.

4.5/5

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

PowerA Protection Case for PS Portal review: also consider

How I tested the PowerA Protection Case for PS Portal

(Image credit: Future)
  • Used the case for multiple weeks
  • Directly compared against other models
  • Tested by a seasoned gaming accessories reviewer

I spent weeks testing the PowerA Protection Case for PlayStation Portal, taking it with me just about everywhere I went throughout the process. While testing, I made sure to try stuffing various accessories in the case and also try out the cable passthrough feature.

To test the case’s durability, I tried dropping it from a controlled height, performed some scratch tests, and reviewed wear and tear after the testing period concluded. I also assessed it against rivals, including the Venom Carry Case for PlayStation Portal, on factors such as robustness and storage space.

More generally, I’ve been reviewing all kinds of gadgets at TechRadar for more than two years. I’ve tested a whole lot of gaming accessories, including cases like the Nintendo Switch 2 All-In-One Carrying Case and screen protectors, such as the Genki Aegis Shield.

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