PlayStation games may soon be easier to access on SteamOS devices, thanks to Asobi: Remote Play. The app is designed to stream PS4 and PS5 games to a Steam Deck, Steam Machine or other compatible SteamOS and Linux hardware.
Remote play and cloud gaming are already familiar concepts, with devices such as the Logitech G Cloud and PlayStation Portal offering ways to play away from a television. Asobi takes a different approach: it is software for existing PC-style handhelds and computers rather than another dedicated device.
How Asobi can stream PS Plus games
Developed and published by Inside Internet, Asobi can stream games from a player’s PS4 or PS5. Its more notable feature is access to PlayStation Plus cloud streaming without requiring the user to own either console.
There are conditions. The game must be included in Sony’s cloud catalogue, and users need both a PlayStation Network account and a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. When those requirements are met, the game can be streamed directly from PlayStation’s servers to a supported SteamOS or Linux device.
For Steam Deck and Steam Machine owners, this could provide access to PlayStation games that are otherwise unavailable on PC, without purchasing a PlayStation console. It also offers a lower-cost route for players who already have the required subscription and compatible hardware.
The catch: Asobi is still in testing
Asobi is currently being tested through Steam. Access is free during the playtest after users request an invitation, but the application is not yet presented as a finished product. Some users have reported being unable to launch games that should be available.
The developer, Ichenzo of Inside Internet, outlined the test in the Asobi community. Invitations are being sent progressively, so people who have registered but have not received one may need to wait.
Playtest features
During testing, all premium Asobi features are unlocked. These include:
- 4K upscaling
- Haptic feedback
- Controller haptics
- 1080p streaming at 60 frames per second
Those features are available to playtest users until the full release arrives on the Steam Store. The final access model and feature availability are not stated in the supplied information.
A useful option, but not a replacement for local hardware
Asobi could make PlayStation’s cloud catalogue more convenient for Steam Deck owners, particularly those who prefer portable play. However, streaming remains dependent on the service, the user’s account and the games available in the catalogue.
That makes the app an interesting alternative rather than a guaranteed substitute for owning a console. Players should also expect the experience to change while testing continues, especially given the reports of games failing to start.
For readers comparing gaming setups, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide covers the broader question of choosing dedicated hardware, while the arcade machine range and bartop arcade collection offer a different kind of plug-and-play gaming space.
Asobi’s appeal is straightforward: it may let eligible PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers stream PS4 and PS5 games on SteamOS or Linux without buying a PS4 or PS5. The important qualification is that the app is still being tested, and access depends on the cloud catalogue, account requirements and reliable streaming performance.
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