PlayStation Portal was initially designed as a remote play device that required users to own a PlayStation 5 console to stream games. Sony later updated the hardware with a real cloud gaming infrastructure, allowing it to stream over 120 PS5 titles from the PlayStation Plus catalog directly via the cloud without a local console.
A third-party application named Asobi: Remote Play now brings this cloud gaming infrastructure to the Steam Deck. The software allows users to play supported PS5 games on Valve’s handheld via the cloud, eliminating the need for a physical PlayStation 5 unit.
Sony introduced the official cloud gaming feature for PlayStation Portal in 2025, enabling Premium subscribers to access specific PS5 games through Sony's servers. The device is also sold in Türkiye.
How Asobi works on Steam Deck
Asobi: Remote Play entered a testing process on Steam and functions on Steam Deck, Steam Machine, and other Linux-based devices. The application currently focuses on these systems, while the developer works on a Windows version for future release.
The tool offers support for standard PS4 and PS5 Remote Play alongside PlayStation Plus cloud gaming. Using the cloud feature requires a PlayStation Network account and an active PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.
The developer explicitly states it has no connection to Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Asobi is developed by Inside Internet, not Sony. Game availability varies depending on Sony's cloud catalog, the user's account, and region. Supported titles include those from the PlayStation Plus catalog and some digital PS5 games owned by the user, but not all purchased PS5 games are available for cloud play.
Performance tiers and pricing
The base configuration of Asobi is free and offers up to 1080p resolution at 30 FPS in SDR format with automatic bitrate settings. The application is listed as free on the Steam store, with a separate Asobi Premium package also available.
The paid premium version provides 1080p at 60 FPS, HDR, manual bitrate control, low latency modes, controller haptic feedback, and image upscaling to 4K. All premium features are currently available during the Steam Playtest process.
Asobi supports up to 120 FPS output on compatible displays, though this does not mean PlayStation games run at 120 FPS via cloud. The final price of the Asobi Premium package has not yet been announced.
Some users have reported issues with cloud access for games that should be supported on their Premium accounts, as the application remains in the testing phase.
