Asobi Remote Play Lets Steam Deck Users Stream PS5 Games Without a Console

Asobi Remote Play is testing a new way to stream PS4 and PS5 games to Steam Deck, SteamOS and Linux devices, potentially without requiring a PlayStation console.

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PlayStation game playing is gaining flexibility, and an emerging application known as Asobi: Remote Play could revolutionize how PC handheld and Linux users can have access to Sony’s games without having a PlayStation console. Developed and published by Inside Internet, Asobi has been undergoing tests and provides an intriguing way to game streaming in the sense that it enables users to play supported PS4 and PS5 games on devices like Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and others running on SteamOS and Linux operating systems.

Game streaming is not something new as services and consoles like Logitech G Cloud and Sony PlayStation Portal have already shown how people could have fun with games without having a television set up with a game console. Nonetheless, Asobi follows a slightly different path since unlike other remote play applications, which demand users to have a PlayStation console, Asobi reportedly allows connecting to PlayStation Plus cloud streaming service, thus giving eligible users the chance to play supported games without having a PS4/PS5 at home.

PlayStation Cloud Streaming to SteamOS Devices

What is especially appealing about Asobi: Remote Play is the possibility to get PlayStation gaming on devices which normally don't have any official PlayStation access. At least that's what the developer claims to be true based on the information given.

One of the most fascinating things about this project is the PlayStation Plus cloud streaming feature. In case if certain title is available through the catalog of Sony, users who have PlayStation Plus Premium subscription and also PlayStation Network account can stream that particular game from PlayStation servers.

Such feature may prove to be quite helpful for owners of Steam Deck, because although it's possible to play literally thousands of PC games with the help of this handheld device, some of the PlayStation titles may not even be available on PC at all or can give trouble while being installed.

You May Not Need a PS4 or PS5 Console

The fact that players will be able to play PlayStation games without owning a PlayStation console is the most unique feature of Asobi when compared to other remote play apps. Remote play usually requires users to have the console because the game is being streamed from the PS4 or PS5 consoles to their device.

However, with the PlayStation Plus cloud streaming feature of Asobi, the game can be streamed from the cloud of Sony for certain titles. This means that the player's device such as Steam Deck or other Linux supported devices become the display and the controller of the game interface, while the game is played remotely.

One thing that should be mentioned is that not all PS4 and PS5 games can be accessed using the Asobi app. Users will be able to stream the games only if it is included in the cloud-streaming list of Sony and the user has the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription and the PlayStation Network account.

With these limitations in mind, this concept has the potential to greatly expand PlayStation games' accessibility.

Asobi Playtest Premium Features Are Currently Unlocked

At the moment, Asobi is still being tested, and Inside Internet has been releasing invitations to people who have been applying for access to the game via Steam. Ichenzo from Inside Internet has also been updating the community through the subreddit of the app about the progress of the playtest and invitations.

Ichenzo also shared that there are several premium features that will be unlocked before the full release of the app into the Steam Store. These include 4K upscaling, haptic feedback, controller haptics, and 1080p at 60 fps streaming.

In the case of an application aimed at Steam Deck and SteamOS, such features would actually make a difference in the performance of the app. With smooth streaming at 60 fps, games would become much more responsive, while haptic and controller support would provide some of the feedback that console gamers get from the gameplay.

Users who have applied to participate in the test but still don't have access to the game can probably just wait for the invitation as there are more invitations being issued all the time.

Asobi Is Still a Work in Progress

In spite of its appealing concept, Asobi is still an unfinished project. The application is still under tests, and the first users have already reported some problems while trying to play some games that are supposed to be accessible using the Asobi cloud-gaming system.

It is an essential factor for all people who plan to sign up for the playtest because cloud gaming requires several components to work at once properly, which includes server availability, network quality, game compatibility, authentication, and performance of the application itself.

The problem with any of the components mentioned above may hinder the start of the game or cause poor user experience.

However, Asobi's problems do not necessarily mean that the final version of the application will have the same performance after the release.

On the other hand, the fact that the application attempts to use SteamOS and PlayStation cloud streaming system makes it interesting to follow.

Could Asobi Be a Big Deal for Steam Deck Owners?

Steam Deck can be considered one of the most popular handheld gaming PCs; however, its ability to access PlayStation games depends significantly on the willingness of Sony to release a certain title for PC. Although Sony has developed its PC strategy much in the recent years, there are still many PlayStation titles unavailable on Windows or Steam.

This problem could be solved through Asobi because the service will allow accessing to these games through cloud streaming rather than native PC compatibility. For people owning the Steam Deck and subscribing to PlayStation Plus Premium, it could be a solution that will make their device even more versatile in terms of gaming.

Also, it is quite a good proposal for users not owning any PlayStation consoles. Instead of buying PS5 just for having some games compatible with the console, people could use cloud streaming when it was supported.

Nevertheless, the internet connection will play a significant role here. In contrast to downloading and playing games locally, cloud streaming requires good internet access.

A New Option for PlayStation Gaming

As of yet, Asobi: Remote Play has not developed into something fully fledged, which is why it remains unknown whether it is going to be an option on par with PlayStation hardware in terms of functionality or become a niche service for people using SteamOS and Linux. At the same time, the way it has been designed is rather interesting.

The features such as Steam Deck compatibility, PlayStation Plus streaming of games, availability of PS4 and PS5 titles, as well as ability to stream games without a PlayStation console make the application stand out from the crowd. In case Inside Internet finds a way to overcome all compatibility issues and provide stable performance of the app, Asobi might be useful for those gamers who seek more convenience from their devices.

However, for the moment, potential users should view the application as a developing platform. Yet, in light of ever-increasing prices for consoles, services allowing users to stream games via already owned devices might become popular.

Asobi: Remote Play may not replace a PS5, but it could offer Steam Deck and Linux gamers a surprisingly convenient new way to experience PlayStation games.