A new third-party application, Asobi: Remote Play, has entered its playtest phase, providing a method to access PlayStation gaming content without the need for physical console hardware. The app allows users to stream select PS5 titles directly to devices including the Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Linux systems.
How Asobi Works
The application functions by connecting to a user's PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. By utilizing Sony's existing cloud streaming infrastructure, Asobi bypasses the requirement for a physical PlayStation 5 console, streaming games directly to a handheld or PC-based device. Users require a broadband connection with at least 5 Mbps upload and download speeds.
Quick Facts
- Availability: The app is currently in a playtest phase and available via Steam.
- Platforms: Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and Linux are supported; Windows 11 is not currently supported.
- Requirements: An active PlayStation Plus Premium subscription is required.
- Game Library: Approximately 3,970 PS5 games are available for cloud streaming through the service.
- Technical Features: Includes 1080p/60 fps streaming, upscaling to 4K, haptic feedback, and on-device gyro input support.
While the service supports a wide library of titles, it is limited to PS5 games; PS3 and PS4 titles are not supported through this method. The development team behind Asobi has indicated that they intend to add support for Windows 11 in the future.
This development arrives as the gaming industry faces rising hardware costs and a shift toward digital-only ecosystems. For players, this provides an alternative way to access the PlayStation Plus Premium library without the initial investment of a console, provided they already own a compatible device like a Steam Deck.