

If you've ever had to delete one game to make room for another, you'll understand the appeal of the incoming PS5 upgrade to cloud streaming. No longer will you have to make a heartbreaking decision between your favourite games as you choose which to condemn to being uninstalled.
Cloud streaming has been available for select PS4 titles and the PlayStation "Classics Catalog" for a while but this month you'll be able to start streaming PS5 titles in its "Game Catalog" too. Sony has confirmed that with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription, gamers can play some of the best games on the console seamlessly without installs. Admittedly the Game Catalog isn't quite as strong as Xbox's Game Pass lineup, but there are still some must-play titles on there including Horizon: Forbidden West, Ghostwire: Tokyo and Returnal.
There's just one problem, internet speed. Cloud streaming requires a consistent and speedy connection or else you'll be left with game-breaking latency and an unrecognisable resolution. Sony has provided its recommended download speeds and if you live in a more provincial area you might be in trouble.
Streaming games on the PS5 at 60Hz brings a choice of resolution tailored to varying internet connections. If you want to stream in glorious 4K then you'll need a minimum of 38mbps although Sony recommends at least 52mbps. That's a pretty big ask, and if your internet is less speedy, you'll have to play at a sub-optimal resolution. As a minimum, you'll need a 5mbps connection to stream at a paltry 720p although Sony recommends 13 mbps as a baseline figure.
That's going to exclude a lot of PS5 owners from using the service as designed and leave traditional downloads as the only way to make the most of the PS5's hardware. Hopefully, in time, general improvements in internet speeds will make this less of an issue. But otherwise, it might be time to invest in one of the best routers and try to find a high-speed internet provider.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Andy was T3's Tech Staff Writer, covering all things technology, including his biggest passions such as gaming. If he had to save one possession from a fire it would be his PlayStation 5. He previously worked for Tom’s Guide – where he got paid to play with ChatGPT everyday. When it comes to streaming, Andy will have his headphones glued in whilst watching something that will make him laugh. He studied Creative Writing at university, but also enjoys supporting his favourite football team (Liverpool), watching F1, teaching himself guitar, and spending time with his dog.
-
If you want good reason to subscribe to PS Plus, this free game is it
PS Plus Extra and Premium members getting much-loved action-platformer for free
By Rik Henderson Last updated
-
PS Plus getting arguably the best RPG of 2024 on PS5 and PS5 Pro for free
All PS Plus subscribers are arguably getting the best game drop in the service's history this March
By Rik Henderson Last updated
-
3 PS5 Pro mistakes that everyone makes – and how to avoid them
Streamline your PS5 Pro experience
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
Xbox confirms the console war is over, but could still be the ultimate winner
Xbox boss Phil Spencer has given up on trying to convert PlayStation fans
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PS Plus to get the best Star Wars game of all time, but a new spooky adventure is even more exciting
The PS Plus Premium and Extra games for February have been announced, and there's a day one release amongst them
By Rik Henderson Published
-
How to watch the new PS5 State of Play showcase today – more than 40 minutes of new games
PlayStation will host a new livestream for PS5 and PS5 Pro owners today – here's everything you need to know
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PS Plus getting two radically different PS5 shooters for free
Whether you want to laugh or cry, PS Plus will have something for you in Februrary
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PS Plus getting one of the best PS5 games of all time for free, no arguments
A long-lost Indiana Jones adventure is also being added this month
By Rik Henderson Published