Owners of the Steam Deck and other Linux-based handhelds now have a new option for accessing PlayStation content. A third-party application named Asobi, currently in its testing phase, enables PlayStation Plus Premium cloud streaming directly on portable PC hardware.
How Asobi Works
The app functions as a remote play solution that allows users to stream titles from the PlayStation Plus Premium game catalogue. While the official PS Portal is designed specifically for remote play, Asobi offers a similar experience for those who prefer to use Valve’s handheld or other Linux-based devices.
Current Limitations and Performance
- Library Access: The app currently supports only the PlayStation Plus game catalogue. It does not yet offer compatibility with a user's wider PS5 digital library, though the developers are working on this feature.
- Performance Tiers: During the current playtest, the app provides access to the full 60fps, 4K experience for free. Once the playtest concludes, the free tier will be limited to 1080p at 30fps.
- Subscription Requirements: Users still require an active PS Plus Premium subscription to access the cloud streaming features, identical to the requirements for the official PS Portal.
As the software is currently in testing, it remains to be seen how the platform holder will respond to this third-party development. The app is currently available via the Steam store for those interested in participating in the testing phase.