Can You Remote Play and Play on Console? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is: it depends on what you mean by “play on console.” You cannot have two people playing on the same console at the same time using remote play, nor can someone locally play on the console while someone else uses remote play. However, you can remote play from your console to another device, allowing you to play remotely, and someone else can play locally on the console at a later or earlier time. This article will delve into the specifics of remote play for both PlayStation and Xbox, providing a complete understanding of the capabilities and limitations involved.
Understanding Remote Play
Remote play is a feature that allows you to stream your console’s gameplay to another device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC. Think of it as streaming a movie, but instead of watching a video, you’re interacting with a video game in real-time. This means you’re effectively controlling your console from a different device, allowing you to continue playing your favorite games when you’re away from your primary console. Both PlayStation and Xbox offer robust remote play options, but with slightly different functionalities.
PlayStation Remote Play
PlayStation Remote Play is available for PS4 and PS5 consoles. It allows you to stream games, view your console’s home screen, and browse menus on a compatible device. For this to work:
- Your PlayStation console needs to be connected to a broadband internet network.
- You need a compatible device, also connected to the internet.
- You’ll need the free PS Remote Play app.
- A DUALSHOCK 4, DualSense, or DualSense Edge wireless controller is required.
Importantly, your console needs to be powered on or in rest mode to be accessible via the PS Remote Play app. A crucial note is that you can not use the Remote Play feature if someone is currently using the Share Play or Share Screen features. It also does not work if watching a blu-ray or DVD, using Spotify or playing in PSVR mode.
Xbox Remote Play
Xbox Remote Play enables you to stream games from your Xbox console (including Xbox Game Pass titles) to a compatible PC, Android, or iOS device. Similar to PlayStation, there are some caveats:
- Your Xbox console must be turned on or in a sleep mode.
- A strong internet connection is needed.
- An Xbox Wireless Controller is required for most games.
It is worth noting that Xbox Remote Play currently excludes backward-compatible titles from Xbox 360 or the original Xbox on Android and iOS devices.
Can Two People Play Simultaneously?
This is where the limitations of remote play become clear. Only one person at a time can play remotely for both PlayStation and Xbox, even if multiple people are set up to connect. This also applies to someone playing locally on the console at the same time. If someone is using remote play, no one can use the console itself. Once remote play is disconnected, another user can start a local session on the console, and vice versa.
Remote Play and Local Play: Exclusive Access
It’s critical to understand that remote play takes exclusive control of the console. This means if you’re using the remote play feature, no one can simultaneously use the console directly. Similarly, if someone is actively playing on the console, you won’t be able to initiate a remote play session. This is a key restriction you need to keep in mind.
FAQs About Remote Play
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the specifics of remote play:
1. Can I Remote Play on Xbox While Someone Else is Playing Locally?
No, only one person can play at a time. If someone is playing locally on the console, you cannot use remote play, and vice-versa.
2. Does My Console Have to be On for Remote Play?
Yes. For both PlayStation and Xbox, the console must be powered on, or in a sleep/rest mode, for remote play to work.
3. What is the Minimum Internet Speed Required for Remote Play?
The minimum required connection speed for PS Remote Play is 5Mbps for both upload and download. While Xbox does not give exact specifications, a good broadband internet is still required for optimum performance.
4. Why is My Remote Play So Laggy?
Lag can occur if your internet connection speed is too slow (below 5 Mbps for PS Remote Play), if other devices are using a large amount of bandwidth on your network or a poor Wifi signal from your router.
5. Can Two People Use Remote Play at the Same Time?
No, you cannot. Only one person can use remote play at a time, regardless of whether others are also set up for remote access.
6. How Far Away Can I Remote Play?
You can use remote play from anywhere with a stable internet connection. As long as your console is on and connected to the internet, and your device has internet as well, you should be able to connect.
7. Can I use Remote Play if My Console is Completely Off?
No. Both PS and Xbox consoles must be in a sleep or rest mode or powered on to use remote play.
8. What Devices Can I Use for PS Remote Play?
You can use PS Remote Play on Android devices running Android 9 or later, iOS devices, PCs, and other consoles
9. What Devices Can I Use for Xbox Remote Play?
You can use Xbox Remote Play on PCs, Android, and iOS devices.
10. Do I Need a Controller for Remote Play?
Yes, both systems require a controller. For PlayStation, you’ll need a DUALSHOCK 4, DualSense, or DualSense Edge wireless controller. For Xbox, an Xbox Wireless Controller is typically required.
11. Can I Use Remote Play While Someone Is Watching a Blu-Ray on PS5?
No, PS Remote Play cannot be used when watching a Blu-Ray, DVD, listening to Spotify, using the Share Play feature or playing a game in PSVR mode.
12. Why Can’t I Connect to My Console Using Remote Play?
Ensure that your console is on or in sleep/rest mode. Check your internet connection on both your console and remote device. Make sure the remote play feature is turned on within the console settings.
13. Can I Use PS Remote Play on a Device Away from My Home Network?
Yes. As long as both your console and the device are connected to the internet, you can use PS Remote Play remotely.
14. Does PS Remote Play Support On-Screen Controls?
Android devices running Android 9 or later can play PS Remote Play games using on-screen controls.
15. Can You Use Two PS5 Consoles in One House?
Yes, each PlayStation account can have one primary console and can log in on any other console. Any account on the primary console will be able to play all the titles purchased by the primary account.
Conclusion
Remote play is a powerful feature that allows gamers to enjoy their favorite titles on different devices, adding flexibility to their gaming habits. While you cannot have two people playing on the same console simultaneously using remote play and the local console, it provides an opportunity to play games remotely while your main console is in another location. Understanding the specific limitations, such as network requirements and exclusive access, is vital for a seamless remote play experience. By understanding the differences between PlayStation and Xbox remote play, you can take full advantage of the features and enhance your gaming experience.