Razer launches PC Remote Play app to compete in game streaming arena

[Alfonso Maruccia]

Stream On: Streaming devices like Steam Link open up new ways for users to enjoy their PC game libraries across different locations and devices via network access. Now, Razer is introducing a Steam Link alternative designed to optimize the experience, regardless of the hardware users are streaming to.

Razer first introduced its PC Remote Play service at CES 2025, offering select users early access through a beta test. Now, the feature is available to all iPhone and Android users, with the company promising a significantly improved streaming experience thanks to broader controller compatibility and enhanced video codec support.

Similar to Valve's Steam Link and other remote play services, Razer PC Remote Play allows users to stream their PC game library to other devices over a network connection. The service supports mobile devices (Android and iPhone) as well as additional Windows PCs, giving users access to games purchased through platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and others. It also supports Microsoft's Game Pass service.

The setup process for streaming games to a mobile device is somewhat complex. Razer acknowledges this and has published a step-by-step guide. To get started, users must install both the Nexus and PC Remote Play apps on their mobile device, enable remote play in the Razer Cortex application on their PC, sign in with their Razer ID, and complete the pairing process between their PC and smartphone.

Once the initial setup is complete, users can connect their controller to the streaming device, whether it's Razer's own Kishi or another compatible controller. From there, they can begin streaming their previously purchased PC games.

According to Razer, PC Remote Play supports the AV1 codec for improved video quality and reduced latency. The service also appears to optimize gameplay by leveraging the maximum frame rate and resolution supported by the target device.

If you're like me, you probably cringe at any request involving more app downloads, account registrations, setup steps, or multi-screen gaming hassles. But Razer is aiming to win over couch-loving gamers by offering broad controller compatibility, instant game launching with customizable controls, built-in game recording, and more.

When paired with the Razer Kishi Ultra on Android, PC Remote Play also delivers immersive haptic feedback through a feature the company calls Razer Sensa HD Haptics. And for those who prefer a more elaborate setup, iPad users can enjoy full compatibility with external keyboards, mice, and trackpads.

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Razer launches PC Remote Play app to compete in game streaming arena

 

[Dimitriid]

I'm really tired of these 'Look we have a portable device too!' Then it turns out it requires some other console or PC and it's just a streaming device: Stop trying to sell me on what should easily be just a smartphone app.

 

[AlexIL]

Game streaming? Like Ubisoft "gamers don't own their games"? Fail like Ubisoft.

 

[Cal Jeffrey]

I know I'm the one with the unpopular opinion here, but I have to say that streaming and Remote Play have become much, much better than even a few years ago. It's still not going to beat playing natively, but when you can't, it is a decent option now. A couple of points to make on this.

I've owned PlayStations since the beginning. Game streaming, what used to be called PlayStation Now, intrigued me, so every now and then (about once a year), I would take advantage of a one-week free trial of PS Now. It was really bad in the beginning but gradually got better over the years. However, it plateaued at a point where it was playable but still not a great experience.

Remote Play was awful when it launched and remained so for years. Its main problem was a stutter that would not go away without some sorcery at the command line. Specifically, if you are trying to play on a Mac try: sudo ifconfig awdl0 down.

That said, both features have vastly improved. PS Now, which used to only stream PS3 and earlier games, now streams almost any game, including PS5. I frequently use it to try out games before clearing precious space to download them. The games run buttery smooth with no controller lag (which was a huge issue in the early PS Now days). It will suffer the occasional stutter or hiccup, usually without crashing (previously crashed a lot). Again, not better than native but perfect for when you don't have space on your disc you are willing to give up. This vast improvement came shortly after Sony restructured its PlayStation Plus subscription into tiers. Not surprising since you have to pay extra for streaming. Better get your you-know-what together if you want people to pay for it.

Likewise, Remote Play got a lot better after the PlayStation Portal launched. Oddly, I still have to tweak my mac to Remote Play at a steady frame rate, but I can play from my phone with virtually no interruptions. The last time I had trouble with remote play on my phone was before PS Portal.

So, I use both services and they treat me well. I can't speak for Razer. It may have issues, no way to say for now. But Sony has been doing this for a long time now, even longer than when Stadia was still around. Remote play launched waaaaay back in 2006, and PS Now launched in 2014. I think Sony lolligagged with both services—Remote Play because it was essentially free and had nothing to tie any incentive into improving it until Portal. PS Now was a bit different as it did charge a fee for it from the start, but game streaming tech in 2014 wasn't there yet. It was almost there in 2019 when Stadia launched, but even then, it was just not quite good enough, which is why Stadia failed (well, one of the reasons anyway).

Stadia could probably make it now, though. Sony has proven the tech is almost optimized well enough that it's close to playing natively. It's still not quite there, but it's close. Would I use streaming exclusively? Probably not. But I do use it, even now. Remote Play is another thing, and I think that those who don't own a PlayStation don't see the point. But those people are not the demographic that uses Remote Play. It's simply a solution for playing your console when you can't directly access it for whatever reason (you're in bed, someone else is using the TV, etc.). For that, it is useful.

 

[Billybobjoey]

Not the biggest fan of game streaming personally. The cloud services always have way too much input lag and macroblocking in my experience to ever be considered reliable (Tried Xbox's and Geforce Now, though it's been a few years since I've tested Geforce). Even the local stuff apparently is not a fan of my network setup. Tried Steam Link's native app with my desktop on ethernet, but whatever I'm streaming to must not have a good enough Wi-Fi connection to my router because it typically has the same issues as the cloud stuff.

Maybe one day we'll have a real solution to the input lag and compression/streaming issues, but I don't foresee it coming any day soon.