Back when the Sony Xperia Z3 was launched, Sony tried to capitalize on its gaming ecosystem by gifting the device an exclusive feature: PS4 Remote Play. As the name suggests, PS4 Remote Play allows certain Sony Xperia devices to connect to a PlayStation 4 gaming console that is connected to the same network as the smartphone, and then stream console games to the smartphone. You could play with either the DualShock 4 controller connected to your smartphone, or simply use the on-screen button that comes up as an overlay. Remote Play has officially remained a Sony-smartphone exclusive (on Android) for years now, but Sony has finally realized the greater good in opening up the feature to more popular devices, as PS4 Remote Play is now available for all Android devices.
PlayStation 4 system software update 7.00 is being launched this week, including new functionality for Remote Play and Party features. The big key highlight for our readers is the fact that Remote Play can now be used on smartphones and tablets running Android 5.0 Lollipop and higher. This vastly expands the number of compatible devices, now going beyond Sony’s Xperia flagship portfolio on Android and Apple’s iOS devices. Players will also be able to use the DualShock 4 wireless controller via Bluetooth for Remote Play, but Sony mentions that you would need to be on Android 10 to use the feature. The company also recommends that a PS4 with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended for a reliable Remote Play experience.
Previously, PS4 Remote Play has seen porting attempts that allowed users to play on other Android devices, and the same has seen further attempts over the years to retain compatibility. But since now Remote Play is being made officially available to other Android devices, players no longer need to dabble with Magisk and other mods to get the basic functionality working. Do note that the app may not be immediately available to download on other devices, as the feature is scheduled to roll out over this week.