Even with release of PS5, a larger community of console gamers are still relying on PS4. It may take considerable time for PS4 to become obsolete. Even as a PC gamer, sometimes a person want to play PS4 games on a laptop or PC. Therefore, how to play PS4 games on a laptop or computer is most frequently asked question from a lot of PC gamers.
A PS4 application is usually used to control a PS4 from a PC, Mac, or laptop. Thus, you will have an immersive gaming experience of PS4 gaming by connecting remotely through a PC.
Though, it sounds very easy, however, sometimes the process becomes very tricky for beginners. That’s why we have written a beginner-friendly, detailed article to enjoy PS4 gameplay on your laptop screen.
Requirements
Though each process have different requirements, however, basic requirements for these processes are given below:
- Laptop with HDMI input
- HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable
- PS4 console
Problems & Constraints
Though it may sound very simple, just to plug in HDMI cable at the HDMI ports of both laptop and PS4. However, the process is not quite simple. There are certain issues and constraints that needs to be addressed before enjoying the seamless gameplay.
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One of the main constraint is that HDMI is a one way (unidirectional) connection. Both the HDMI ports at laptop and PS4 are output ports. Therefore, just connecting them directly via HDMI cable is not going to lead anywhere.
That’s why we have written this detailed article to play PS4 on laptop screen with HDMI.
Methods to play PS4 on Laptop with HDMI
There are several methods to play PS4 on laptop screen using an HDMI cable. However, we have two most favorite ones. These methods are hassle-free as well as easy to implement. Now we will explain these methods in details.
1. Using Video Capture Card.
Playing PS4 on Laptop screen/ computer using a video capture card is one of the easiest and hassle-free method. The requirements for this process are:
- PS4 Console
- File Sharing Enabled (Using Network Settings on PS4 console)
- Laptop
- Video Capture Card
- WIFI or Ethernet port (Laptop and Console connected through Ethernet cables on the same router)
- Dual-Functioning HDMI
The step-by-step process for this method is given below:
Step 1: Installation of VCC
Using a USB port on your computer or laptop, plug-in and install the Video Capture Card (VCC). It is highly recommended using a VCC of superior quality.
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Step 2: Connection
Now you need to connect both PS4 Console and laptop/ computer using VCC. For this, use an S-Video Connection Cable to connect PS4 Console to VCC. Insert HDMI-in to the VCC and HDMI-out to the console.
Step 3: Software Installation
On your computer download a respective Video Capture Card Software such as the one Over Here or you may also get a one with your own VCC. Install the software as per normal procedure.
Step 4: Final Setup
Once you have installed the VCC software, it is time to finally play PS4 on Laptop. Now turn the PS4 Console ON and run the VCC software on laptop/ computer. And voila, you will see your PS4 console appears on screen of your laptop or computer.
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Some of the best Video Capture Cards that you may get from Amazon are:
- Elgato HD60 S Capture Card 1080p
- Elgato HD60 S+ Capture Card1080p60
- Rybozen Audio Video HDMI Capture Card
- Mirabox 4K Capture Card
- HDMI Capture Dongle Adapter Card
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus
- AVerMedia Live Gamer ULTRA – 4Kp60 HDR
- Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 PCIe Capture Card
2. Streaming Service/ Remote Play
This is another easiest and bug-free process to enjoy your PS4 gameplay on laptop screen. Remote Play is actually a Streaming Service being offered by SONY. It allows both PC and Mac users to enjoy PS4 gameplay on laptop or computer screens without any additional requirements. This is one of the most favorite method among PC gamers who want to enjoy PS4 on their gaming PCs.
To setup Remote Play, one needs to fulfill the following requirements:
- PC or Laptop
- PS4 console
- PS4 Account
- USB Cable
- Internet Connectivity
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Now let’s come towards step-by-step process to enjoy PS4 gameplay on laptop using Remote Play.
Step 1: Remote Play Download
First of all, you need to download Remote Play Software. You may download the official version using this link.
Step 2: Remote Play Configuration
After downloading Remote Play software, you need to open and configure it. After running the Remote Play, go to Settings option. Here adjust your display settings such as resolution and fps as per specification of your screen. The more powerful your laptop (especially GPU) is, the more high settings you may go for.
Step 3: PS4 Console Initial Settings
After configuring your PC/ laptop, now it’s time to configure PS4 console. Turn ON your PS4 console and go to Settings. Here go to PlayStation Network > Account Management. From this, enable ‘Active as Primary PS4’ option.
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Step 4: PS4 Console Update
In order to use Remote Play, you must have your software updated at-least to 3.50 version. If it is not updated, go to ‘System Software Update’ to update your PS4 Console Software to the latest Version.
Step 5: PS4 Remote Play Settings
Now you need to go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings and enable this option.
Step 6: PS4 Power Save Settings
To use Remote Play, you must have your Console ON. However, it is better to put PS4 console in Rest Mode. Thus, you will have Power Saving while playing PS4 using Remote Play.
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For this, visit Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode > Enable Turning on PS4 from Network.
Step 7: Laptop – Console Pairing
Now you have to pair your laptop with PS4 console. For this purpose, you need to connect your laptop/ desktop to your PS4 controller using a USB port. Similarly, you may also connect it wirelessly by holding both PlayStation and Share buttons together on the controller. The moment the LED of the controller starts flashing, connect it to your laptop or computer using a USB cable. In just 4 to 5 seconds, your controller will get paired to the laptop. In case it takes time, repeat this complete process again.
Step 8: Final Setup
Finally, open Remote Play app on PC, laptop or Mac. Here login to your PS4 account using your credentials. At this moment, your console must be switched ON. And that’s all to enjoy amazing PS4 gaming experience using Remote Play on Laptop or PC screen.
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Conclusion
There may be a number of ways to enjoy amazing game play of PS4 on laptop using HDMI. However, we have discussed two main methods using Remote Play and Video Capture Card. These are the easiest and most hassle free methods which enables you to have amazing PlayStation experience on PC or laptop.
If you have got some other great method worth sharing, or got any queries or confusion, talk to us in comments below.