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How to Play PS5 Games on a PC Without Emulation

Sony’s Remote Play streams games from your PS5 to a PC. The separate PlayStation Plus PC app streams eligible PS4 catalog and select Classics games, not PS5 titles.
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You can play games from your PS5 on a PC with Sony’s PS Remote Play app, which streams a session from your console. The PS5 must stay available to run the game; this is not native PC play. Sony also offers a separate PlayStation Plus PC app, but its US documentation lists PS4 Game Catalog games and select Classics Catalog titles—not PS5 games—for PC streaming.

Choose the right way to play

Option What runs the game What you can play Best fit
PS Remote Play Your PS5 (or PS4) Games accessible on your console, subject to Remote Play exclusions You own a console and want to use your own library on a PC screen
PlayStation Plus PC app Sony’s streaming service Eligible PS4 Game Catalog titles and select Classics Catalog titles in the US You want to stream eligible catalog games and have Premium

These are streaming routes, not ways to install PS5 games on Windows. Sony’s US guidance describes PS5 cloud streaming for PS5 consoles and PlayStation Portal; its PC-app description covers PS4 catalog games and select Classics. Sony also says PS5 games can only be downloaded to a PS5 console. Check the PlayStation Plus on PC guide and PlayStation Plus games FAQ for current platform and catalog details; availability can vary by title, plan, and region.

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Stream your own PS5 with Remote Play

Remote Play sends your console’s session to the PC over a network. Your console and access to the game are still required. Sony’s setup instructions and system requirements are on its PS Remote Play on PC and Mac support page.

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Requirements

  • A PS5 with Remote Play enabled, plus access to the game you want to play.
  • A PlayStation account; sign in to the Remote Play app using the same account as on the console.
  • A supported controller connected to the computer. Sony lists DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4 connected by USB for Remote Play.
  • For Windows, Sony lists Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11, an Intel Core 7th generation or later processor, 2 GB RAM, at least 100 MB available storage, a display resolution of at least 1024 × 768, a sound card, and a USB port. Sony also lists macOS Big Sur, Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, Sequoia, and Tahoe, with at least 2 GB RAM and 40 MB available storage.
  • A stable network. Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps upload and download for Remote Play generally, and at least 15 Mbps upload and download for best performance. These are Sony recommendations, not a guarantee of a particular picture quality or response time.

Set it up

  1. On the PS5, open Settings > System > Remote Play and turn on Enable Remote Play.
  2. If you want to wake the PS5 over the network while it is in Rest Mode, open Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode. Turn on Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning On PS5 from Network.
  3. Download and install the official PS Remote Play app for your PC from Sony’s support page.
  4. Connect a supported controller to the PC by USB, open the app, and sign in with the same PlayStation account used on the PS5.
  5. Select the PS5 in the app. Once connected, use the controller to navigate and launch a game on the console.

When Remote Play will not work for a title

Sony excludes games that require a VR headset or additional peripherals beyond supported controllers, as well as games that must be streamed through PS Plus Premium. Remote Play streams the console rather than bypassing those requirements. See Sony’s Remote Play overview for its device and title scope.

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  • DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
  • PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.

Use the PlayStation Plus PC app for eligible catalog games

The PC app is a distinct service route, not a way to stream your own PS5 console. Sony’s US guide says Premium subscribers can stream PS4 Game Catalog games and select Classics Catalog titles on a compatible PC; some PS4 Game Catalog games are not streamable. Confirm the exact title in the current catalog before subscribing or troubleshooting.

What Sony requires

  • An active PlayStation Plus Premium membership and a PlayStation Network account with registered payment details.
  • A compatible Windows PC and Sony’s PlayStation Plus PC app.
  • An active broadband connection. Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps for PC streaming and at least 15 Mbps for 1080p.
  • A compatible controller. Sony lists DUALSHOCK 4 or another compatible controller; some third-party PC XInput controllers may work, but Sony does not guarantee full compatibility.
  • The account holder must be at least 18 years old.
  • Sony’s stated minimum Windows requirements are Windows 10, a Core i3 2.0 GHz processor, 300 MB available storage, 2 GB RAM, a sound card, and a USB port.

Requirements and catalog availability can change. Consult Sony’s US PlayStation Plus PC guide for current details. Controller support differs between this app and Remote Play, so do not assume a controller supported by one works fully with the other.

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  • Mappable Back Buttons
  • DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
  • Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
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Which option should you use?

  • You own a PS5 and want your personal library: use Remote Play. The console runs the game, and the PC receives its streamed session.
  • You do not have a console session available and want a catalog game: check whether the title is eligible in the PlayStation Plus PC app. It requires Premium and does not provide PS5-game streaming on PC under Sony’s documented US scope.
  • You need a specific PS5 title on PC: verify the platform and streaming options for that exact game. Neither route should be treated as native Windows installation, and the PS Plus PC app’s listed catalog scope is not PS5 games.

Sony publishes requirements and connection recommendations for these services, but the cited guidance does not establish a comparative latency or image-quality winner. Actual experience depends on the network and setup; the figures above should be read as service recommendations, not performance promises.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
Playstation 5 DualSense Wireless Controller - White (Renewed)
DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.; Devices with macOS 11.3, iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5 or tvOS 14.5 or later supported.
$58.00
Bestseller No. 2
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
PlayStation DualSense Edge Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
Ultra Customizable Controls; Mappable Back Buttons; DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
$199.00
Bestseller No. 3
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Chroma Indigo
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Chroma Indigo
Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback; Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
$79.00
Bestseller No. 5
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC
Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.; Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
$74.00
Best Value
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller – Midnight Black + USB Cable for PC
  • Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
  • Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
  • Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
  • Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
  • Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Rank #4
PlayStation DualSense® Wireless Controller - Midnight Black
  • Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
  • Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
  • A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
  • Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
  • Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Rank #3
PlayStation DualSense™ Wireless Controller – Chroma Indigo
  • Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback
  • Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
  • Chat online through the built-in microphone
  • Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
  • Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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