Can we use a laptop as a display for PlayStation?

For sure, the PlayStation is one of the most popular gaming consoles in the world. This is because it allows you to enjoy your favourite games in high definition graphics without reducing in performance.

We all want to have the best gaming experience by having realistic graphics, good gameplay and even smooth online gaming without having to deal with high pings. Sony definitely wants to deliver all these to their customers and that is why they came up with the PlayStation. With this console you can play any game you can think of; be it action games, racing games, sports games, adventure games etc. There are various competitors such as the Nintendo and Xbox however, none of them is still able to match the fame gained by the PlayStation.

Yes, you can connect your PlayStation to your laptop and use it as a display. However, your laptop specs shouldbe beefed up if you want to have the best gaming experience. It must have a good graphics card, good cooling system, have the latest software, a working anti-virus and definitely a powerful processor. Connecting your PlayStation to your laptop also has some few perks here and there

However it is not that easy to connect your laptop to the gaming console. If it were so many people would have been connecting their PlayStations to their laptops because of convenience. Your laptop must be compatible with the gaming console and this is possible if the HDMI port of your laptop has both in and out HDMI features. There are two methods of connecting your laptop to the gaming console.

Using a laptop as a display for PlayStation

Method 1: Using Video Capture Cards

This is an easy step by step method but the installation process can take a bit of time. For you to use this technique you are going to require some few things. You are going to need the Video Capture card, Internet Connection (can be WIFI or Ethernet), HDMI with dual-functioning and of course your laptop and PlayStation. Below are the steps you should follow in case you want to use a Video Capture Card.

Step 1

Firstly, you are supposed to turn on the file sharing option in your PlayStation. Go to your network settings and turn it on in order to get access to the Internet. If at all it doesn’t connect you can use a WIFI routerand the PlayStation configurations to attach using the computer.

Step 2

Once you are connected to the internet, you can begin streaming using the PlayStation and Laptop. At this point you will now connect the video capture card to your laptop using the USB port. The video card comes with an “installation suite” program that will help you to easily install it to the laptop.

Step 3

Now connect your HDMI and PlayStation to the capture card. In order to attach this it you are going to need an S-video connection cable.

Step 4

This is the final and most crucial step.At this point you are going to have to open the application software that was pre-installed in your video capture card then turn on your PlayStation. The software will automatically look for your PlayStation then it will show on your laptop screen. Once the process is done, you can now run the software.

This method requires a bit of investment because you will have to buy some few toys which will enable you to connect your PlayStation to the laptop monitor.

Method 2: Via Remote Play App

When purchasing the PlayStation, it comes with Sony Remote Play in-built which helps you stream PS4 games on the laptop. The Sony Remote Play allows remote connections enabling a smooth streaming experience. For this method to work you are going to need a USB cable, PlayStation USB wireless adapter, your PSN account and the game console as well as your laptop. For this to work you will also need high speed internet. Below are the steps which will guide you if you prefer using the Remote Play App.

Step 1

You will need the latest version of the Remote Play app. If it is an outdated version it can be manually updated from the Sony website and it should be compatible with your Windows or Mac Laptop. This application installs automatically with your laptop making the downloading and installation process quick.

Step 2

After the Remote Play app is installed, turn on your console then enable the Remote Play Connection from settings. At this point you will have network access for all your games. Now leave your console on rest mode. Rest mode can be activated from the power save settings. It can also remain activated but it will consume a bit more power.

Step 3

If you hadn’t put your console on rest mode then this is the time to do it. The “enable turning on” feature should then be activated. This is the feature that will enable you to stream all your PlayStation games on your laptop.

Step 4

In this step, you are going to connect your PlayStation controller. You can either use a USB cable or Wireless USB adaptor to connect your controller to the laptop. To connect it, you have to press and hold the share button and PlayStation button simultaneously until the light bar begins flashing. Connect the USB adapter to the laptop then hold it in for some few seconds. Your controller will be automatically paired.

Step 5

In this final step, you will now have to search for PSN using your laptop. There is a start option in your Remote Play app, click on it. It will prompt you to sign in to your PSN account. Once done automatically search for your console in the network and will then take you directly to the Home Screen.

For this to work, there are definitely minimum requirements that your laptop needs to meet. The table below clearly outlines the features your laptop must have to make this possible.

Specifications of laptops that can be used as monitors for a PS4

Conclusion

You can definitely try using your laptop instead of TV if you are looking for a new gaming experience. As you have seen, both methods that we have discussed are practical and work pretty well. However, I’d advise you to use the Remote Play app method if you are working with a tight budget and aren’t willing to spend too much on video capture cards.

FAQs

1. Is it better using a laptop or television when using your PlayStation?

A TV is a better option because it is less of a hustle and you do not need additional money to be able to game.

2. Between a TV and laptop, which gives you a better gaming experience?

A TV should give you a better gaming experience because of its size and sound system.