As promised, Sony has just released Firmware 3.50 for the PlayStation 4 (PS4) which includes the most amazing feature: Remote Play. Remote Play allows you to, well, remotely play PS4 games using your Windows PC or Mac. We will show you how to set it up, so you can stream games from the comfort of your bed, or in someone else’s house altogether!
The Sony PlayStation 4 is my eighth-generation game console of choice. It has the best games lineup, the best online service, and hands-down the best gamepad (pun intended). Everything just works oh so well.
Now, the latest firmware of the PS4 – v3.50 – was released a few hours ago. Besides other features, it includes Remote Play which allows you to play PS4 games on your Windows or Mac. It works over WiFi, so you can play anywhere in the world. All you need is to connect your DualShock 4 to your PC, have a high-speed Internet connection, and keep your PS4 obviously turned on.
Let’s discuss how to set it up step-by-step.
Remote Play Requirements
Before you can set it up, make sure you meet the list of obvious requirements to stream PS4 games on PC. You will be needing:
- A Windows or Mac computer
- DualShock 4
- A microUSB cable to connect the two
- PlayStation 4 running system firmware 3.50 or above
- Fast Internet connection. Sony recommends at least a 12Mbps connection
Steps To Start Playing PS4 Games Remotely
Step 1: Download and install the PS4 Remote Play application for your system:
- PS4 Remote Play for Windows [Direct Download]
- PS4 Remote Play for Mac OS X [Direct Download]
Follow the on-screen instructions. Seriously, you should follow what the app says. It will explain things better. We’ll share the rest of the steps.
This is how the setup file looks like on Mac.
Step 2: Turn on your PS4. Go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings and enable Remote Play.
Step 3: Ensure your PS4 is activated as the primary console from Settings > PlayStation Network / Account Management > Activate as Primary PS4
Step 4: If you want, you can set your PS4 to enable Remote Play while in Rest Mode. I would keep this option on, as Rest Mode is what I usually keep my PS4 in. Saves power, while keeping the console easy and quick to startup.
Head to Settings > Power Save Settings > Features Available in Rest Mode. Ensure Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning On PS4 from Network are enabled.
Now, to use Remote Play…
Step 5: Keep your PS4 turned on (or in Rest Mode if you went through Step 5).
Step 6: Connect your DualShock 4 with your Windows or Mac OS X computer with the microUSB cable.
Step 7: Launch the PS4 Remote Play app, and click on the Start button.
Step 8: Sign in with your PSN account. This is the same PSN account that you use on your primary PS4 console.
That’s it! You should now be using your PS4 from your laptop or desktop computer, effectively making your PC a gaming PC of sorts.
Remote Play Not Working Or Causing Issues?
Since Remote Play is such complex work – I mean, your PS4 is processing heavy graphics, pushing them to your PC via WiFi while processing input in real-time from your controller in another part of the world – it can be somewhat unreliable.
Remote Play will likely not work for you if you are on a slower than 5Mbps wired connection. I myself have a slower wireless connection, so this doesn’t bode well for folks like me. Sony categorically recommends a 12Mbps or faster wired connection! This means both your PS4 and Windows PC / Mac should ideally be connected directly via Ethernet cable to the Internet router in your home or wherever you’re travelling.
In case your PS4 and PC are using wireless connections, try your best to ensure that the WiFi is in line of sight for both i.e. there are no obstructions between them. This will help reduce lag.
There’s a chance you may be seeing issues because other people on your WiFi are streaming video or downloading heavier files. Wait for them to stop, or politely ask them so you can game on.
You can improve your gaming experience by selecting a lower video quality from the PS4 Remote Play app. Launch the app, go to Settings > Video Quality and select a lower resolution like Low (360p). Choose the Standard option in Framerate, too.
In case you’re seeing any lag, or terribly low quality video streams, you now know why. Sony will definitely be improving the remote streaming gaming experience in the future, so don’t feel utterly disappointed if it doesn’t quite work out for you yet.
The post Set Up PS4 Remote Play For Windows/Mac [Guide] appeared first on Windows Clan.
