Does PS5 Have a Casting App? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, the PlayStation 5 (PS5) has a casting app, or more accurately, an app that enables remote play functionality which effectively allows you to “cast” your gameplay to other devices. This feature, known as PS Remote Play, lets you stream your PS5 games to various devices, expanding your gaming experience beyond your living room TV. It’s not a traditional casting app in the way you might think of screen mirroring from your phone, but it achieves a similar result by streaming your gameplay to another display. This capability has been significantly enhanced with recent updates, making it easier and more versatile than ever to enjoy your PlayStation games.
What is PS Remote Play?
Understanding the Functionality
PS Remote Play is a feature that allows you to stream your PS5 games to other devices, such as:
- Smartphones and Tablets: Running either Android or iOS.
- PCs and Macs: Via a dedicated app for both Windows and macOS.
- Android TV Devices: Specifically, devices running Android TV OS 12 or higher, including Chromecast with Google TV 4K and certain Sony BRAVIA TVs.
Essentially, PS Remote Play transmits your console’s video and audio output, along with your controller inputs, to a remote device over your network. This allows you to play your PS5 games on a different screen, whether you’re in another room, another house, or even another location.
How Does it Work?
To use PS Remote Play, you typically need to:
- Download the PS Remote Play app on your chosen device (phone, tablet, PC, or compatible smart TV).
- Connect your controller to your device via Bluetooth. While touch controls are available on mobile devices, a DualSense or DualShock 4 controller provides a more comfortable and precise gaming experience.
- Sign in to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account on both your PS5 and the device where you’re using Remote Play.
- Ensure both your PS5 and the remote device are connected to the internet. A stable internet connection is crucial for a smooth streaming experience.
Once connected, the screen of your PS5 is displayed on your remote device, and you can control your games as if you were directly connected to your console.
Casting to Chromecast and Android TV
New Possibilities
One of the most significant recent updates to PS Remote Play is the ability to stream PS5 games to Chromecast with Google TV 4K and other devices running Android TV OS 12 or higher. This expands the versatility of the feature and allows you to play your PS5 games on devices you might already own.
Setup on Android TV
To play on devices such as Chromecast with Google TV 4K :
- Search for the PS Remote Play app on your Android TV’s app store.
- Download and install the app.
- Sign in to your PSN account.
- Connect your DualSense or DualShock 4 controller via Bluetooth.
- Select your PS5 from the available options, ensuring that both devices are connected to the same network.
You can now enjoy your PS5 games on your larger TV screen, streamed directly from your console. This adds a new dimension to how and where you can experience your PlayStation games.
Other Streaming Capabilities of PS5
Built-in Streaming Apps
Beyond Remote Play, the PS5 also functions as a central entertainment hub, offering various built-in streaming apps for services like:
- Netflix: For movies and TV shows, also available in Ultra HD on compatible devices.
- Disney+: To enjoy content from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and more.
- Amazon Prime Video: A wide range of films and series.
- Twitch: For watching live game streams and content.
- Spotify: To stream music while gaming or just to enjoy.
- ESPN: For sports content.
- Hulu: Access to a variety of TV shows and movies.
These apps are easily accessible from the Media section of the PS5 user interface.
Broadcasting Gameplay
In addition to streaming to other devices, the PS5 allows you to broadcast your gameplay live through services like Twitch and YouTube. To start a broadcast, simply press the Create button on your controller and select the “Broadcast” option.
FAQs About PS5 Casting and Streaming
1. Can I stream my PS5 to any TV?
Not every TV has built-in functionality to stream PS5 games directly. However, you can stream games to specific Android TVs (running OS 12 or higher), and more popularly, devices such as Chromecast with Google TV 4K using the PS Remote Play app.
2. Does the PS5 have a built-in Chromecast?
No, the PS5 does not have Chromecast built-in. However, it does support streaming to devices that have Chromecast built-in or run Android TV OS 12 or higher using PS Remote Play.
3. Can I use PS Remote Play outside of my home network?
Yes, you can use PS Remote Play outside of your home network, but a stable and fast internet connection on both ends (PS5 and the device) is essential for a good experience.
4. Can I cast my phone screen to PS5?
No, the PS5 doesn’t support direct screen mirroring from a mobile phone. However, you can use the PS4 Second Screen app for some limited interactions.
5. Is PS Remote Play free?
Yes, PS Remote Play is free to use. You only need the PS Remote Play app installed on your chosen device and a PSN account linked to your PS5 console.
6. Can I stream my PS5 games on Discord?
Yes, you can stream your PS5 gameplay on Discord by using the PS Remote Play app on your PC, then sharing the screen using Discord’s screen share feature.
7. Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use Remote Play?
No, a PlayStation Plus subscription is not required to use PS Remote Play. You only need it if you want to stream games from the PlayStation servers.
8. Can I play PS4 games using Remote Play on my PS5?
Yes, you can use PS Remote Play to play PS4 games on your PS5 console by streaming your PS4 to your PS5.
9. Can I play PS5 games on my PS4?
No, you cannot play PS5 games directly on a PS4. You can use PS Remote Play to stream PS4 games to your PS5, but not the other way around.
10. Can I use my DualShock 4 controller with PS Remote Play?
Yes, you can use a DualShock 4 controller with PS Remote Play, though a DualSense controller is the preferred choice on PS5.
11. Does PS5 have a web browser?
Yes, the PS5 has a hidden web browser but it’s not intended for regular web browsing.
12. Can I watch Netflix in 4K on PS5?
Yes, you can watch Netflix in Ultra HD on PS5 if your TV supports it and is connected via an HDCP 2.2 compatible HDMI port.
13. What streaming services are available on PS5?
The PS5 supports a variety of streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Twitch, Spotify, ESPN, and Hulu.
14. Can I stream from PS5 to a computer?
Yes, you can use the PS Remote Play app on Windows PCs and macOS to stream games from your PS5.
15. Can I use PS Remote Play with a wireless internet connection?
Yes, you can use PS Remote Play with a wireless internet connection. However, for the best performance, a wired ethernet connection on both the PS5 and the device is recommended.
Conclusion
The PS5 offers substantial streaming and casting capabilities. While it doesn’t have a traditional casting app like a mobile phone screen mirroring, PS Remote Play provides an efficient method to stream your gameplay to various devices, including Chromecast with Google TV, other Android TVs, smartphones, tablets, PCs, and Macs. These features, combined with the built-in streaming apps, make the PS5 a versatile entertainment hub. The ability to cast games across multiple devices significantly enhances the convenience and flexibility of the gaming experience.