The future is officially here: you can now play PlayStation 4 games from your PC.
Sony just released an official PS4 Remote Play app for Mac and PC, announcing the news on its blog at the start of April. Today, we’re showing you how to use that platform to play PS4 games on your computer. Here’s how to play PS4 on PC.
Step by Step Guide
Step 1) Download and install the Remote Play app for PC or Mac
Step 2) Update your PlayStation 4 to software version 3.50 or greater (go to Settings > System Software Update to check)
Step 3) Open PC Remote Play and sync your DualShock 4 controller
Step 4) Log into your PSN account
Step 5) If you can’t find your PS4, click Manually connect
That’s the basic process you need to play PS4 games via your PC. We’ll go into further detail below.
System Requirements
-PC Operating System: Windows 8.1, Windows 10, or later
-Mac Operating System: Mac OS X 10.10, 10.11 or later
-Connection: For 720p/60fps gameplay, you’ll need a minimum internet connection of 5Mb
-Resolution Options: 360p, 540p, 720p
-Default Resolution: 540p
-Frame Rate: Standard (30fps) or High (60fps)
-Default Frame Rate: Standard (30fps)
-Controller: DualShock 4 controller supported (you’ll need to connect it to your Mac or PC via micro-USB; it doesn’t work wirelessly)
Detailed Guide
Step 1) Install the PC or Mac Client
You can install the client for PC or Mac here: https://remoteplay.dl.playstation.net/remoteplay/lang/en/index.html
After you download the installer (choose the correct OS), just install the app by following the on-screen instructions.
Step 2) Update your PlayStation 4
Sony released a PS4 update at the start of April that upgraded the console to allow streaming from your PC. You’ll need to install that update (3.50) if you haven’t already done so.
Most PS4 users will have already received an update prompt to install the update automatically. If this hasn’t happened (or if you want to check your version) then you can do so by going to Settings > System Software Update, manually triggering the update.
Step 3) Open your Remote Play App
On your Mac or PC, open the Remote Play app and grab your PS4 controller. Even if your PC or Mac has Bluetooth connectivity support, you’ll still need to wire your controller to your computer via micro-USB. The controller doesn’t work any other way. Plug your PS4 controller into your PC/Mac via the USB cable, then click Start on the Remote Play app.
Step 4) Log into your PSN Account
This will be the same login and account information you use on your PS4.
Step 5) Let the App Find your PS4
The app isn’t fast or perfect yet, so it may take a few minutes to find your PS4. If you’ve been waiting for more than 5 or 10 minutes without your PS4 showing up, then you may have to manually find it. (Sony claims that it won’t be able to find your PS4 via the internet if you don’t have it registered as your primary PS4, or if it’s currently powered off).
If you can’t find your PS4, click the Manually Connect button. To manually connect, both your PC/Mac and PS4 need to be on the same wireless network. Start your PS4 and go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings > Add Device and then enter the number you see on your Remote Play app to proceed.
Step 6) You’re Ready to Start Gaming
Whether you want to play sports games from your PC or you just think it’s cool to play PS4 games without leaving your computer chair, you’re now ready to experience a full library of PS4 games from the comfort of your PC.
If you want to tweak your connection settings in the future, then you’ll first need to disconnect from Remote Play by turning off your PS4 or by closing the Remote Play app.
For months, the PS4 has been missing one crucial service offered by Microsoft and the Xbox One: the ability to play games from your PC. Now, with Remote Play, Sony has officially caught up to Microsoft’s ability to play Xbox games via Windows 10. Have fun out there!
