If there’s one area where PlayStation lags behind Xbox, it’s, of course, remote play. Today, it is possible to easily enjoy your Xbox games in the cloud thanks to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Console Remote (streaming content from your own console). And this on smartphones, tablets and, sometimes, even connected televisions.
On the competing side, there was only the PS Remote Play app that acted as a gateway between the PS4 or PS5 and a compatible media. While Game Pass is becoming more and more consolidated on portable consoles such as the ROG Ally, the Logitech G Cloud, the Steam Deck or the recently announced Lenovo Legion Go, Sony has decided to go around with its own accessory, the PlayStation Portal.
Above all, it’s an 8-inch LCD tablet surrounded by a DualSense controller to give it that Nintendo Switch feel. But it only works via WiFi, mainly at home for greater stability, does not support Bluetooth headphones (officially due to latency issues) and only supports its own accessories wirelessly: the Sony Pulse Elite headphones and the Pulse Explore headphones. All for 220 euros of console, accessories not included (150 and 220 euros respectively).
Alternatives for all tastes
If you don’t want to invest the 220 euros for PlayStation Portal (not including accessories), there are other ways to enjoy your games without having your console nearby.
However, they exist for all these alternatives, as will be the case with the PlayStation Portal: you must not forget to put the PS5 in sleep mode to be able to wake it up from afar. If you just turn it off, it won’t activate when you request it.
Download the PS Remote Play app
This is the key to success and a fabulous opportunity that PlayStation leaves us. Available on iOS and Android, but also on Windows PC and Mac, the PlayStation Remote Play app provides access to the content of your PS4 or PS5 in standby mode. Simply enter your credentials to create a gateway, connect a compatible controller, and launch your games on your smartphone or tablet. Downloaded titles can be accessed, as well as the game contained on the inserted disc.
Please note that with the application you need to have a stable and fairly fast Internet connection. If offered the possibility, the technology is less optimal than that of Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce Now or even Shadow.
The smartphone controller: Backbone One
As smartphone screens get bigger and bigger, they are fun to play with. Sliding your device into the controller holder, that’s it. Several models are offered on the market. Our favorite is the Backbone One, available for iPhone and Android smartphones, for its versatility. First of all, you don’t need to charge it. It will depend on the autonomy of the smartphone without impacting too much on its battery. But it offers very good joysticks, triggers and buttons.
Its little extra is also the internal interface that brings together all the services that you can take advantage of and all the games available on the smartphone. It’s also possible to take a screenshot or video and share it all. Connected with a Lightning – USB-C or USB-C – USB-C cable, the controller (without smartphone) can become the one on your PC or tablet.
Price: 120 euros.
A Bluetooth controller: Nacon MG-X
Another controller to swipe your smartphone, but this one works via Bluetooth with your Android or iOS smartphone (up to 6.7-inch screen).
Simply recharge it to be able to play for 20 hours. As with Backbone One, Xbox has managed to introduce its Game Pass and offers several months of subscription to try its extensive catalog. The PS Remote Play app allows you to play God of War, the last from the US or any other by loading the application.
Orders will be supported immediately. A good, robust and pleasant controller to play the services contained on your smartphone (Apple Arcade, GeForce Now, mobile games from stores, etc.).
Price: 70 euros
Razer Edge Wi-Fi
Announced for a long time and finally available in France, the Razer Edge is indeed a quite demanding console in the form of an Android tablet. It has a 6.8-inch screen with a Full HD+ 144 Hz Amoled screen. And to surround this bright and excellent quality panel, we find a Kishi V2 Pro controller, with its buttons, asymmetrical joysticks and triggers. It is reminiscent of the Backbone, which stands out for its duplicated R1/L1 triggers, but also for the presence of haptic feedback and various vibrations.
The Razer Edge only comes in a WiFi version and not 5G, which would have allowed playing outdoors or on the street. It has many advantages, such as WiFi 6e and Bluetooth compatibility. Inside we find the Snapdragon G3x Gen 1 processor for mobile devices. Power that allows you to run almost any game, even offline. And connecting your wired or Bluetooth headphones.
Price: 499 euros – Kishi V2 Pro controller only: 149 euros.
Source: BFM TV
