Playing your favorite PS4 games on a PC can be a rewarding experience, especially if you don’t own a PS4 or PS5 console. Fortunately, Sony offers two main methods for PC users to access and play PS4 games: Remote Play and PlayStation Plus Premium. Below, I’ll walk you through each method step by step.
What to Know
Before we get started, let’s clarify the two main methods you can use to play PS4 games on a PC:
- Remote Play: Stream PS4 games from your PS4 console to your PC.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: Stream select PS4, PS3, and classic PlayStation games directly to your PC.
Note: While Sony has ported many first-party PlayStation 4 games to PC, not all titles are available. If you own a PS4 or PS5, Remote Play is the best option to access your entire PS4 games library on a PC.
Requirements for Playing PlayStation 4 Games on a Windows PC or Mac
Remote Play:
Hardware Requirements:
- A PS4 console
- Wireless controller (DualShock 4 recommended)
- USB wireless adaptor or USB cable
Internet Requirements:
- High-speed internet connection with at least 15 Mbps upload and download speed (recommended)
System Requirements:
For Windows PC:
- Windows 10 or Windows 11
- 7th Generation Intel Core processors or later
- At least 100MB of available storage
- At least 2GB of RAM
- 1024 x 768 or higher display resolution
- Sound card
- USB port
For Mac:
- macOS High Sierra or later
- At least 40MB of available storage
- At least 2GB of RAM
- USB port (optional)
PlayStation Plus Premium:
- An active PlayStation Plus Premium subscription
Note: Make sure your PC meets these requirements to ensure smooth gameplay and streaming.
How to Play PlayStation 4 Games on a Windows PC or Mac
Using Remote Play App:
Installation Steps:
- Download the Remote Play App:
- Go to the official PS Remote Play website.
- Select “Control your PS4 console from a Windows PC” and click “Download.”
- Agree to the license agreement and privacy policy by checking the box and proceed with the installation.
- Sign In to PSN:
- Once installed, launch the app and click “Sign In to PSN.”
- Enter your PlayStation Network (PSN) login credentials.
Setting Up Remote Play on Your PS4:
- Enable Remote Play on PS4:
- Turn on your PS4 console.
- Go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings.
- Turn on “Enable Remote Play.”
- Activate Your PS4 as Primary:
- Go to Settings > Account Management.
- Select “Activate as Your Primary PS4” and confirm the activation.
- Power Save Settings:
- Go to Settings > Power Save Settings.
- Select “Set Features Available in Rest Mode.”
- Check the boxes for “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Enable Turning on PS4 from Network.”
Configuring the PC Remote Play App:
- Launch the App:
- Open the PC Remote Play app and log in to your PSN account.
- Connect Your PS4:
- The app will automatically search for your PS4 and connect.
- Once connected, you’ll see your PS4 console displayed on your PC.
- Connect the DualShock 4 Controller:
- Connect your DualShock 4 controller to your PC using a USB cable or DualShock 4 USB wireless adaptor.
Using PlayStation Plus Premium:
- Download and Install PlayStation Plus App:
- Go to PlayStation’s PS Plus PC site, scroll down, and click “Download PlayStation Plus app.”
- Follow the installation guide and launch the app.
- Click “Already have a Sony account? Sign in now.”
- Connect a Controller:
- Connect a DualShock 3 or 4 controller via USB, Bluetooth, or wireless adaptor.
- Select and Play a Game:
- After signing in, select a game from the list and click “Start” under the game artwork.
FAQs
How do I play PS4 games on a PS5?
Playing PS4 games on the PS5 is straightforward due to the PS5’s backward compatibility. Simply select the game from the PlayStation 5 game hub if you own the digital version. Otherwise, insert the PS4 game disc into the PS5 console and start playing.
What PS4 games can I play on a PS5?
Sony has confirmed that the majority of its 4,000-plus PS4 games are playable on the PlayStation 5. All PS4 digital games you’ve purchased in the past are available in your games library via the PlayStation Store.
How do I play PS4 games on my phone?
To remote play PS4 games on an Android or iOS device, enable Remote Play in your PS4 connection settings. Next, download the PS4 Remote Play app from the Google Play Store or the App Store, launch the app, tap “Start,” and log into your account.
Note: An active PlayStation Plus Premium subscription is required to stream games on your PC using the PlayStation Plus service.
By following these comprehensive steps, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite PS4 games on your PC seamlessly, whether through Remote Play or PlayStation Plus Premium. Both methods offer a convenient way to extend your gaming experience to your PC.