There are various ways to run PlayStation games on your PC. One way is to download the PS Now app, which allows you to stream hundreds of games on demand. Another method is to use a PlayStation emulator, permitting you to play some older games. Finally, if you have a PlayStation console, you can connect it to your PC and play games via Remote Play. Whichever method you choose, you can enjoy playing all your favorite console games on your PC. Here’s how:
1. Run PS games on PC via PlayStation Now or Plus
PlayStation Now is a gaming service that lets you play PlayStation 2, 3, 4, and 5 games on a PC without the console. All you need is a controller and a strong internet connection. With PlayStation Now, you can either rent or buy games and play them for a limited time. This is a great option if you want to try out different games without commitment. To get started, you’ll need to:
- Go to the PlayStation Now page or find the option on your console.
- Sign up for the desired subscription. Since PlayStation Now is no longer standalone, pick an appropriate option on PlayStation Plus.
- Download the PS Now app from the PlayStation Store.
- Once you have the app installed, connect a controller to your PC. You can use either a wired or wireless controller.
- Now that your controller is connected, open the PS Now app and start streaming games. There are far too many games to choose from, so you’re sure to find something interesting.
2. Using PlayStation Remote Play
Another option involves streaming the video and audio generated on PlayStation to a PC (also Mac, mobile devices, and another PS4 and PS5 console). Do this:
- Go to the PlayStation Remote Play page for Windows.
- Agree to the terms and click Download under “Install the App”.
- Follow the instructions on the page to install the app, configure the console, run Remote Play, configure the quality, and control the app.
3. Use emulators to run PlayStation games on PC
An emulator is a piece of software that allows you to play PS ROMs (compressed game files downloaded from the internet or ripped from a PS disc), essentially copies of PlayStation games. There are many emulators available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Some emulators are better at playing certain types of games, while others are more compatible with different types of hardware. One of the most popular PlayStation emulators is called “RetroArch.” There are two ways to get RetroArch:
- You can download it from the official website.
- You can install it from a third-party website such as Emuparadise or CoolROM.
Once you have RetroArch installed, you’ll need to load your PlayStation games into it. This can be accomplished in one of two ways:
- Use an external USB storage device such as a flash drive or hard drive. Now:
- Plug your storage device into your computer and open RetroArch.
- Select “Load Content” → “Select File.”
- Navigate to your game’s file location and select it. The game should now appear in the main RetroArch window.
- Utilize your computer’s optical drive. Do this:
- Load your PlayStation game disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive and open RetroArch.
- Choose “Load Content” → “Select Disc.”
- Select your optical drive, then the game disc. The title should now show up in the primary RetroArch window.
Opening the game in RetroArch
Once your game is loaded, you can play it by selecting it in the main RetroArch window and pressing the “Start” button. There are a few things to keep in mind when using an emulator:
- Check for compatibility before trying to run a game. Not all games will work with all emulators.
- Make sure you have the latest version of the emulator. Newer versions often fix bugs and improve compatibility.
- Some games may require you to set specific options for them to work properly. Consult a compatibility list or forum for help with specific games.
- Be aware that emulator usage may be considered illegal in some countries. Check your local laws before using an emulator.
Some other popular PlayStation emulators include PCSX-Reloaded, Bizhawk, and XEBRA.
4. Get a PlayStation console with a mod chip
Though risky, obtaining a second-hand PlayStation console with a mod chip installed from third-party resellers is an option. If you do so and it supports this option, follow these instructions:
- Connect the PlayStation console to the PC using a USB cable.
- Open up the PCSX2 emulator application.
- Select “File” → “Run ISO” and select the PlayStation game ISO file you wish to play.
- The game will start playing on the PC.