Until now, cloud streaming PlayStation games required either owning a PS5 or Sony's PlayStation Portal. With the new third-party app Asobi: Remote Play, this is now also possible on the Steam Deck and other SteamOS or Linux devices – entirely without needing your own console at home.
How Does PS5 Streaming Work Without a Console Using Asobi?
The prerequisite is an active PS Plus Premium subscription: This allows selected PS4 and PS5 games to be streamed directly from the cloud to the Steam Deck, completely without a local console. The free basic version provides Full HD at 30 frames per second and automatic bitrate adjustment. Those who upgrade to the app's Premium tier also get 1080p at 60 fps, HDR, manual bitrate control, a low-latency mode, controller vibration, and upscaling up to 4K.
Is Asobi an Official Sony Product?
No – and that's the most important point for anyone looking to try the app. Asobi: Remote Play is an independently developed third-party application and is neither licensed nor officially supported by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It's currently running as a Steam Playtest, meaning it's not yet the final release build. Anyone who uses it relies on a project that could be restricted at any time by a change to Sony's servers or terms of service – a risk that always comes with unofficial access to closed cloud services.
Why Is This Interesting for PS Plus Premium Subscribers?
Sony's own answer to mobile PS5 streaming, the PlayStation Portal, costs around 200 US dollars as a dedicated accessory and only works with Sony's own hardware and software. Anyone who already owns a Steam Deck or another SteamOS device can completely save on this additional purchase with Asobi, needing only an active PS Plus Premium subscription. For those who want to try it: Besides the PS Plus Premium subscription, all it takes is a valid PSN account and installing the app via the Steam Playtest feature – additional hardware like a PS5 or the PlayStation Portal is no longer necessary to continue playing cloud-saved or digitally purchased PS5 titles on the go.
Source: Eurogamer.de, Tom’s Hardware
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