The PlayStation 5 delivers cutting-edge graphics and performance for next-gen gaming. But what if you don‘t have access to a TV to hook up your shiny new PS5? Not to worry – with Sony‘s Remote Play feature, you can enjoy PS5 games on other screens like your phone or PC without being tied to a living room setup. Here‘s everything you need to know to game on-the-go with your PS5.
What is Remote Play?
Remote Play allows you to stream gameplay video and audio from your PS5 to other devices. As long as you have a decent internet connection, you can play your PS5 games on a phone, tablet, or computer remotely.
The PS5 sends a live video feed of your game to the Remote Play device, while your controller inputs are sent back to the console. This two-way communication gives you access to the full PS5 experience on another screen.
Requirements for Remote Play
To use Remote Play, you‘ll need:
- A PS5 console updated to the latest system software
- A Device with Remote Play app installed – iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
- A DualShock 4 or DualSense controller
- A solid internet connection – at least 5Mbps recommended
You‘ll also need to sign into your PlayStation Network account on both devices and connect them to the same WiFi network.
How to Set Up PS5 Remote Play
Follow these steps to enable Remote Play:
On your PS5:
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Go to Settings > System > Remote Play and select "Enable Remote Play."
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Make sure your PS5 is connected to your home network.
On your phone/tablet/computer:
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Download and install the PS Remote Play app.
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Open the app, sign into PSN, and select your PS5.
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Your PS5 will now wake up from Rest Mode.
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Connect your controller to your device via Bluetooth.
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You‘re all set! Your PS5 screen will appear in the app.
Tips for the Best Remote Play Experience
Here are some recommendations for optimizing Remote Play performance:
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Use a phone clip or mount to hold your device steady while playing.
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Connect your controller to your device via USB cable instead of Bluetooth for reduced latency.
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For PC/Mac, use a wired network connection instead of WiFi.
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Play in a room close to your router/PS5 for best connectivity.
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Turn off HDCP and enable Boost Mode on your PS5 for reduced input lag.
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Close other apps on your device and disable power-saving to prevent interruptions.
Limitations of PS5 Remote Play
While Remote Play works well, there are some compromises:
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Image quality capped at 1080p resolution – no 4K or HDR.
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Maximum frame rate of 60fps – some PS5 games run higher.
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Potential latency compared to playing directly on TV.
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No support for PS5-specific features like haptic feedback.
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Audio quality reduced compared to wired headphones/TV speakers.
So serious competitive gamers may want to stick to a direct TV hookup when possible. But Remote Play offers a solid experience for more casual gaming on the go.
Alternatives to Remote Play
If Remote Play doesn‘t work for your situation, there are a couple other options:
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HDMI Output – You can connect your PS5 directly to a monitor or PC display via HDMI. This gives you the full PS5 experience, just on a smaller screen.
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PSVR Headset – Sony‘s PlayStation VR headset has its own display and outputs video directly from the PS5. Great for immersive gaming without a TV.
However, the PS5 lacks alternate video outputs like the optical audio/video found on PS3 and PS4. So HDMI or Remote Play are your only options.
Choosing a Display for PS5
While not required, a 4K TV with HDMI 2.1 unlock‘s the PS5‘s full capabilities – up to 4K 120fps gaming and advanced graphics features. More affordable 4K/60Hz TVs still provide a great experience.
Gaming monitors offer high refresh rates and snappy response times. But you‘ll pay more for HDMI 2.1 features comparable to budget 4K TVs. Ultimately, a TV provides the most versatile display for media viewing too.
Using Your Phone as a PS5 Display
If you want to use your smartphone screen to play PS5 games, Remote Play is the ideal solution designed specifically for this purpose.
Alternately, you can screen mirror your Android phone‘s display to a PS5 via apps like Screencast. But expect lag and compressed video. For iOS, enable Display Mirroring in Control Center to show your iPhone screen on a PS5 – again, with compromises.
Phone displays realistically max out at 6-7 inches, so the immersive PS5 experience is best enjoyed on a larger TV or monitor. But in a pinch, your mobile device can work!
Should Lack of a TV Stop You From Buying PS5?
While the PS5 is designed with the big-screen living room experience in mind, Remote Play provides a fully playable workaround for those without TV access.
The only real dealbreaker is if you have no stable internet connection. But otherwise, PS5 gaming on the go is absolutely achievable via your phone, tablet, or computer.
For multiplayer or competitive gaming, the slight input lag may be an issue. But most single-player PS5 titles are still highly enjoyable via Remote Play. It‘s a liberating feature that unlocks next-gen console gaming portability like never before.
So if you‘ve got your sights set on a PS5 but are TV-less, don‘t let that stop you. With Remote Play configured, you can dive into the PlayStation 5‘s remarkable catalog virtually anywhere. Game on!
