The gap between Steam Deck and PlayStation Portal is getting considerably smaller thanks to a new application currently undergoing public testing. What started as another option for remotely accessing a PlayStation console has gained a much more interesting capability: streaming compatible PlayStation games without having a PS5 nearby.
The feature comes from Asobi: Remote Play, an independent application for SteamOS and Linux that has now introduced support for PlayStation Plus cloud gaming.
For Steam Deck owners already subscribed to Sony’s highest PlayStation Plus tier, that could turn Valve’s handheld into a surprisingly capable alternative for accessing part of the PlayStation ecosystem.
Steam Deck Can Now Stream PlayStation Games Without Connecting to a PS5
The latest Asobi: Remote Play playtest introduces PlayStation Plus cloud streaming on Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and other compatible Linux devices.
This is considerably different from conventional Remote Play.
Standard Remote Play requires a user’s own PS4 or PS5 to run the game before sending the video feed to another device. Cloud streaming instead runs supported titles remotely, meaning a PlayStation console isn’t required for compatible games.
Users can access supported titles from the PlayStation Plus catalog alongside eligible digital PS5 games they already own.
There is still an important requirement: cloud functionality needs a PlayStation Network account with an active PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.
Readers interested in handheld gaming can also follow Battle4Play’s latest Nintendo Switch news or browse the latest PC gaming coverage.
Installing It on Steam Deck Should Be Surprisingly Simple
Another notable aspect of Asobi is how it is being distributed.
Instead of requiring Steam Deck owners to enter Desktop Mode, download packages from external websites, and manually configure third-party software, Asobi is being distributed directly through Steam.
Players can currently request access to the playtest from its Steam page. Invitations are being distributed to users who register for testing, although the developer has warned that they may take some time to arrive because of demand.
The application is also expected to offer a free version when its full release becomes available, with additional functionality reserved for a premium package.
Importantly, Asobi is an independent project and is not officially affiliated with Sony or PlayStation.
The Free Version and Premium Upgrade Will Be Very Different
The planned free tier already covers the fundamentals, but users interested in better image quality and additional customization will need the premium version.
Here is how the currently announced features compare:
| Feature | Free Version | Premium Version |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
| Frame Rate | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| HDR | No | Yes |
| Manual Bitrate Controls | No | Yes |
| Low-Latency Modes | No | Yes |
| Controller Haptics | Standard functionality | Enhanced support |
| 4K Upscaling | No | Yes |
During the current playtest, however, all premium functionality has been temporarily unlocked. This gives testers an opportunity to evaluate features such as 60 FPS streaming, HDR, latency controls, and 4K upscaling before the commercial version arrives.
Pricing for the eventual premium package has not yet been revealed.
This Doesn’t Make Steam Deck a PlayStation Portal, but the Difference Is Shrinking
Steam Deck was already capable of remotely accessing PS4 and PS5 consoles through third-party solutions. Adding cloud streaming changes the equation because supported games no longer need to originate from hardware sitting inside the player’s home.
That brings the handheld closer to one of the most important features currently associated with PlayStation Portal, while simultaneously retaining everything else that makes Steam Deck a standalone gaming PC.
There are limitations, of course. A PlayStation Plus Premium subscription is required for cloud gaming, compatibility depends on Sony’s supported cloud catalog, and Asobi itself remains an unofficial third-party application.
Users who already own a PS4 or PS5 can also continue using traditional Remote Play through Asobi rather than relying on cloud servers.
Windows Could Be Next
SteamOS and Linux users are getting the first opportunity to test the application, but its developer is already looking beyond those platforms.
A Windows version is being considered for the future, although there is currently no confirmed release date.
That could eventually make the same PlayStation streaming functionality accessible to a much broader selection of handheld PCs and traditional Windows computers.
For now, Steam Deck owners have the most interesting opportunity. One of PlayStation Portal’s defining capabilities can now be tested on Valve’s handheld without requiring a PS5 for supported cloud games — and all of Asobi’s premium features are temporarily available during the playtest.
Creator of the website, Pokemon trainer by nature. Trying to report on everything related to the world of video games, series and movies. Yu-Gi-Oh is my weakness, collecting cards since the dawn of time.
