Razer has officially released its PC Remote Play app for iOS and Android. This new app lets users stream PC games to their phones or tablets, making it easy to play their favorite games while away from their computers, but feels more advanced than Steam Link.

The Razer PC Remote Play app isn’t the first to offer this kind of local remote PC gameplay, but Razer’s app brings in a few new and important features which we’ve been waiting for a while to see. One of the biggest benefits of Razer PC Remote Play is that it automatically adjusts the game’s resolution and frame rate to fit the mobile device’s screen.

The resolution adjustment just means no black bars on the sides, which often happens with other streaming services that don’t adapt to different screen sizes. Instead, the game fills the whole screen, giving a better experience based on the device being used. The app works with all iOS and Android gaming controllers, and the iPad version also supports keyboards, mice, and trackpads.

The service is compatible with games from major stores like Steam, Epic Games Store, and PC Game Pass. Additionally, the app uses the AV1 video codec, which may improve streaming quality and reduce lag. The app is designed to work smoothly with Razer’s other products, which Razer doesn’t seem to be offering at the moment to U.S. users.

To set it up, users need to install the Razer Nexus and PC Remote Play apps on their Android or iPhone device and Razer Cortex on their PC. After signing in with a Razer ID (or using a PIN to pair the devices), everything connects automatically, making the setup process quick and simple. Razer Nexus acts as a game launcher, giving users a console-like interface to browse and start PC games directly from their phone or tablet.

The app also works with Razer Cortex, which handles the streaming from the PC side, letting users launch games from their PC library with just one tap. The app supports haptic feedback on Android devices when using the Razer Kishi Ultra controller, adding more immersion to gameplay.

Unfortunately, the app does have some prerequisites. The PC needs to be running at least Windows 11 (Version 23H2), and mobile devices must have iOS 18 or Android 12 or higher. For the initial setup, both the PC and mobile device must be on the same Wi-Fi network, but after pairing, users can switch to cellular data or a different Wi-Fi network. This is only as long as their home network supports UPnP.

Razer recommends a minimum internet speed of 15 Mbps, with 30 Mbps or higher being ideal for the best performance. Most wifi services offer this, so if you’re playing at home, this should be fine. These requirements are similar to other game streaming services and emphasize the need for a strong internet connection to avoid lag or interruptions.

There are pros and cons when comparing Razer PC Remote Play to existing options like Steam Link. Steam Link has been around longer and has a big user base. Still, Razer’s app offers a more seamless experience for people already using Razer’s ecosystem, especially those who have Razer Nexus and Cortex. Automatic resolution and frame rate adjustment are big advantages over services that don’t adapt to different screens.

On the other hand, the app’s reliance on Razer’s own software might be a downside for users who prefer solutions that work across different brands. It seems like this will only work with Razer’s Laptops and devices, unlike Steam Link, which works with most computers.

Still, Razer’s ability to automatically adjust resolution, support for various controllers and game stores, and tight integration may be something Steam wants to add to its features. However, performance depends on a fast internet connection and meeting the system requirements.

Source: Razer, Engadet