PS Remote Play
Description
Sony Interactive Entertainment releases PS Remote Play as a free app that streams the screen of a PS4 or PS5 console to another device via the internet. The app converts a smartphone, tablet, PC, Mac or compatible TV into a remote display for the console — the game runs entirely on the PlayStation at home, and the video feed travels to the device wherever the user happens to be. PS Remote Play works both within the home and across the internet from another location, as long as there is a fast enough connection on both ends.
PS Remote Play is a different app to PlayStation App. PlayStation App is used for friends, store browsing, and console management. PS Remote Play is responsible for streaming games in particular.
HOW IT WORKS
The PS4 or PS5 console must be turned on or left in rest mode with the right power settings enabled before a Remote Play session can start. The app logs into the same PlayStation Network account that is connected to the console, finds the console automatically, and opens the connection. Once connected, the full screen of the console — the game, the PlayStation home menu, everything — is displayed on the device. Any input from the controller or buttons on the screen travels back to the console in real-time, and the console reacts as if someone were sitting in front of it.
Because the game is running on the console and not on the device, the performance is based on the hardware of the console and not the phone or computer receiving the stream. A PS5 running a demanding game still runs it at full quality; it’s only the video feed itself that is affected by the internet connection between the two devices.
SUPPORTED DEVICES & PLATFORMS
PS Remote Play is available for the following platforms:
On mobile, the app is available for iPhone and iPad running iOS 15.0 or later and Android smartphones and tablets running Android 8.0 or later. A separate version of the app called PS Remote Play for TV runs on Android TV OS 12 or later, including Chromecast with Google TV, Google TV Streamer, and Sony BRAVIA televisions.
On desktop, there are dedicated apps for Windows PC and Mac that allow users to stream their console to a full-screen window on a computer. The Windows version supports HDR video output when both the PC and the PS5 are connected to HDR capable displays and the user installs the HEVC Video Extension from Microsoft.
CONTROLLERS
PS Remote Play supports physical PlayStation controllers that are connected to the streaming device. On mobile, the DualSense wireless controller connects via Bluetooth on Android 12 or higher. The DualSense Edge is paired on Android 14 or higher and iOS 16.4 or higher. The DUALSHOCK 4 is also a pairable on Android devices. On PC and Mac, controllers connect using USB cable. The DualSense also pairs to Macs via Bluetooth on macOS Big Sur 11.3 or higher, and via Bluetooth to Macs running macOS Ventura 13.3 or higher for the DualSense Edge.
When no physical controller is available, the app shows on-screen touch buttons covering the standard PlayStation controller layout. The touchscreen controls are fine for basic navigation but not very precise for most games, compared to a physical controller.
The Backbone One PlayStation Edition clips onto an iPhone and gives a physical grip and buttons that work with the app.
VIDEO QUALITY
PS Remote Play is up to 1080p resolution for PS5 and PS4 Pro consoles. The app automatically adjusts the quality according to the connection speed. Base PS4 consoles have manual resolution selection between 360p, 540p and 720p, with frame rate selectable between standard (30fps) and high (60fps). For PS5 and PS4 Pro, the app automatically adjusts the quality up to 1080p without manual adjustment.
4K streaming is not supported. Games that play at 4K on a PS5 hooked up to a 4K television will stream at a maximum of 1080p via Remote Play regardless of the resolution of the output device.
INTERNET Connection Requirements
Sony recommends a minimum upload and download speed of 5 Mbps on both the network of the console and the device for Remote Play to work. For a better experience with fewer interruptions, Sony recommends 15 Mbps or faster on both ends.
A wired Ethernet connection from the PS4 or PS5 to the router means that the latency is lower than Wi-Fi, and generally means a smoother stream, especially for fast-paced games. On the device side, a stable Wi-Fi connection is sufficient for most sessions. Mobile data is an option for Remote Play on mobile devices, but quality will vary depending on signal strength and carrier conditions. The app has a notification feature to notify the user when a session is starting over mobile data instead of Wi-Fi.
VOICE CHAT AND MICROPHONE
The app transmits voice chat via the device’s built-in microphone, enabling the user to communicate with other players in online games during a Remote Play session. On PC and Mac, any connected microphone will work. No additional hardware is needed beyond what the device already provides.
BACKGROUND STREAMING
On mobile, PS Remote Play is able to keep streaming in the background while the user switches to another app. This feature requires that you enable Background Streaming in the app’s settings. With it on, a Remote Play session remains connected if the user briefly answers a message or checks another app, instead of disconnecting and needing a fresh connection when coming back.
LIMITATIONS
Blu-ray and DVD playback are not available for streaming via Remote Play. Gameplay broadcasting and Share Play are not available in a Remote Play session. A few games list themselves as being incompatible with Remote Play, although most PS4 and PS5 games support it.
The quality of the connection directly influences the experience. On slower or unstable connections, video compression artifacts are visible and input lag increases — the delay between pressing a button and seeing the result on screen. Fast-paced competitive games are more sensitive to this lag than slower or turn-based games, making Remote Play better suited to certain game types when played over a weaker connection.
