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You Can Play PS Plus Games Without Owning a PS5, but There’s a Catch
A new app called Asobi: Remote Play lets gamers stream PS4 and PS5 titles to a Steam Deck, Steam Machine or other SteamOS/Linux devices without owning a PlayStation console, using PlayStation Plus cloud streaming instead. This matters because it offers a cheaper, more flexible route into Sony's game library at a time when console prices continue to rise, though the app is only in a free, invite-based playtest stage rather than a full release.
Developed by Inside Internet and available via a Steam sign-up, Asobi requires a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription and PSN account, and access depends on whether a given game is included in Sony's cloud catalogue. Developer Ichenzo said premium features, including 4K upscaling and 1080p/60fps streaming, are unlocked for all testers until launch on Steam, with invites being sent out gradually. However, some users have reported being unable to play games that should be available, underlining that the app remains a work in progress.
In short
- Asobi lets Steam Deck users stream PS4/PS5 games via PS Plus
- Requires PS Plus Premium subscription and PSN account
- Still in free playtest; some games reportedly inaccessible
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Proponents view this as genuine progress in democratising gaming. By removing the £400-500 hardware barrier and letting people stream to devices they already own, it expands access to Sony's library for budget-conscious players, those with limited space, and users in regions where console pricing is prohibitive. The approach reflects broader market trends towards flexibility and consumer choice, allowing people to decide how they want to game without committing to expensive proprietary hardware. This creates healthy competition that should push the gaming industry towards more accessible, consumer-friendly models.
The case against
Critics contend the move risks undermining the economic foundations of premium gaming development. Consoles generate revenue that funds expensive AAA game production; eliminating hardware sales could threaten investment in high-quality titles. Cloud streaming itself carries inherent technical limitations—latency, compression artefacts, bandwidth requirements, and server reliability issues—that make it unsuitable for competitive or reaction-dependent games. The beta's reported problems further suggest the service remains unreliable, and for those demanding optimal performance, local hardware remains essential.
Explained simply
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service for PlayStation games. Its Premium tier includes cloud streaming, which sends a game over the internet to a device instead of running it on a console; players still need a compatible game in Sony’s streaming catalogue and a PlayStation Network account.
Asobi is an app made by Inside Internet that connects this streaming service to SteamOS and Linux devices, including the Steam Deck. It offers a way to play some PlayStation games without buying a PlayStation console, but requires a Premium subscription and is still being tested by invited users.
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