Sony is now set to roll out the video game streaming service PlayStation Now or PS Now to the PC, bringing the full console experience to desktops in the UK and North America.
Long story short, a ton of PS games will become playable on the PC. On top of that, the company is launching the DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adaptor to boot, allowing gamers to use their PS4 controllers.
PS Now
Since PS Now is bringing the whole shebang to the PC, gamers will finally get to load up titles such as Uncharted, God of War and Ratchet & Clank and even familiar PS3 games such as The Last of Us and Journey on the computer. Yep, that also means that PC users will soon be able to play PS exclusive games in their own element. Currently, there are more than 400 accessible games in the library.
Now, the interesting bit here is that a PS3, PS4 or PS Vita is not necessary to run the games on the desktop, and more than that, players can continue their progress on any system.
"If you have [PlayStation Now] today, then you're ready to go. You just sign in with your ID and you're off and running. Your saved games come over with you, you can continue where you left off, you can start on the PC and continue on a console, and vice versa," Eric Lempel, PlayStation Network chief, says.
As for when it'll launch, it's expected to come this September, but Sony's official announcement didn't include a solid release date, so it might be better not to get those hopes up just yet.
The Dongle
Keyboard and mouse? Pshaw! There's no need for those. As mentioned earlier, Sony is also releasing the DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adaptor to let players wirelessly connect a PS4 controller to the desktop. Well, it's not like solely the combo of PC peripherals is going to work with PS Now to begin with, though. In other words, a DualShock 4 controller is required.
Of course, the controller is already capable of connecting to the PC via a USB cable or Bluetooth, but for those who are looking for the functionality of a USB connection without the wires, the dongle is just the thing.
The DualShock 4 USB Wireless Adaptor is expected to launch sometime in September with a suggested retail price of $24.99. It's compatible with both the PC and Mac, and on top of PS Now, it's going to work with PS4 Remote Play.
The Requirements
To get in on the action, players must make sure that their computers are up to code. Here are the recommended specs that Sony listed down:
Operating System: Windows 7 (SP1), 8.1 or 10
Processor: 3.5 GHz Intel Core i3 or 3.8 GHz AMD A10 or faster
Hard Disk Space: 300 MB or more
Memory: 2 GB or more of RAM
Miscellaneous: Sound card and USB port
Connection: At least a 5 Mbps internet connection.
Note: Sony recommends a wired connection for better stability and speed.
For those who don't know yet, a PS Now subscription will cost $19.99 for a month and $44.99 for three months, but there's also a seven-day free trial to let everyone test the waters first before jumping in.
Are you as excited as we are to play PS games on the PC? If so, feel free to hit us up in the comments section below and let us know, particularly which titles you'd like to take out for a spin.
