Technology
PS5 Share Play update lets you try out PS5 games on your PlayStation 4 – here’s how
SONY has released a major software update for the PlayStation 5 that lets gamers on its previous console join the next-gen party.
PlayStation 4 players can now try out PS5 games free of charge thanks to the Japanese tech titan’s new Share Play feature.
Read our PS5 live blog for the latest stock news
It’s one of a raft of tweaks made to Sony’s new console in its April update, which was rolled out across the globe on Wednesday.
Unsurprisingly, PS5 games cannot be played on PS4 as the older console does not have the right hardware.
It can’t handle the graphics of its newer sibling, which was launched by Sony last year.
With the introduction of Share Play, PS5 gamers can share their screen with friends using a PS4 to show off what they’re up.
But that’s not all. PS5 players can also virtually pass their controller to a friend playing on a last-gen console.
The game is still run through the PS5’s hardware, but your mate is controlling the action on their PS4 controller remotely.
“This means PS5 console users can let their friends … try out the PS5 games through Share Play, and vice versa,” Sony wrote in a blog post.
“Options include the ability to share your screen with a friend, pass your controller virtually to a friend, or pass a second controller virtually to play co-op games together.”
If you’re a PS4 owner wanting to use Share Play, you’ll first need to find a mate who also has a PlayStation 5.
You’ll need to be friends with them on the PlayStation network, and both online at the same time.
Your friend will then need to invite you to a party and load up the game you want to play.
They’ll then need to press the share button on their DualShock 4 controller, and hit “Go to Party for Share Play” on the TV.
They’ll then need to select “Give Controller to Visitor”.
Gaming tips and tricks
Looking for tips and tricks across your favourite consoles and games? We have you covered…
- Can you play PS4 games on PS5?
- PS5 vs Xbox Series X – which is better?
- Everything you need to know about Roblox
- Most popular Roblox games
- Best video games for 2021
- How to tame a boar in Fortnite
- Top 100 rated players in FIFA 21
- Best FM21 wonderkids
- How many people play Fortnite?
- Full weapon tier list from Valheim
From there, select “Allow Visitor to Play as You”. You can also choose “Play a Game Together” if your game has a multiplayer mode.
The host will need to be a PlayStation Plus member to do this. The session will last 60 minutes before it expires.
That’s not too much of a hassle, though, as you can always start another session immediately after the last one to pick up where you left off.
You’ll also need a good web connection (Sony recommends a minimum upload speed of 2 megabits per second) to avoid lag and stuttering.
Most read in Gaming
In other news, The Sun’s favourite alternative to a games console is the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.
Check out the wildly impressive Panasonic 65HZ1000 TV, which makes most tellies look rubbish.
And Dell’s Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online Tech & Science team? Email us at tech@the-sun.co.uk