Exciting news for PlayStation enthusiasts! Starting today, Sony is taking cloud gaming to the next level by rolling out the PS5 cloud streaming feature exclusively for PlayStation Plus Premium members. This fantastic development encompasses supported PS5-native games, available through the PlayStation Plus Games Catalog, Game Trials, and digital PS5 titles owned by members.
To answer the burning questions you might have, let’s delve into the details:
Plan Options and Availability
The PS5 cloud streaming benefit is accessible through the PlayStation Plus Premium plan, which is available in several countries, including 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 the United States.
Launch Dates
The launch dates for this feature will roll out as follows:
- Japan – starting today, October 17
- Europe – targeting October 23
- North America – targeting October 30
How to Stream Games
You can access this feature by selecting the game through your PS5 dashboard if it’s available in the PlayStation Plus Games Catalog. Alternatively, if you own the game in your PS5 library, you can choose ‘streaming’ from there.
Supported Titles
The cloud streaming benefit covers a variety of platforms, including original PlayStation, PS2, PS3, and PSP games (through Classic Catalog), PS4 and PS5 games through Game Catalog, PS5 games available as Game Trials, and supported digital PS5 games from your personal library. However, please note that cloud streaming availability may vary depending on the title.
Compatibility and Restrictions
Currently, the PS5 game streaming experience is exclusive to PS5 consoles through the PlayStation Plus Premium plan. Unfortunately, PS VR2 games are not supported through cloud streaming, and disc-based PS5 games are not available for streaming.
Monthly Games and Remote Play
Supported PS5 games available through the Monthly Games benefit will be streamable by PlayStation Plus Premium members as long as they redeem the title during the month it is offered. It’s important to note that Remote Play requires titles to be downloaded locally to a PS5 console, and it’s not compatible with cloud-streamed titles.
Video Resolutions
The cloud streaming option offers high-quality resolutions in SDR or HDR at 60Hz. The recommended internet bandwidth for each resolution option is as follows:
- 2160p (4K) – 52 Mbps recommended
- 1440p – 38 Mbps recommended
- 1080p (Full HD) – 23 Mbps recommended
- 720p (HD) – 13 Mbps recommended
A minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps is required, while 1080p streaming necessitates 15 Mbps, and 4K requires 38 Mbps or more.
DLC and Add-Ons
Players can purchase and use add-on content for supported PS5 games with a streaming option. Content becomes available immediately after purchase from the PlayStation Store.
Game Progress and Trophies
Save data and game progress are automatically synced across all devices through cloud storage. This enables seamless switching between local and streaming gameplay, as well as between multiple devices.
Should you choose the streaming option over downloading, you can still transfer game progress from Game Trials to your full purchase. Trophies and progress are retained even if you don’t purchase the title right away. They will continue to accumulate on your PlayStation Network profile, and if you decide to buy the game later, you can pick up where you left off.
Difference Between Downloading and Streaming
Playing a locally downloaded PS5 game and streaming a supported PS5 game is a similar experience, primarily determined by internet speeds. The key difference lies in save files, which are stored via cloud storage instead of locally on the PS5 console.
The future of cloud gaming is here, and PlayStation Plus Premium members are in for an immersive gaming experience. Get ready to explore a vast library of games with the convenience of cloud streaming, enhancing your gaming adventures like never before!
