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Do You Need a Controller for Remote Play Together? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is: it depends. While a controller is often the most intuitive and seamless way to enjoy Remote Play Together, it’s not always a strict requirement. The specific game and platform you’re using significantly impact the answer. Let’s dive into the nuances of Remote Play Together and how controllers factor into the experience.

Understanding Remote Play Technologies

Different platforms offer their own versions of Remote Play, each with unique features and limitations. Steam’s Remote Play Together, PlayStation Remote Play, and Xbox Remote Play are the major players. Understanding how each works is crucial to answering whether a controller is necessary.

Steam Remote Play Together

Steam Remote Play Together is designed to let you share local multiplayer games online with friends. The host player owns and runs the game, while invited players stream the video and audio feed. Here, the need for a controller depends heavily on the game.

Controller-Based Games: Many local multiplayer games are built specifically for controllers. For these, each participating player will ideally need a controller to fully enjoy the experience.
Keyboard and Mouse Sharing: Steam allows the host to share their keyboard and mouse with remote players. This can be useful for some games, but it’s often a clunky experience, especially in fast-paced action titles. Some third-party programs, like reWASD, let you map controller actions to a keyboard and mouse, providing a workaround if you don’t have a controller handy.
Controller Support Varies: Steam supports a wide range of controllers, including Xbox, PlayStation (DualSense and DualShock 4), and generic controllers. Make sure your controller is recognized by Steam before launching the game.

PlayStation Remote Play

PlayStation Remote Play allows you to stream games from your PlayStation 4 (PS4) or PlayStation 5 (PS5) to other devices like smartphones, tablets, or PCs.

Controller Recommended: While you can technically use PlayStation Remote Play without a controller, it’s far from ideal. On mobile devices, you can use the on-screen virtual controller, but it lacks the tactile feedback and precision of a physical controller. On PC, you can map DualShock 4 controller actions to your keyboard and mouse, but this requires additional software like reWASD and might not be optimal for all games.
DualSense and DualShock 4 Compatibility: For the best experience, a DualSense wireless controller (for PS5) or DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controller (for PS4) is recommended. These controllers can connect to supported mobile devices and PCs via Bluetooth.
Controller Pairing: When using a controller with PlayStation Remote Play for the first time, you might need to register (pair) it with your system using a USB cable.

Xbox Remote Play

Xbox Remote Play lets you stream games from your Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One console to your mobile device or PC.

Xbox Wireless Controller Preferred: For Xbox Remote Play, the Xbox Wireless Controller connected via Bluetooth or USB cable is highly recommended. It provides the most seamless and responsive gaming experience.
Touch Controls: Some games support touch controls when playing via Xbox Game Pass on mobile devices. This feature, labeled “Play with touch,” allows you to play certain games without a controller.
Controller Alternatives: While the Xbox Wireless Controller is preferred, many other wired and Bluetooth controllers can also work for cloud gaming with Xbox Remote Play.

Game-Specific Considerations

The need for a controller also depends on the specific game you’re playing. Some games are simply unplayable without one, while others offer alternative control schemes that can work with a keyboard and mouse or touch controls.

It Takes Two: This popular co-op game requires at least one controller. While you can play with two controllers on the same PC in couch co-op, you’ll need at least one controller even when using Remote Play Together.
Games with Keyboard and Mouse Support: Some games are designed with keyboard and mouse input in mind. These games might be playable without a controller, but the experience could still be inferior compared to using a controller.
Touch-Enabled Games: On mobile devices, look for games that support touch controls. This can be a great way to enjoy gaming on the go without carrying a controller.

FAQs: Remote Play Together and Controllers

1. Can I use PlayStation Remote Play without a controller?

While possible through workarounds like mapping controls to a keyboard and mouse using third-party software, it’s not recommended. The experience is significantly better with a DualSense or DualShock 4 controller.

2. What controllers work with Remote Play?

It depends on the platform. Steam supports a wide range, including Xbox, PlayStation, and generic controllers. PlayStation Remote Play primarily supports DualSense and DualShock 4. Xbox Remote Play works best with the Xbox Wireless Controller.

3. Do I need two controllers to play It Takes Two with Remote Play Together?

Yes, you need at least two controllers to play It Takes Two. The game is designed purely for co-op play, and each player needs a controller for the best experience.

4. Can two players play It Takes Two on the same PC with Remote Play Together?

Yes, two players can play It Takes Two on the same PC, using two controllers in couch co-op. Then a friend can use Remote Play Together to join.

5. What are the system requirements for Remote Play Together?

For optimal performance, a high-speed internet connection is recommended (at least 15 Mbps upload and download speeds). Specific game requirements will vary.

6. How many people can use Remote Play at the same time?

With PlayStation Remote Play, a maximum of 4 people can use it at the same time. The limits for Steam Remote Play Together depend on the specific game.

7. Does the PS4/PS5/Xbox have to be turned on for Remote Play?

Yes, the console needs to be either on or in rest mode for Remote Play to work.

8. How do I connect a non-PS4 controller to PlayStation Remote Play?

Typically, you’ll need a USB cable. Switch on the PS4 and then push the PS button on the controller while it’s plugged in. Compatibility can vary.

9. How do I connect my phone to my PS4/Xbox via Bluetooth for Remote Play?

For PlayStation Remote Play, go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth Devices on your PS4. For Xbox Remote Play, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and your Xbox console.

10. My Remote Play Together isn’t working. What should I do?

Check your internet connection, update your Steam client and game, and ensure your controller is properly connected and recognized.

11. Can I play games without an Xbox controller on my phone?

Yes, some Xbox Game Pass games support touch controls on mobile devices. Look for games labeled “Play with touch.”

12. Why won’t Remote Play work on my Xbox?

Ensure you’re signed in to the Xbox app with the same account you used to enable Remote Play on your console. Also, check for console updates.

13. Can It Takes Two be played on the same console?

Yes, It Takes Two can be played on the same console through couch co-op, requiring two controllers.

14. Can you play It Takes Two if only one person has it?

Yes! It Takes Two uses a “Friend’s Pass” system. Only one person needs to purchase the game; the other can download the Friend’s Pass to play with them.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational benefits of gaming?

Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for resources and research on the positive impact of games on learning and development. You can learn more about Games Learning Society at the linked website.

Conclusion

While a controller is often highly recommended or even required for the best Remote Play Together experience, the specific requirements depend on the platform, game, and available control options. Consider the game’s design, controller support, and your own preferences when deciding whether you need a controller for Remote Play Together. By understanding these factors, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience, regardless of your hardware setup.

Do you need a controller for Remote Play together?