You will not be able to play PS5 games without a console – at least not yet. Sony will launch its PS5 cloud gaming later in October where it will be exclusive to its latest console.
In June, Sony announced plans to stream PlayStation 5 games over the internet in an apparent reaction to Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass.
Sony has now provided more details and launch dates. At launch, only select games will be supported, with plans to have "hundreds of PS5 titles to support this new benefit" over time.
In addition, it will work with game trials (demos) and supported PS5 games that you own, however only if you also have a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, which feels... wrong.
Cloud gaming lets you jump into a game instantly without having to install it first, but you may encounter dropouts and noticeable latency, and the picture will be compressed. Still, it can be useful for those situations where you do not have time to wait for many GBs to be downloaded or just want to quickly try a game demo.
Available only on the PS5 console
Unlike Xbox cloud gaming, which is also available for newer Samsung Smart TVs and some other devices, Sony's cloud gaming is reserved for the actual PlayStation 5 console.
Also read: Samsung: Play 'Starfield' on Smart TVs, no console/PC required
Hopefully, Sony will bring support to other devices in the future, such as its own TVs or even TVs and media players from competing brands. The company has left the door open, stating that "PS5 cloud streaming is exclusively available on the PS5 console at launch" (emphasis ours).
On the PlayStation 5 console, cloud gaming will however be supported in up to 4K resolution with 60fps, either SDR or HDR. Sony confirmed that Tempest 3D Audiotech is also supported over game streaming, so Dolby Atmos should be too.
- "(It) requires minimum internet speed of 5mbps, 15 mbps for 1080p and 38 mbps+ for 4K," the company said.
Xbox cloud gaming is limited to 1080p with 60fps and lacks support for HDR or Dolby Atmos sound.
You can select your preferred resolution in settings. Photo: Sony
Rolling out starting October 17
Sony provided the following launch timings:
Japan – targeting October 17
Europe – targeting October 23
North America – targeting October 30
Also read: Sony raises annual price of PlayStation Plus by up to 35%
PS5 cloud streaming on the PS5 console through PlayStation Plus Premium will be available in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States.
PS5 cloud streaming on the PS5 console
| Supported games:
Top PS5 hits from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog*, such as Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon Forbidden West, Ghost of Tsushima, Mortal Kombat 11, and Saints Row IV
Game Trials for PS5 games, such as Hogwarts Legacy, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and The Calisto Protocol
Additional PS5 digital titles PlayStation Plus Premium members own that will be available for streaming, such as Resident Evil 4, Dead Island 2, Genshin Impact, Fall Guys, and Fortnite
Features:
Downloadable content and in-game purchases will be available for PS5 game streaming, including DLC and add-ons – similar to purchases from downloadable games.
High quality resolution options, including 4K, 1440p, 1080p, and 720p, with 60 FPS and SDR or HDR output.
Enhanced audio with support for all PS5 audio capabilities including 5.1 and 7.1 as well as Tempest 3D Audiotech.
Capture screenshots and record up to 3 minutes of video, which will be downloaded to your Media Gallery on PS5 and also available in the Media Gallery on PS App |
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