What Are the Remote Play Limitations on PlayStation?

Remote Play on PlayStation allows you to stream your games from your PS4 or PS5 console to another device, such as a smartphone, tablet, PC, or even another console. It offers incredible flexibility and the freedom to play your PlayStation games from virtually anywhere. However, while powerful, Remote Play does have its limitations. In essence, Remote Play restricts certain functions and experiences to ensure optimal streaming performance and maintain certain system functionalities. This article will dive into these limitations and answer common questions about them.

Understanding Remote Play Limitations

The core limitations of Remote Play stem from the fact that you’re streaming gameplay rather than directly running it on the device you’re using. This reliance on network connectivity and data transfer introduces several constraints:

Content Restrictions

Certain types of content are not accessible through Remote Play. These restrictions include:

• Broadcasting Gameplay: You cannot broadcast gameplay directly from your PS4 or PS5 when using Remote Play to control it. This restriction ensures that the streaming quality is not compromised by additional encoding processes.
• Blu-ray Disc™ or DVD Playback: You are unable to play Blu-ray discs or DVDs via Remote Play. The focus is strictly on game streaming and this helps to reduce the complexity of the stream.
• PS VR2 and PS VR Mode: Remote Play does not support PlayStation VR or PS VR2 games. The specific hardware and processing requirements of VR gameplay are not conducive to remote streaming.
• Playing Music and Watching Video Services: Streaming non-game content like music or accessing video streaming services is not supported via Remote Play.

Resolution and Performance Limitations

• Resolution Caps: When using PS4 Pro, Remote Play cannot stream in 4K. The maximum resolution will typically be 1080p, but this can be impacted by your hardware and internet bandwidth. On standard PS4 consoles, the resolution is limited to 720p. These caps are implemented to manage bandwidth and ensure smooth gameplay.
• Internet Speed Requirements: A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for a successful Remote Play experience. A minimum speed of 5 Mbps is required, but 15 Mbps or higher is recommended for a better experience. Lag and disconnections can occur with lower internet speeds.
• Potential Lag and Disconnections: Due to its reliance on network connectivity, Remote Play can experience lag, input delays, and disconnections if your internet connection is unstable or slow. Even with good speeds, other network traffic can impact performance.

Other Restrictions

• Hardware Dependency: Remote Play performance is affected by the hardware capabilities of both your PlayStation console and the device you’re using for remote play. Older devices might struggle to handle higher resolution streaming.
• Limited Simultaneous Players: When using Remote Play Together, the maximum number of players is 4. Also, note that unlike with local multiplayer, each player needs their own device connected to the internet and is joining your stream remotely.
• Rest Mode Configuration: To start Remote Play while your console is in rest mode, you must enable “available in standby mode” settings in your PS4 or PS5 power settings. Additionally, you cannot use Remote Play while a user is actively logged into the console.
• Port Blocking: Sometimes, your router, ISP, or mobile carrier may be blocking necessary ports, preventing remote play from working correctly. This may require port forwarding configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a distance limit for PS4 Remote Play?

No, there’s no specific distance limit. As long as your PS4 is in standby mode (orange light) and connected to the internet, and you have a stable internet connection on your remote device, you can use Remote Play from anywhere.

2. Why does Remote Play keep disconnecting?

Disconnections are often caused by an unstable or slow internet connection. Check your network connection speed, try restarting your devices, and ensure your router is positioned for optimal performance.

3. Why won’t my PlayStation Remote Play open?

Ensure that Remote Play is enabled on your console in the settings. On PS4, navigate to [Settings] > [Remote Play Connection Settings] > [Enable Remote Play]. Additionally, activate your console as your primary console by going to [Settings] > [Account Management] > [Activate as Your Primary PS4].

4. Why won’t my Remote Play work?

Ensure your app is updated, restart both the console and device, and consider resetting your network settings. You can find network reset options within settings on your device.

5. Why is my PS4 Remote Play not working in rest mode?

Make sure your PS4 is in rest mode and that features available in rest mode are enabled within your console’s power settings. Look for the “Set Features Available in Rest Mode” option.

6. How can I improve the performance of Remote Play?

Try lowering the video quality in the Remote Play app. Settings include resolution and frame rate options. Setting both to lower levels can help if you are experiencing lag. Also, ensure your internet connection meets or exceeds the minimum recommended speeds.

7. Does Remote Play use a lot of Wi-Fi data?

Yes, Remote Play can be data-intensive compared to video streaming services. If using mobile data, be careful to avoid exceeding your data cap.

8. Does Remote Play need good Wi-Fi?

While it can be used on both Wi-Fi or mobile data, broadband internet with at least 5 Mbps is required, and 15 Mbps is recommended for a smoother experience. Slower speeds are likely to cause disconnections, lag and lower video quality.

9. Can I use PS Remote Play outside my house?

Absolutely. As long as both your console and remote device are connected to the internet, you can use Remote Play from anywhere.

10. Is PS Remote Play reliable?

When set up correctly with a stable and fast internet connection, Remote Play can be very reliable. However, performance can fluctuate based on internet conditions.

11. Can you Remote Play PS5 while someone else is using it?

No, you can’t use Remote Play while someone else is actively using the console.

12. What is the difference between Remote Play and Remote Play Together?

Remote Play is primarily for accessing your gameplay on a remote device. Remote Play Together, like on Steam, allows you to invite others to join your local multiplayer sessions remotely.

13. Can 2 people play Remote Play?

While Remote Play is primarily for individual use, Remote Play Together allows a maximum of 4 players to join remotely.

14. Why won’t PS Remote Play work on mobile data?

Check if your router, internet service provider, or mobile carrier is blocking the necessary ports. You may need to configure port forwarding to bypass this.

15. How do I enable HDR on PS Remote Play?

If your devices and screen are HDR-compatible, go to [Settings] > [Screen and Video] > [Video Output] on your PS5 and set [HDR] to [Always On] or [On When Supported]. On the PC Remote play app, turn on the “HDR” option inside settings.

Conclusion

PS Remote Play provides a fantastic way to access your PlayStation games from virtually anywhere. While it does have limitations, these are largely due to the technical nature of streaming and network demands. Understanding these limitations and addressing potential issues like network speeds will help ensure you have the best possible Remote Play experience. By following the tips and information outlined above, you can maximize your enjoyment of remote play.