PlayStation Remote Play allows you to stream and play PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games on other devices like computers, phones, and even a Raspberry Pi. This guide covers how to set up Remote Play on a Raspberry Pi for remote gaming anywhere with an internet connection.
How PlayStation Remote Play Works
PlayStation Remote Play streams gameplay video and audio from your PS4 or PS5 to another device. Your controller inputs on the other device get sent back to your PlayStation, letting you remotely control games. Remote Play requires:
- A PS4 or PS5 to stream from
- A stable internet connection
- Remote Play app or compatible device
For Raspberry Pi, you’ll need to install a Remote Play app and connect a DualShock controller via Bluetooth. The Pi will then stream and display PS4/5 gameplay.
Why Use a Raspberry Pi for PlayStation Remote Play?
The affordable Raspberry Pi mini computer is perfect for PlayStation Remote Play. Reasons to use a Pi include:
- Portability – Easily create a portable, handheld PlayStation with a Pi in a case and controller
- Customization – Tailor your Remote Play Pi with any Linux software
- Connectivity – Add LTE or 5G for internet anywhere
- DIY appeal – Fun to build your own PlayStation handheld
A Remote Play Pi gives you free PS4/5 game streaming you can take anywhere. With extra work you can design a one-of-a-kind handheld.
Installing Chiaki PlayStation Remote Play Client on Raspberry Pi
To stream PS4/5 games on a Raspberry Pi you need to install the open source Chiaki Remote Play client. Here are the steps to get Chiaki running on Raspberry Pi OS:
1. Update Raspberry Pi OS Software
First update your Pi’s software to install any available updates:
sudo apt update
sudo apt full-upgrade
Reboot after to ensure you have the latest OS versions.
2. Install Dependencies
Chiaki requires some additional utilities available through the package manager:
sudo apt install libasound2-dev build-essential gettext cmake git
3. Clone and Build Chiaki
Now clone and compile the Chiaki source code:
git clone https://github.com/thestr4ng3r/chiaki.git
cd chiaki
mkdir build
cd build
cmake ..
make
This may take awhile. Once complete you will have the chiaki executable ready.
4. Allow Bluetooth Controller Connections
To use a DualShock 4 or Dual sense controller wirelessly with Bluetooth do:
sudo nano /etc/bluetooth/main.conf
Uncomment Controller Mode = bredr so your Pi allows controller connections.
5. Connect Controller and Test
Connect your PlayStation controller with Bluetooth and test Chiaki launches with video:
./chiaki
If successful you should see video but no controls yet. Press CTRL+C to quit.
Connecting PlayStation Account and Controller
Before streaming games you need to pair your PSN account and controller with Chiaki.
1. Generate Registration Code
First generate a new registration code:
.chiaki -r
Save this 8 digit code to register with your PSN account next.
2. Register Device on PlayStation
On your PS4 or PS5 go to:
Settings -> Remote Play -> Add Device
Enter the 8 digit registration code here to pair Chiaki.
3. Discover Controller MAC Address
Now back on the Pi, discover your controller MAC address with:
sudo hcitool scan
The MAC will be listed when you hold the PS button to put the controller in pairing mode.
4. Add Your Controller
Finally, add your controller’s MAC to Chiaki:
.chiaki -a YOUR-CONTROLLERS-MAC-ADDRESS
You can now launch games with Chiaki and control them remotely from your Raspberry Pi.
Streaming PS5 and PS4 Games on Raspberry Pi
When launching Chiaki now your PlayStation should automatically connect for remote gameplay anywhere with your Pi.
A few things to keep in mind when streaming:
- Chiaki streams at 720p 60FPS by default. Quality depends on your connection speed.
- You can adjust streaming settings by editing streamsettings.conf
- Bitrate and resolution impact game performance
- Chiaki has onscreen controls, but a paired Bluetooth controller is recommended
Be sure to fine tune Chiaki’s performance for your internet connection and Raspberry Pi hardware. The PS4/5 handles all game processing, while the Pi just handles receiving and displaying the video stream.
Expanding Your Portable PlayStation with Raspberry Pi
A Raspberry Pi running Chiaki gives you remote access to your PS4 or PS5 games anywhere. With some extra work you can build a custom handheld PlayStation. Here are ideas to improve your portable Pi PlayStation:
- Battery pack – Add a USB battery pack for power without wires
- Joysticks – For a true handheld, attach gaming controller joysticks
- Case – 3D print or purchase a case that fits the Pi display and controls
- Extras – Attach gaming buttons, speakers, headphone jack for audio
- Overclock – Overclock your Pi for highest 720p performance
A compact screen and attached controllers lets you build your own Nintendo Switch-like PlayStation handheld powered by Raspberry Pi.
Converting Old Laptop into PlayStation Remote Play Device
Instead of Raspberry Pi, an old Windows laptop can be revived into a portable PlayStation streaming machine. Here’s how:
- Install Windows 10/11 if not already running
- Download and install Chiaki Windows client
- Follow steps earlier to register and connect PlayStation
- Connect controller via USB or Bluetooth
- Enjoy PS4/5 game streaming on your revived laptop
Compared to a Pi the laptop likely has a bigger screen and battery with similar portability. As long as it can run Windows 10 or above the process is the same aside from OS differences.
Troubleshooting PlayStation Remote Play on Raspberry Pi
If you are having issues streaming games smoothly on your Pi here are some areas to troubleshoot:
- Network connection – Lag is likely due to slow or inconsistent internet. Remote Play recommends at least 5Mbps download speed.
- Bitrate – Lower in-game streaming bitrate in Chiaki’s conf file if connection can’t handle default.
- Overclock Pi – Carefully overclock your Pi’s GPU/CPU for best 720p/60fps performance.
- Restart devices – Power cycle PS4/5, router, and Pi to clear any software issues.
- Controller problem – Re-pair controller with Bluetooth if buttons/inputs aren’t responding.
Bottlenecks are usually due to internet speeds or the Raspberry Pi hardware struggling to keep up. Adjust settings accordingly and test different internet connections if possible.
Conclusion
Raspberry Pi makes an ideal device for streaming your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 games remotely. With the open source Chiaki software you can build a custom handheld PlayStation. Remember to optimize software settings and overclock hardware to achieve the smoothest 720p Remote Play performance wherever you use your Pi. With the steps covered here you now have the knowledge to create your own portable PlayStation powered by Raspberry Pi.
Key Takeaways:
- PlayStation Remote Play allows streaming PS4/5 games to other internet connected devices
- Raspberry Pi works great thanks to Chiaki open source Remote Play app
- Install necessary dependencies and software, register PSN account and controller
- Optimizations improve streaming quality based on internet speeds
- Build a custom handheld PlayStation with Pi case, battery pack, controllers
- Troubleshoot network speeds, streaming bitrates or overclock Pi if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does PlayStation Remote Play work on Raspberry Pi 4?
A: Yes, as long as you install the Chiaki software Remote Play functions on all modern Pi boards. The Pi 4 has the best performance for smooth game streaming.
Q: Can the Raspberry Pi 3 run PlayStation Remote Play?
A: The Pi 3 is capable of Remote Play functionality but is slower than a Pi 4. Quality and frame rates may suffer on demanding games. Overclocking the Pi 3’s CPU/GPU can help.
Q: Is PlayStation Remote Play completely free with Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, once you purchase any required hardware, all software is free including Raspberry Pi OS and Chiaki. You don’t need a PlayStation Plus subscription either.
Q: Does Remote Play work for both PS4 and PS5 on Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes! The Chiaki software works with both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles. This allows you to stream games from either system.
Q: Can I build a PlayStation handheld with Raspberry Pi?
A: Definitely! With custom cases, battery packs, displays and controllers you can create a Switch-like handheld PlayStation powered by your Pi.
Q: How do I troubleshoot lag or glitches while Remote Play streaming?
A: Lag is usually due to internet speeds. Ensure you meet 5-10Mbps recommended minimums. Also try reducing in-game streaming resolution/bitrates or overclocking the Pi hardware.
Q: Does Remote Play drain my PlayStation’s hard drive space?
A: No, your PlayStation console handles all game processing locally. The Pi is just receiving a video stream, so no storage space is consumed.
Q: Can I use my DualShock controller wired to connect to Pi?
A: Yes, you can connect a DualShock controller directly via USB instead of using Bluetooth if preferred. This avoids any wireless issues.
Q: Are there any monthly costs to use Remote Play on Raspberry Pi?
A: Nope! Aside from an existing internet connection the software and usage is completely free outside the initial hardware purchase.
Q: Can I customize the PlayStation interface or software on the Pi?
A: Absolutely! Since it runs Linux, you have full access to customize anything from boot animation to UI tweaks when using your DIY PlayStation Pi handheld.
Q: Does Remote Play use mobile data if I connect Pi to phone hotspot?
A: Correct, if tethering your Pi to a mobile hotspot that internet connection and data would be used the same as on a phone or other devices.
Q: Will any Bluetooth controller work or do I need an official PS4/PS5 controller
A: For full compatibility you need an official DualShock 4 or Dualsense controller. Some other Bluetooth gamepads may work but with limited button mapping support.
Q: Is there a way to improve graphics or increase resolution above 720p?
A: Unfortunately 720p 30fps or 60fps is the maximum streaming spec supported by Sony’s Remote Play architecture currently. So rasterization improvements aren’t possible.
Q: Can I use Remote Play at the same time on my PlayStation console and Pi device?
A: No, simultaneous connections are not possible, it will disconnect the active session. You can only use Remote Play on one device at a time connected to your console.
Q: Will any model of Raspberry Pi work or do I need a Pi 4?
A: Any Pi from Pi 3 and up will work, but Pi 4 will provide the best performance. Lower models may have streaming frame rate and quality issues depending on game.
Q: Can I use a PlayStation controller on Pi that isn’t a Dualshock?
A: Unfortunately no. Due to Bluetooth differences only official DualShock 4 and Dualsense controllers work wirelessly with Remote Play on Pi.
Q: Does Remote Play allow streaming at 1080p resolution with Pi?
A: At this time 1080p streaming isn’t officially supported, only 720p resolutions or lower are displayable. This may change in the future if Sony updates Remote Play specs.
Q: Can I play digital and disc PS5/PS4 games or only downloaded games?
A: PS5 and PS4 disc games inserted into your connected PlayStation console can be streamed just like downloaded digital games. Remote Play streams whatever game is running locally.
Q: Will using Remote Play help reduce PlayStation fan noise?
A: Yes! By offloading rendering and gameplay to your console, and just streaming compressed video, the Pi hardware produces no noise itself, greatly reducing fan noise issues.
Q: Can I customize the PlayStation user interface or software with the Pi?
A: No unfortunately not. The PlayStation firmware and interface itself can’t modified, only the Linux environment running on the Pi device can be customized.