Sharing experiences is a fundamental part of gaming. Whether you want to show off your skills, collaborate on a challenging level, or simply enjoy a game with friends who haven’t upgraded to the latest console, sharing your screen from a PS4 to a PS5 can be a great solution. While there isn’t a direct, built-in feature to “mirror” your PS4 screen onto a PS5, there are several effective workarounds. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various methods, including utilizing streaming services, remote play, and even leveraging capture cards.
Understanding The Limitations And Possibilities
It’s crucial to understand that Sony doesn’t offer a straightforward “screen mirroring” function between PS4 and PS5 like you might find on other devices. The PS5 is designed as a successor to the PS4, and its features are geared toward enhancing the gaming experience on the newer console. However, this doesn’t mean screen sharing is impossible. We’ll explore methods that allow you to effectively achieve a similar outcome. The approach you choose will depend on your desired outcome, technical skill, and available resources. Some methods are simpler and require minimal setup, while others offer more control and flexibility but involve more technical knowledge.
Think about what you are trying to achieve: Are you simply wanting a friend to watch you play? Do you want to collaborate on a game? Or are you perhaps trying to record gameplay from your PS4 using your PS5 as a capture device? These questions will help you select the most appropriate method.
Leveraging Streaming Services: Twitch And YouTube
One of the easiest ways to share your PS4 gameplay with others who may be watching on a PS5 (or any device, for that matter) is through streaming services like Twitch and YouTube. Both consoles have built-in streaming capabilities, making this a very accessible option.
Streaming From Your PS4
The PS4 has native Twitch and YouTube integration. To start streaming:
- Press the “Share” button on your PS4 controller.
- Select “Broadcast Gameplay.”
- Choose your preferred platform (Twitch or YouTube).
- Sign in to your account.
- Configure your broadcast settings, such as title, description, and video quality.
- Start broadcasting.
Your friends or anyone with the link to your stream can then watch your gameplay on their PS5 (or any device with internet access) through the Twitch or YouTube app.
Watching The Stream On PS5
On the PS5, your friends can simply open the Twitch or YouTube app, search for your channel, and watch your live stream. This is a convenient way to share your gameplay without needing any extra hardware or complicated setups. The slight delay inherent in streaming is typically minimal and shouldn’t significantly impact the viewing experience.
Advantages And Disadvantages
The advantage of this method is its simplicity. It requires no additional hardware and is relatively easy to set up. The disadvantage is the inherent latency associated with streaming. There will be a short delay between what you’re doing on your PS4 and what your viewers see on their PS5.
Using Remote Play: A Closer Look
Remote Play offers another avenue for sharing your PS4 screen with a PS5, albeit in a more indirect way. While it doesn’t directly mirror the screen, it allows you to play your PS4 games on your PS5. This method involves using the PS5 as a remote screen for your PS4.
Setting Up Remote Play
- Enable Remote Play on your PS4: Go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings and enable “Enable Remote Play.” Also, make sure your PS4 is activated as your primary PS4.
- Download the PS Remote Play app on your PS5. You can find this in the PlayStation Store.
- Sign in to the PS Remote Play app on your PS5 using the same PlayStation Network account that you use on your PS4.
- The app should automatically detect your PS4. If not, you may need to manually register your PS4 by entering a code displayed on your PS4 screen into the PS Remote Play app on your PS5.
- Once connected, your PS5 will display your PS4 screen, allowing you to play your PS4 games using your PS5 controller.
How It Works
Remote Play essentially streams the video and audio from your PS4 to your PS5. The controller inputs from your PS5 are then sent back to the PS4. This effectively allows you to play your PS4 games as if they were running directly on your PS5.
Benefits And Drawbacks
The main benefit of Remote Play is that it allows you to play your PS4 games on your PS5 screen. This can be useful if, for example, your TV connected to your PS4 is occupied. However, it’s important to note that the performance of Remote Play depends heavily on your network connection. A stable and fast internet connection is crucial for a smooth and lag-free experience. Also, Remote Play is only functional within the same network environment.
Advanced Option: Capture Cards
For users who want the most control over their screen sharing and recording capabilities, using a capture card is the most robust option. While it requires an investment in hardware, it offers the highest quality and lowest latency.
What Is A Capture Card?
A capture card is a device that allows you to record or stream video and audio from an external source, such as your PS4. It essentially acts as an intermediary between your PS4 and your PS5 (or a computer), capturing the video and audio signal and sending it to the other device.
Setting Up A Capture Card With PS4 And PS5
- Connect your PS4 to the capture card using an HDMI cable.
- Connect the capture card to your PS5 (or a computer) via USB.
- Install the necessary drivers and software for your capture card on your PS5 (or computer). Most capture cards come with their own software for recording and streaming.
- Configure the software to recognize the input from your capture card.
- Set your PS4’s video output settings to match the capture card’s supported resolution and frame rate.
Using The Capture Card
Once everything is set up, you can use the capture card’s software on your PS5 (or computer) to view, record, or stream your PS4 gameplay. This method provides the highest quality video and audio capture and the lowest possible latency.
Advantages And Disadvantages
The main advantage of using a capture card is the high quality and low latency. This makes it ideal for recording gameplay, streaming to platforms like Twitch and YouTube, and even for collaborative gaming sessions where minimal delay is crucial. However, the disadvantages include the cost of the capture card and the more complex setup process. It also requires some technical knowledge to configure everything correctly.
Considerations When Choosing A Capture Card
When choosing a capture card, consider the following factors:
- Resolution and Frame Rate: Ensure the capture card supports the resolution and frame rate you want to record or stream at (e.g., 1080p 60fps, 4K 60fps).
- Connectivity: Check that the capture card has the necessary inputs and outputs, such as HDMI in, HDMI out (for passthrough), and USB.
- Software Compatibility: Make sure the capture card is compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS) and streaming software (OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS).
- Price: Capture cards range in price from relatively affordable to quite expensive. Choose one that fits your budget and meets your needs.
Alternative Methods And Considerations
While streaming services, Remote Play, and capture cards are the most common and effective methods for sharing your PS4 screen with a PS5, there are a few other things to consider.
Using A Second Monitor
If your goal is simply to view your PS4 gameplay on a larger screen, you could connect your PS4 to a second monitor or TV. While this doesn’t involve the PS5 directly, it achieves a similar outcome.
Network Considerations
Regardless of the method you choose, a stable and fast network connection is essential for a good experience. This is especially true for streaming and Remote Play. Ensure that both your PS4 and PS5 are connected to a reliable network, preferably via Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi, for the best performance.
Potential Latency Issues
Latency, or lag, is the delay between your actions on the PS4 and what you see on the screen on the PS5. This can be a significant issue, especially for fast-paced games. Minimize latency by using a wired connection, choosing a capture card with low latency, and optimizing your streaming settings.
Conclusion: Choosing The Right Method For You
Sharing your PS4 screen with a PS5 isn’t a direct process, but the methods outlined in this guide provide effective solutions. Streaming services offer a simple and accessible way to share your gameplay with a wide audience. Remote Play allows you to play your PS4 games on your PS5 screen, provided you have a stable network connection. Capture cards offer the highest quality and lowest latency but require an investment in hardware and more technical setup.
Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. Consider your budget, technical skill, desired level of quality, and the importance of low latency when making your decision. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose the method that allows you to share your PS4 screen with your PS5 and enjoy a seamless gaming experience.
Can I Use Any Game On My PS4 And PS5 Simultaneously Using Screen Sharing?
Unfortunately, no. While screen sharing allows you to see your friend’s gameplay, you can’t simultaneously play the same game together in most cases. Think of it as watching a live stream rather than actively participating. The PS5 user is simply viewing the PS4 user’s screen, not controlling or playing the same instance of the game.
Some games might offer asynchronous multiplayer features that could indirectly feel like playing together, such as comparing scores or challenging each other based on what you see. However, traditional co-op or competitive multiplayer experiences aren’t supported through the native screen sharing functionality itself. To play together in the same game, you’d need to both own the game and play using the game’s built-in multiplayer features.
What Kind Of Internet Connection Do I Need For Smooth Screen Sharing?
For a stable and enjoyable screen-sharing experience between PS4 and PS5, a robust internet connection is crucial. A minimum upload speed of 5 Mbps is recommended on the PS4’s side (the one sharing the screen) and a similar download speed for the PS5 user (the viewer). However, for higher resolution and smoother gameplay, ideally, you’d want 10 Mbps or more in both directions.
Factors like network congestion, distance from your router, and other devices using the internet can all impact the quality of the stream. Consider using a wired Ethernet connection for both consoles for the most reliable and consistent performance. If using Wi-Fi, ensure you’re on a 5GHz network and that your signal strength is strong.
Is There A Limit To How Long I Can Screen Share My PS4 Screen With A PS5?
Sony doesn’t impose a strict time limit on screen sharing sessions between PS4 and PS5. However, prolonged sessions can be affected by various factors, like internet connection stability and potential overheating of either console. It’s wise to monitor the performance and take breaks if you notice any lag or performance issues.
While there’s no hard limit, it’s good practice to periodically check in on the other person and potentially restart the screen share session if you encounter any problems. This helps to ensure a continuous and optimal experience, especially during longer gaming sessions. Consistent monitoring is key to uninterrupted sharing.
Does The PS5 User Need A PlayStation Plus Subscription To View A PS4 Screen?
No, the PS5 user does not need a PlayStation Plus subscription to simply view the PS4 screen. The screen sharing feature itself is a free function integrated into the PlayStation Network. PlayStation Plus is primarily required for online multiplayer gaming and accessing exclusive discounts and content.
Screen sharing relies on the basic PSN infrastructure for connecting and transmitting the video feed. Therefore, as long as both users have PlayStation Network accounts and a stable internet connection, the PS5 user can receive the screen share invite and view the PS4’s gameplay without requiring a PS Plus membership.
Can I Control The PS4 Game Being Shared From My PS5 While Watching?
No, the PS5 user cannot directly control the PS4 game being shared. The screen sharing function only allows the PS5 user to passively view the gameplay. It’s essentially a one-way stream where the PS4 user retains complete control over the game.
Features like Share Play, available in some games, do enable limited collaborative gameplay. However, screen sharing is purely for observation. To actively participate in the game, both players would need to own the game and utilize the game’s specific multiplayer or co-op features.
What Are Some Troubleshooting Steps If Screen Sharing Isn’t Working Between My PS4 And PS5?
If you’re experiencing issues with screen sharing between your PS4 and PS5, start by checking your internet connection on both consoles. Ensure both consoles are connected to the internet, and that the PlayStation Network service is online. A weak or unstable connection is a common culprit.
Next, verify that both consoles have the latest system software updates installed. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility problems. Also, try restarting both your PS4 and PS5. A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches. Lastly, if problems persist, check privacy settings on both accounts, ensuring that screen sharing is allowed.
Does Screen Sharing Use Up A Lot Of Data?
Yes, screen sharing can consume a significant amount of data, especially during prolonged sessions. The amount of data used depends on the streaming resolution and framerate. Higher quality streams require more data transfer. If you have a data cap with your internet service provider (ISP), it’s crucial to monitor your usage.
Lowering the streaming resolution within the screen sharing settings can help reduce data consumption. Consider a wired Ethernet connection for more stable streaming, which can minimize fluctuations in data usage. Keep track of your data usage on your ISP’s website or app to avoid exceeding your monthly allowance and incurring extra charges.