What Does It Mean to Stream on PS Now?
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When you see the term “stream” in the context of PlayStation Now (PS Now), now integrated into the PlayStation Plus Premium service, it means you’re playing a game remotely. Instead of downloading and installing the game directly onto your PlayStation console (PS4 or PS5) or Windows PC, you are accessing and playing the game from Sony’s servers over your broadband internet connection. Think of it like watching a video on YouTube or a movie on Netflix. You’re viewing the content in real-time as it’s delivered to you, without saving it on your device’s hard drive. This means that the game runs on powerful servers owned by Sony, and what you see on your screen is a live video feed of that gameplay, controlled by your button presses. You are not downloading the entire game to your device. This process allows you to experience a variety of games, often spanning different PlayStation generations, without the long wait times associated with downloading, nor are you using up valuable hard drive space. However, it’s crucial to have a stable and fast internet connection for a smooth, lag-free streaming experience.
Understanding the Nuances of PS Now Streaming
While the basic concept of streaming is simple, there are a few key things to know about how it operates with PlayStation Now. With a PlayStation Plus Premium membership, you gain access to a massive library of games that can be streamed, including many PS4 games from the Game Catalog and titles from the Classics Catalog, directly to your console or PC. This gives you instant access to a range of games without any significant wait times or the need for large HDD space.
How Does Streaming Actually Work?
The process behind streaming is that games are broken down into small pieces of data, sent over the internet to your device where they are quickly interpreted by the video player or the PS Now app. As soon as enough data packets arrive, the game starts playing on your screen in real-time. It’s a constant flow of information, keeping the gameplay seamless.
Streaming vs. Downloading on PS Now
A key aspect of the old PlayStation Now was the ability to both stream and download some titles. Games downloaded from PS Now run locally on your PS4 console at their native graphic quality, including the ability to upscale to 4K (if supported by your console and display). This means the graphics and sound quality were directly dependent on the capabilities of your local hardware. However, with the merging of PS Now into the PlayStation Plus Premium tier, this option for downloading games is not always available, specifically for PS3 titles which are stream only and availability of downloading certain PS4 titles will vary. Streamed games, on the other hand, are limited by the capabilities of the streaming server and the quality of your internet connection.
Data Consumption and Streaming
Streaming does consume data, and that’s an important consideration for users with data caps. On average, streaming a game on PS Now used roughly 2.6 GB of data per hour in tests, which means a 150 GB data cap would allow about 57 hours of gaming per month. While this may seem substantial, playing a game online typically consumes far less data, usually between 40MB and 300MB per hour, but that does not include the overhead of streaming the actual game. The data required for streaming video depends on the video resolution. Standard definition uses up to 0.3 GB per hour, high definition (720p) uses up to 1 GB per hour, Full HD (1080p) uses up to 3 GB per hour, and UHD (4K) can use up to 7 GB per hour. If you are on a data cap be mindful of this when using the PS Plus Premium streaming service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Streaming on PS Now/PS Plus Premium
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the concept of streaming on PlayStation Plus Premium and its implications:
1. Do I need to buy games with PlayStation Plus Premium for streaming?
No. Just like Netflix, you do not purchase the games individually. Instead, you gain access to the catalog as part of your monthly subscription fee. You pay for the access to the game library, not each individual title.
2. Can I stream PS3 games on my PS5?
Yes. All PS3 games available through the Premium tier of PlayStation Plus are only available through streaming, whether you’re on a PS4, PS5 or PC. This means you’ll have access to a library of classic titles that are difficult to experience otherwise, without having to download the games.
3. Why can’t I stream on my PlayStation?
Ensure you have a stable internet connection, and that your PlayStation Network (PSN) account is correctly configured. Also check that two-factor authentication is set up, as this can sometimes affect streaming services on your account. The service is also dependent on the server, so make sure that they are not experiencing outages or maintenance.
4. Is streaming the same as downloading?
No. Streaming delivers content in real-time without saving it to your device, while downloading saves the content to your hard drive for later access. Streaming is instantaneous, while downloads require time to complete and use up your device’s storage space.
5. How much data does streaming a game use?
Streaming a game on PS Now/PS Plus Premium typically uses around 2.6 GB per hour. The exact amount depends on the game, your streaming quality, and the stability of your internet connection.
6. Is it better to stream or download games?
It depends on your needs. Streaming offers instant access, saving you storage space and the wait time for downloads, however the quality is completely dependent on your connection. Downloading provides higher graphical fidelity, assuming your device can support the game, but requires storage space and time.
7. Does streaming use a lot of internet?
Yes, streaming games can use a noticeable amount of bandwidth, especially on data plans with monthly caps. Be mindful if your internet is not unlimited. Playing games online typically uses less data, however, streaming uses a lot more than most online games.
8. Can I stream games on my mobile device?
Yes, the PS Remote Play app allows you to stream games from your PS5 or PS4 to your mobile device. This works by streaming the gameplay from your console over the internet to your mobile device.
9. How do I start streaming games on my PS5 or PS4?
Ensure you have an active PlayStation Plus Premium membership. Navigate to the games catalog and select the game you wish to stream. Click play and the game will start streaming.
10. What happens if my internet connection is unstable during streaming?
An unstable internet connection can result in lag, stuttering, or disconnects. It is imperative to have a stable connection for the best streaming experience. A wired ethernet connection is usually the most stable connection.
11. Do all games on PlayStation Now offer streaming?
PS3 games are exclusively streamed. Some PS4 and remastered PS2 games can be streamed or downloaded, where downloading is available. This may change and availability to download some PS4 titles will vary.
12. How much does PlayStation Plus Premium cost?
The price of PlayStation Plus Premium is a monthly, quarterly, or yearly cost, so prices will vary dependent on the subscription type. The service includes the access to stream games, as well as many other benefits for Playstation users.
13. What is the difference between PlayStation Plus Premium and PS Now?
PS Now no longer exists as a standalone service. PS Now was fully integrated into PlayStation Plus, under the new name of PlayStation Plus Premium. The Premium tier offers all benefits of PS Now and other membership tiers.
14. What data speeds do I need for streaming PS Now/PS Plus Premium?
A minimum download speed of 5 Mbps is recommended for a basic streaming experience, though 15 Mbps or higher is ideal to handle the graphical needs of most games without lag and stuttering.
15. Are streamed games available in 4K resolution?
Streaming quality is dependent on your internet connection and the game itself. Some streamed games may support 4K resolution, but this will rely on your internet bandwidth and stability, as well as the server itself and the content itself.