Table of Contents

Can You Put PS5 Games on Steam Deck? The Definitive Answer

Quick answer

This page answers Can you put PS5 games on Steam Deck? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

The burning question on every gamer’s mind: Can you put PS5 games on Steam Deck? The short answer is no, not directly. You can’t simply copy a PS5 game disc or download a PS5 game file and expect it to run natively on the Steam Deck. They are fundamentally different platforms with incompatible architectures. However, all hope is not lost! There are ways to experience PS5 games on your Steam Deck, though they involve workarounds and come with certain caveats. Let’s delve into the details.

Understanding the Limitations: Why Direct Installation Isn’t Possible

The primary reason you can’t directly install PS5 games on a Steam Deck is due to hardware and software incompatibility. Here’s a breakdown:

Different Architectures: The PS5 uses a custom AMD Zen 2 CPU and a custom AMD RDNA 2 GPU, specifically optimized for the PlayStation ecosystem. The Steam Deck, while also using an AMD Zen 2 CPU and RDNA 2 GPU, is designed to run PC games within the SteamOS environment, which is based on Linux. These architectures, while similar in some respects, are not directly interchangeable.
Operating Systems: The PS5 runs a proprietary operating system designed specifically for its hardware and game library. The Steam Deck runs SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system. PS5 games are coded and compiled to run on the PS5’s OS, not SteamOS.
DRM and Licensing: PlayStation games are protected by Sony’s Digital Rights Management (DRM) and licensing systems. These systems prevent you from simply copying and playing games on unauthorized devices. Steam Deck doesn’t support the PS5’s DRM.

The Viable Workaround: Remote Play

The only reliable method to play PS5 games on your Steam Deck is through Remote Play. This involves streaming the game from your PS5 console to your Steam Deck over your local network or even the internet.

Setting up PS Remote Play on Steam Deck

Here’s how you can set up PS Remote Play on your Steam Deck:

Install Chiaki: Chiaki is an open-source Remote Play client for the Steam Deck. It bypasses some limitations of the official PlayStation Remote Play app and is generally considered the better option. You can find it through the Discover store on your Steam Deck (Desktop Mode).
Configure Chiaki: After installing Chiaki, you’ll need to configure it to connect to your PS5. This involves registering your PS5 using your PlayStation Network account.
PS5 Configuration: On your PS5, ensure that Remote Play is enabled. Go to Settings > Remote Play > Enable Remote Play. You might also need to enable the “Stay Connected to the Internet” setting in the PS5’s power-saving options to prevent your console from going into rest mode and interrupting your Remote Play session.
Network Considerations: A strong and stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for a smooth Remote Play experience. Both your PS5 and Steam Deck should ideally be connected to the same network, preferably using a wired connection for the PS5 for optimal performance.

Performance Considerations with Remote Play

Keep in mind that Remote Play is dependent on network conditions. Expect some latency and potential graphical degradation, especially if your internet connection isn’t ideal. The visual fidelity will never be quite as good as playing directly on the PS5. Still, for many, it’s an acceptable compromise to enjoy PS5 games on the go.

The Future of Emulation

While direct installation is impossible now, the future of emulation is always evolving. Currently, there are no PS5 emulators that are capable of running games at playable speeds. Emulating a modern console like the PS5 is an incredibly complex task requiring significant processing power and years of development. However, advancements in emulation technology may eventually make PS5 emulation a possibility on powerful PCs, including potentially future iterations of the Steam Deck.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the topic:

Will the official PlayStation Remote Play app work on Steam Deck?

Yes, but Chiaki is generally preferred. You can install the official PlayStation Remote Play app through the Discover store in Desktop Mode on your Steam Deck. However, Chiaki often provides better performance and more customization options.
Do I need a PS Plus subscription to use Remote Play?

No, a PS Plus subscription is not required to use Remote Play. You only need PS Plus for online multiplayer features within the games themselves.
Can I use Remote Play over the internet?

Yes, you can use Remote Play over the internet, but the experience will be heavily dependent on your internet connection speed and stability. A fast and reliable connection with low latency is essential.
Is it legal to use Chiaki for Remote Play?

Yes, using Chiaki for Remote Play is perfectly legal as long as you own the PS5 and the games you are playing. It simply provides an alternative way to access the Remote Play functionality built into the PlayStation system.
Can I use a DualSense controller with my Steam Deck for Remote Play?

Yes, you can connect a DualSense controller to your Steam Deck via Bluetooth or USB and use it for Remote Play.
Will Remote Play drain my PS5’s power even when I’m not actively playing?

Yes, when Remote Play is enabled and the “Stay Connected to the Internet” setting is active, your PS5 will remain in a low-power state, consuming some electricity.
Can I play all PS5 games via Remote Play?

Almost all PS5 games are compatible with Remote Play. However, some games might have minor compatibility issues or control scheme quirks.
What are the minimum internet speed requirements for smooth Remote Play?

Sony recommends a minimum upload and download speed of 5 Mbps for Remote Play, but for a more reliable and smoother experience, a speed of 15 Mbps or higher is recommended.
Can I stream PS5 games to my Steam Deck while someone else is using the PS5?

No, Remote Play effectively takes over the PS5. Only one user can actively use the console at a time.
Is there any way to install PS5 game files directly onto the Steam Deck’s storage?

No, there is no legitimate way to install PS5 game files directly onto the Steam Deck’s storage and run them. The file formats and DRM are incompatible.
Will PS5 emulation ever be possible on the Steam Deck?

While it’s impossible to say for certain, PS5 emulation on the Steam Deck is highly unlikely in the near future due to the hardware limitations. It is more plausible on high-end PC hardware first.
Does Remote Play use a lot of data?

Yes, Remote Play can consume a significant amount of data, especially at higher resolutions and frame rates. Be mindful of your data limits if you are using a limited internet plan.
How can I improve the performance of Remote Play on my Steam Deck?
- Use a wired connection for your PS5.
- Ensure your Steam Deck and PS5 are on the same network.
- Reduce the resolution and frame rate settings in Chiaki.
- Close any unnecessary applications running on your Steam Deck.
- Ensure your internet connection is stable and fast.
Are there any risks associated with using Chiaki?

Chiaki is generally considered safe to use, as it’s open-source and widely used within the community. However, always download it from a trusted source (like the Discover store) to avoid potential malware.
Where can I learn more about game development and the technology behind consoles like the PS5?

Understanding how games are designed and developed is crucial for appreciating the complexities of console architecture and emulation. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) offers valuable resources and insights into the field.

Conclusion: Remote Play is Your Best Bet

While directly installing PS5 games on your Steam Deck is not feasible, Remote Play offers a viable solution to enjoy your PlayStation library on the go. By using Chiaki and optimizing your network settings, you can experience many PS5 games on your Steam Deck, albeit with some limitations. Keep an eye on the future of emulation, but for now, Remote Play is the key. The GamesLearningSociety.org offers many resources for gamers and developers to understand more about game-related topics.