A new cloud-streaming application called Asobi: Remote Play is offering a way for users to stream PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games to Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and other SteamOS and Linux devices without requiring ownership of the consoles themselves. The application, developed and published by Inside Internet, notably allows access to PlayStation Plus cloud games directly from Sony's servers.
This functionality is contingent on the game being available in PlayStation's cloud catalog and the user possessing a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription along with a PSN account. For PC gamers, particularly those with Steam Deck or Steam Machine hardware, this presents a more accessible method to play PlayStation titles that might not otherwise be available on their platform.
During its playtest phase, Asobi is offering several premium features at no cost. These include 4K upscaling, haptic feedback, controller haptics, and streaming at 1080p and 60 frames per second. These features will remain unlocked until the application's full release on the Steam Store. The developer has indicated that more invitations for the playtest are being distributed gradually.
Despite the promising features, Asobi is still in testing, and some users have reported issues with accessing games that should theoretically be playable. Nevertheless, the application provides a novel avenue for PlayStation gamers to access their library without the need to purchase increasingly expensive hardware.