You can play PS5 games remotely without buying a PlayStation Portal: use Sony’s PS Remote Play app on a compatible phone, tablet, computer, Android TV device, or another PlayStation. The best fit is usually the screen and controller you already own. Each of these Remote Play setups streams from your PS5; if you need to play while your PS5 is off, compare Portal’s separate cloud-streaming option instead.
Which PlayStation Portal alternative should you choose?
| Setup | Best fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Phone + Backbone One – PlayStation Edition | A compact handheld setup using a phone you already own | Connector, phone model, operating system, and the exact Backbone model. Android compatibility is model-specific. |
| Phone or tablet + DualSense | A larger screen or a PlayStation controller you already have | Supported OS version and controller support for your device. |
| Windows PC or Mac + controller | A laptop or desktop with a larger display | Sony lists DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 for the official app. Keyboard controls work only in games that support them. |
| Compatible Android TV device + controller | Playing on a second television | Android TV OS 12 or later and one of Sony’s listed devices; distance from the console can add latency. |
| Android streaming handheld, such as Logitech G Cloud | A dedicated handheld for Remote Play and other streaming uses | Verify current app compatibility and controller behavior before buying or setting up. |
| Steam Deck + third-party streaming software | A multipurpose handheld if you are comfortable with an unofficial, evolving setup | Not official Sony support. The reported Asobi app was in pre-release playtest in August 2026; check its current status. |
Sony’s official Remote Play app is available for supported phones and tablets, Windows, Mac, compatible Android TV devices, and another PlayStation. The practical choice depends on the device and controller you own, screen size, portability, where you will play, and whether you need access to games without your PS5. Sony’s compatibility details are on its PS Remote Play page.
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Use a phone with a Backbone controller
A phone can become a small handheld screen for Remote Play when paired with a compatible controller. Backbone’s PlayStation Edition attaches to a phone and provides physical controls, avoiding the need to hold a separate controller while playing. Check the phone’s connector and the exact model before purchase.
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For Android, Backbone says the Backbone One – PlayStation Edition is the only Backbone model currently on Sony’s Android compatibility list. Sony lists this controller for iPhones running iOS 15 or later and Android phones running Android 10.0 or later. These minimums do not guarantee compatibility with every phone: confirm the specific device and its software support. See Backbone’s model compatibility FAQ.
#1 Best Overall
- Play Your Game Collection with Remote Play - PlayStation Portal Remote Player can play compatible games you have installed on your PS5 console, including your favorite games for PS5 and PS4.*
- Cloud Streaming from the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog - Discover an awesome library of PS5 games on the PlayStation Portal Remote Player with PlayStation Plus Premium. Access hundreds of games from the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, streamed directly to your PlayStation Portal Remote Player with new games added every month. Cloud Streaming from the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog - Discover an awesome library of PS5 games on the PlayStation Portal Remote Player with PlayStation Plus Premium. Access hundreds of games from the Game Catalog and Classics Catalog, streamed directly to your PlayStation Portal Remote Player with new games added every month.
- Cloud Streaming for PS5 Games in Your Library - With PlayStation Plus Premium, stream select digital PS5 games in Your Library from PlayStation Store directly to your PlayStation Portal Remote Player, with no downloads required. Enjoy instant access to some of the latest and greatest PS5 games in the palm of your hand.
- Tempest 3D AudioTech - Surround yourself with sound via Tempest 3D AudioTech on PlayStation Portal Remote Player. Experience realistic, immersive audio in supported PS5 games when a compatible audio device is connected, either wirelessly via PlayStation Link or wired via the 3.5mm audio jack.
- Beautiful 8” LCD Screen - Take in every exquisite detail of your favorite games as they come alive on a brightly lit and gorgeous full HD screen.
Use a phone or tablet with DualSense
If you prefer a larger display or already own a DualSense, connect the controller to a supported mobile device and run Sony’s Remote Play app. Sony’s US compatibility page lists these minimums:
- Apple devices: iOS 14 or later supports DUALSHOCK 4 over Bluetooth or on-screen controls; iOS 14.5 or later supports DualSense over Bluetooth. Backbone One – PlayStation Edition compatibility is listed for iPhone models running iOS 15 or later.
- Android devices: Android 9 or later supports on-screen controls, Android 10 or later supports DUALSHOCK 4, and Android 12 or later supports DualSense. Backbone One – PlayStation Edition compatibility is listed for Android 10.0 or later.
Controller features and support can vary by device, so check the OS version and manufacturer compatibility before relying on a particular pairing. Sony’s compatibility page has the current requirements.
Use a Windows PC or Mac with a PlayStation controller
A computer makes sense if you already have a laptop or desktop and want to play on its display. Sony’s official Remote Play app supports DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers on Windows and Mac. Keyboard controls are available only for games that support hardware keyboards; they are not a universal substitute for a controller. Check Sony’s Remote Play device and controller requirements before installing the app.
Play on a compatible Android TV device
Remote Play can also send a PS5 game to a second television through a compatible Android TV device, paired with a controller. Sony lists Android TV OS 12 or later and names Chromecast with Google TV 4K and HD models and BRAVIA XR A95L as currently available devices. A longer distance between the console and the remote TV may increase latency, so the setup is most suitable when both devices have a solid network connection. Confirm device availability and requirements on Sony’s US Remote Play page.
Rank #3
- 【𝟒 𝐈𝐍 𝟏 𝐒𝐞𝐭】The four-in-one kit includes: Playstation Portal Remote Player carrying case x 1, silicone protective case x 1, screen protectors x 2, thumbstick caps x 4. This comprehensive kit offers superior protection for your device, shielding it from various potential damages
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- 【𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫】Our silicone protective case is custom-made for PS Portal and fits all buttons and sockets precisely. Made of high-quality soft silicone material, comfortable to hold, anti-slip, anti-sweat and anti-fall. There are heat dissipation holes designed on the front and bottom, so you don’t have to worry about PS Portal heating, allowing you to enjoy a better gaming experience
- 【𝟐 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫】The screen protector is specially designed for PS Portal and is highly transparent and ultra-clear, giving you the best viewing effect. The perfect screen protector is waterproof, dustproof, and scratch-resistant, and there are two screen protectors in total
Consider a dedicated Android streaming handheld
A device such as the Logitech G Cloud may suit someone who wants a dedicated handheld that can also be used for other streaming. GamesRadar has discussed it as a Portal alternative, but that does not establish current compatibility for every Remote Play app version, controller behavior, or device configuration. Verify those details before choosing a handheld for PS5 play. The GamesRadar+ Portal review discusses the G Cloud and phone-plus-Backbone approaches.
What about Remote Play on Steam Deck?
Steam Deck Remote Play routes are third-party rather than officially supported Sony configurations. Tom’s Hardware reported on August 12, 2026, that Asobi Remote Play was available as a pre-release Steam playtest. The report described PS4 and PS5 Remote Play and a claimed ability to access select PlayStation Plus Premium cloud-streamed titles. Because the app was in prerelease, its availability and behavior may have changed; check its current status and treat it as an experimental option, not a guaranteed setup. See Tom’s Hardware’s report.
Rank #4
- Compatibility and Application: The Left and Right 3D Joysticks is for PlayStation Portal Remote Player joystick replacement. Our for PS5 Portal handheld joystick replacement's type is Hall Effect joystick, it only suits for that console. The replacement for PS5 Portal Joystick are apply to the problem of the drifting, blind spots, dead spots, can't center, damaged or broken, long time to use, not sensitive, etc. Will better to solve the problem of drifting.
- Quality Guaranteed: For PS5 Portal joystick replacement was test before shipment and for PlayStation Portal joystick replacement are made of good quality, metal+ABS plastic material make it use more accurately and has longer working life. The controller will use as a new one after replacing for PlayStation Portal joystick.
- Advantage of Hall Joystick: The ALPS joystick after using long time, it will has some problem:Electrical parts will wear out due to physical properties,resistance will increase and delay to operate. Our Hall Effect joystick for PS5 Portal using the principle of the Hall effect and magnetic field induction, the accuracy is usually higher and can provide more accurate position detection. For PlayStation Portal Remote Player Hall joystick has a longer life and is suitable for long-term use.
- Protection and Convenient Installation: Come with 2pcs for PS5 Portal Thumbsticks cap replacement. Good replacement for your broken or cracked joystick cap.And 22 handle screws(Help to replace the console cover’s screw during the installation). And it comes with set tool:Screwdriver、Opening Tools、Pry Tool and Tweezer. Helps to disassemble and replace for PS5 Portal joystick more convenient.
- Installation Suggestion: After the joystick is installed, it may not be exactly centered with the your handle motherboard, and calibration is required to center it. Currently, the joystick can be calibrated to the center by adjusting the brush angle or adding an adjustable resistor.In mostly, the joystick offset within 5% is almost imperceptible. Generally, it will only cause a slight rotation of the perspective or automatic walking when it reaches more than 8%, so if the joystick is calibrated to 2% - 3%, it is normal to use.
Understand what Remote Play requires
Sony’s support page is explicit: “A PS5 console or PS4 console is required for Remote Play.” Remote Play sends a game running on your paired console to another device; the phone, computer, TV device, or handheld is not itself the source of the game. Sony’s PS Remote Play support page explains the service and its requirements.
- For Portal, Sony specifies broadband Wi-Fi of at least 5 Mbps and recommends 15 Mbps for a better experience. These are Sony’s stated thresholds, not a guarantee of a particular result; experience varies with network conditions.
- Some games and features are restricted, including games requiring PS VR or PS VR2, PlayStation Camera, or other peripherals, as well as certain Share Play, game-streaming, Blu-ray/DVD, VR, music, and video functions. Check Sony’s Remote Play restrictions for the full list.
Remote Play versus Portal cloud streaming
Remote Play connects to games installed on your paired PS5. Cloud streaming is a different capability: Sony announced that, from November 5, 2025, eligible PlayStation Plus Premium members could stream select digital PS5 games on Portal without connecting to their own PS5. Sony said supported titles include select games in a member’s library and compatible games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog and Classics Catalog; cloud sessions can continue when the member’s PS5 is powered off or being used by another account. This is a Portal feature, not a general substitute provided by the phone, PC, or TV Remote Play setups above. Check Sony’s announcement for current membership eligibility, regional availability, and game selection: Cloud Streaming on PlayStation Portal.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Store and Protect – Sturdy outer shell, molded interior and dual zipper pulls provides protection for the PlayStation Portal remote player
- Charging Cable Pass-through – Allows a charging cable to be plugged into the PS Portal while stored inside the case
- Screen Protection – Padded screen protector flap with mesh accessory pocket to store small accessories
- Travel Handle – Easily carry the protection case with the handle located on the top of the case
- Officially licensed by PlayStation
Make the choice based on your setup
- Already own a compatible phone? Start with the official app; add a compatible Backbone One – PlayStation Edition if you want an attached controller.
- Prefer a larger display? Try a tablet with a supported controller, a computer with Sony’s app, or a compatible Android TV device.
- Want a dedicated handheld? Consider an Android streaming handheld only after confirming its current Remote Play compatibility.
- Want a Steam Deck route? Expect third-party software and verify that its status and features have not changed.
- Need to play without your own PS5? Compare Portal cloud streaming eligibility and game availability, rather than treating ordinary Remote Play as cloud gaming.
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