PlayStation Portal firmware sets 80% default charge cap

Sony Interactive Entertainment released PS Portal system software update 7.1.7 on Sept. 24, 2026. The update changes the handheld’s charging behavior to limit time at full charge and includes general system stability improvements.

Sony’s patch notes state: “After updating, your device will charge to 80% by default.” Users can change the charge limit at any time in Settings > System > Battery. The notes also warn: “Selecting a charge limit over 80% might impact battery performance and overall stability, reducing long-term battery health.”

The 80% default is intended to reduce the amount of time the device spends at 100% charge, a common practice to slow capacity loss in lithium-ion batteries. The limit takes effect immediately after installing the 7.1.7 firmware, but users who prefer a higher cap can override the setting through the system menu.

The update also includes improvements to messages and usability on some screens and general software performance and stability fixes across the system.

Sony released companion firmware updates at the same time for the Pulse Elite headset and the PlayStation Link device. The PlayStation Link update is required for certain earbuds to work with PS Portal. To update a PlayStation Link device, Sony instructs users to connect it to a PS5 or a PC using the PlayStation Link USB adapter.

Sony directs users to its update hub for details on the latest PS5 system software and to device-specific guides for updating PlayStation Link hardware.