Introduction
The PlayStation 5 is the latest gaming console from Sony, and it packs more power and performance than any previous generation. Many gamers wonder if they can play PS5 games on their laptops instead of a TV.
The short answer is – yes, you can play your PS5 games on a laptop, but only through a few specific methods. Let’s explore how to connect your PS5 to a laptop in detail and the pros and cons of each option.
The PlayStation 5 has received widespread praise for its powerful specs and engaging exclusives. But what if you don’t have access to a TV or don’t want to hook up your new console every time?
Possible Ways to Play PS5 on a Laptop
Remote Play
The easiest and most convenient method is to use the PS5’s built-in Remote Play feature. This lets you stream your PS5 games to any supported device over your home WiFi network. Here’s how it works:
• Your PS5 and laptop must be connected to the same WiFi network.
• Open the PlayStation app on your laptop and log in with your PSN account credentials.
• Go to your PS5 and enable Remote Play from the Settings menu.
• Select your laptop in the Remote Play connection menu on the PS5.
• Your laptop screen will now mirror your PS5, and you can play games using a controller connected to either the PS5 or laptop.
Pros
- Easy setup with no additional hardware needed
- Low latency over a strong home WiFi network
- Works on Windows, MacOS, and even iOS devices
Cons
- Requires a fast and stable WiFi network
- Some input lag compared to playing directly on the PS5
Laptop Display Converter + Controller
A more expensive option is to use an HDMI to USB video adapter with your laptop. This allows you to connect your PS5 directly to the laptop display. Here’s what you’ll need:
• An HDMI to USB video adapter that supports 4K60Hz – e.g, DisplayLink DL-3900
• A USB-C or USB-A port on your laptop
• An HDMI cable to connect the PS5 to the adapter
• A USB cable to connect the PS5 DualSense controller to laptop
Pros
- Virtually no input lag since it’s a wired connection
- Better image quality than Remote Play streaming
Cons
- Requires additional hardware and cables
- Setup can be more complicated
- Limited to couch/desktop use, not portable
Laptop Gaming Dock
For the absolute best experience, a dedicated laptop gaming dock can be used. This solution offers the most bandwidth and least input lag. You’ll need:
• A laptop gaming dock with HDMI/DisplayPort output – e.g, Razer Core X Chroma
• A high-powered USB-C charger for the dock
• External GPU (eGPU) with HDMI output (optional but recommended)
• HDMI cable to connect the dock to PS5
• USB cable to connect DualSense controller
Pros
- Least input lag of all options
- Additional eGPU can boost laptop graphics performance
- Dock offers Ethernet, USB, and other ports
Cons
- Most expensive solution
- Dock/eGPU only works with compatible laptops
- Setup can be complex
Key Factors to Consider
WiFi Speed – Higher bandwidth and lower latency are essential for a good Remote Play experience. At least 80-120 Mbps is recommended.
Input Lag – Wired solutions like a dock offer the lowest input lag, while streaming over WiFi has the highest.
Portability – Remote Play is the most portable solution, while a gaming dock is stationary.
Budget – Remote Play is free, while a dock/adapters can cost $100-$400, depending on specs.
Here are some additional details about playing your PS5 on a laptop:
• The PS5’s Remote Play feature streams the PS5’s video and audio output over your WiFi network at up to 1080p resolution and 60fps. This allows for a good experience with a strong, stable WiFi connection.
• However, Remote Play still introduces some input lag due to the time it takes to compress the video stream and send it over WiFi. This can impact gaming performance, particularly for fast-paced or competitive games.
• Using an HDMI to USB video adapter cuts out the WiFi streaming and provides a wired connection directly to your laptop’s display. This significantly reduces input lag and provides up to 4K resolution.
• The best solution is a gaming dock with an external GPU (eGPU). This offers the highest bandwidth due to Thunderbolt 3 connections and can even boost your laptop’s graphics performance for non-PS5 use.
• Key things to look for in a video adapter or dock are support for 4K60Hz output and pass-through charging so your laptop can charge while in use.
• Controllers for PS5 controllers, like the DualSense, must also connect via Bluetooth to your laptop or with a USB cable. This ensures low latency and a responsive gaming experience.
• In the end, playing your PS5 games on a laptop gives you flexibility and portability. But cost, setup complexity, and input lag trade-offs depend on your chosen solution. You must decide what factors matter most for your specific needs and use case.
Here are some recommended gaming docks with external GPUs for playing PS5 games on a laptop:
Razer Core X Chroma – This is a robust and affordable docking solution. The Core X Chroma has a built-in 650W power supply and supports almost any eGPU. It has Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0 and USB-C ports. It’s compatible with Macbooks and Windows laptops.
Akitio Thunder3 – The Thunder3 offers a more premium docking experience with a metal chassis. It has dual HDMI 2.0 ports, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-A, and USB-C ports. It supports Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) laptops with up to 100W power delivery. Compatible with Mac and Windows.
ASUS XG Station Pro – This dock features two USB 3.1 Gen 2 connections, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 outputs, and a Gigabit Ethernet connector. It has a built-in 550W power supply and supports laptops with up to 100W charging. Compatible with Mac and Windows systems.
Gigabyte AORUS Gaming Box – This is technically an external GPU rather than a dock, but it can still work well for playing PS5 games. It has an RTX 2070 inside and connects to your laptop via Thunderbolt 3. It has HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort outputs. Compatible with Mac and Windows laptops.
What are some recommended gaming docks with external GPUs for playing PS5 games on a laptop?
Those are just a few quality options to consider. These docks will allow you to connect an external graphics card (eGPU) to boost your laptop’s performance while playing PS5 games on the laptop display. Ensure your laptop has Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) connectivity and sufficient power delivery to support the docking solution.
Conclusion
Overall, for occasional PS5 gaming sessions away from the TV, Remote Play over a strong WiFi network is likely the easiest and most cost-effective solution. But for the best experience, you’ll want to invest in a USB video adapter or gaming dock to get the lowest input lag and highest image quality.
