Chiaki-ng

Chiaki-ng is a free, open-source PlayStation Remote Play client for PS4 and PS5. It is best suited to players who want to stream to a computer or Android device and tune video and controller behavior; its chief compromise is that remote connections can depend on network conditions and manual setup.

Overview

As a continuation of Chiaki, Chiaki-ng brings console discovery, registration, and local streaming together with remote connection options through PSN or a manual connection. It is a strong fit for players who want more control than a basic streaming setup offers, without a subscription. The trade-off is practical: PSN remote connections work only over IPv4, and UDP hole punching can fail on some network types, where manual connection with port forwarding is required.

PSN authentication tokens are stored locally and are not used or stored elsewhere. Chiaki-ng is not endorsed or certified by Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC.

Key features

Streaming and connection options

The documented stream ceiling is 1080p at 60 fps, suitable for standard remote play but not higher-resolution or high-refresh streaming. Users can configure video, stream, audio, and Wi-Fi settings, and PS5 streaming includes an H265 HDR codec option. Local discovery offers the simpler route at home; remote play through PSN or a manual connection extends access beyond the local network, though the latter can require port forwarding.

Controller configuration

Chiaki-ng supports DualSense and DualShock 4 use, controller mapping, gyro controls, and Steam Deck layouts. Haptics and adaptive triggers broaden its input options, but PS5 support for both is experimental and opt-in, so players who need dependable access to those features should treat them as a bonus rather than a reason to choose the client.

Automation and setup

Installation routes include Flatpak through Flathub, Homebrew on macOS, and packages for Linux, Windows, and macOS. Scripts can wake a PlayStation and launch Chiaki using local or external address options, which may suit players building a repeatable remote-play routine. For help or documentation suggestions, the project points users to GitHub issues and page feedback; its site also links to release updates.

Pricing

Free — free. The free and open-source client includes PS4 and PS5 console support, with a maximum resolution of 1080p and maximum frame rate of 60 fps. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh against it, making Chiaki-ng an easy fit for players comfortable configuring their own remote-play setup. Its cost advantage does not remove the networking limits or the experimental status of PS5 haptics and adaptive triggers.

Platforms

The client platforms are Linux, Windows, and macOS, with Android also supported. The project additionally identifies FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and Nintendo Switch as supported or potential platforms. It targets PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles.

Who it's for

Choose Chiaki-ng if you want a free PlayStation streaming client with configurable stream settings and detailed controller options, and are willing to handle remote-network setup when necessary. It is less suitable if you require PSN remote play over IPv6, cannot configure port forwarding when hole punching fails, or depend on fully established PS5 haptics and adaptive triggers.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and open source, with PS4 and PS5 support and streaming up to 1080p at 60 fps.
• Pros: Offers configurable video, stream, audio, and Wi-Fi settings, plus controller mapping, gyro controls, and Steam Deck layouts.
• Pros: Stores PSN authentication tokens locally and says they are not used or stored elsewhere.
• Cons: PSN remote connection is IPv4-only, and some networks may require manual connection with port forwarding.
• Cons: PS4 remote connection through PSN works only with the account's main registered console, a Sony-imposed limit.
• Cons: PS5 haptics and adaptive triggers are experimental and must be enabled as opt-in features.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison, browse Game Remote Play Software. Moonlight Web is another free, open-source option, with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, web, and self-hosted platforms; consider it if you want those client choices rather than Chiaki-ng's PlayStation focus. Moonlight Game Streaming is also free, with no subscriptions or paid versions, and supports Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Parsec offers a free personal-use plan for desktop streaming and sharing, plus an Individuals (Warp) plan at $8.33 a month; it is worth considering if desktop streaming and sharing are your priority. Greenlight is a free, MIT-licensed option for Linux, macOS, web, and Windows. PeaSyo is a permanently free option for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Pulsar is free and open source under GPLv3, with Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows support. Steam is free across Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows, though game and content prices vary and some subscriptions may be free. Artemis Qt is a free, GPL v3-licensed option for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with downloads from GitHub Releases.

Verdict

Chiaki-ng is a compelling free choice for PlayStation owners who want configurable remote play and controller options across computer and Android clients. Choose it for that combination and its 1080p/60 fps ceiling; look elsewhere if IPv4-only PSN access, network troubleshooting, or experimental PS5 controller features are deal-breakers.