PS5 Remote Play: Why your iPad could be better than your TV
Gaming glued to your TV. Your family wants to watch Netflix. You want to keep playing, but the couch is occupied. A familiar dilemma. PS5 Remote Play promises freedom: stream to your iPad and continue your games anywhere. Sounds like the perfect solution.
But here's what no one tells you: most gamers are using it completely wrong. They see their iPad as a stopgap, a compromise when the TV is busy. While its real strength lies elsewhere.
With the right accessories, your iPad doesn't become a replacement—it becomes a better experience . Think AirPods for perfect game audio without wires. A good controller. Suddenly, you'll prefer playing on your iPad to the big screen. Not because you have to, but because it's more comfortable. How? You'll find out soon.
Useful links
- Refurbished iPad Collection - Find the perfect iPad for PS5 Remote Play
- iPad Pro refurbished - For the ultimate streaming experience
- Accessories - Controllers and audio for optimal gaming
What exactly is PS5 Remote Play?
PS5 Remote Play is Sony's streaming service that sends your PlayStation 5 games directly to other devices. Your console stays on at home while you play remotely via Wi-Fi or mobile data. The video signal is compressed and sent to your iPad, where you can continue playing where you left off with complete control.
The technology works surprisingly well. With a stable connection, you'll barely notice any lag. Sony has significantly improved the software in recent years, making even fast-paced action games playable. You have access to your entire game library, including saved progress and trophies.
Choosing the Right iPad for Gaming
Not every iPad performs equally well with Remote Play. The screen, processor, and battery life make the difference between frustration and enjoyment.
iPad Pro: the premium choice
The iPad Pro offers the best of the best. The ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures smooth video. The M1 or M2 chip processes the video stream without stuttering. The larger 12.9-inch screen best approximates the TV experience.
- Largest screen for immersive gameplay
- Fastest processor for lag-free streaming
- Best speakers for gaming without headphones
- Longest battery life during intensive use
iPad Air: The golden mean
The iPad Air combines performance with portability. The 10.9-inch screen is large enough for comfortable gaming, while the device remains lightweight. The M1 chip in newer models has plenty of power for Remote Play.
- Perfect balance between size and weight
- Powerful processor for smooth streaming
- Affordable alternative to the Pro
- Suitable for longer gaming sessions
Standard iPad: budget-friendly gaming
The regular iPad works perfectly well for Remote Play, especially if you're not playing the latest games at maximum settings. The smaller screen and standard refresh rate are noticeable, but certainly not distracting.
- Most affordable option
- Compact and light for on the go
- Sufficient performance for casual gaming
- Ideal as a second screen next to the TV
Setting up Remote Play: step by step
Setup is easier than you think. Sony has streamlined the process, so you'll be playing in minutes.
Preparing for your PS5
- Make sure your console has the latest firmware
- Enable Remote Play in system settings
- Put your PS5 into rest mode (don't turn it off completely)
- Connect your console to Ethernet for best performance
Configure the iPad app
- Download PS Remote Play from the App Store
- Log in with your PlayStation Network account
- Pair your iPad to your PS5 (one-time process)
- Adjust the streaming quality to your internet speed
Important settings:
- Resolution : 1080p for best balance
- Framerate : 60fps if your connection can handle it
- Controller : Connect a DualSense via Bluetooth
Essential accessories for iPad gaming
The right accessories transform your iPad into a portable console. Without a good controller and audio, you're missing half the experience.
Controllers: DualSense vs. alternatives
The official DualSense controller works perfectly with iPadOS. All buttons function as intended, including the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Connecting is via Bluetooth, after which the controller is automatically recognized.
Alternative controllers like the Backbone One fit directly on your iPad. Convenient for on-the-go use, but you'll miss out on the unique PS5 features. For home use, the DualSense is superior; for travel, you'll win with a compact solution.
Audio: headphones and speakers
AirPods are ideal for Remote Play. Their low latency ensures that sound is synchronized with the visuals. Spatial audio adds an extra dimension to games that support it. Transparency mode keeps you aware of your surroundings during online sessions.
Over-ear headphones like the AirPods Max deliver richer bass for explosions and soundtracks. Noise canceling creates total immersion. For longer listening sessions, the comfort is superior to in-ear headphones.
Stands and holders
A good stand prevents neck strain during long sessions. Adjustable tablet holders position the screen at eye level. Some models even clip onto your controller for a Switch-like experience.
Optimizing performance: practical tips
Improve internet connection
Your connection determines the quality. A minimum of 15 Mbps is required for 1080p streaming. For 4K HDR (on compatible iPads), expect 25 Mbps or more.
Tips for better performance:
- Use 5GHz WiFi instead of 2.4GHz
- Place your router centrally without obstacles
- Limit other streaming in the home while gaming
- Consider a mesh network for large homes
Save battery during sessions
Remote Play eats up battery life. An hour of intense gaming drains about 20-30% on a modern iPad. Some saving tips:
- Reduce brightness where possible
- Turn off Bluetooth when playing wired
- Use Low Power Mode for longer sessions
- Invest in a power bank for on the go
Which games work best?
Not all games are suitable for Remote Play. Timing-critical titles can be frustrating with poor connections.
Perfect for Remote Play:
- RPGs like Horizon Forbidden West
- Strategy games and turn-based games
- Adventure titles with an exploration focus
- Sports games in story modes
Less suitable:
- Competitive online shooters
- Fighting games with frame-perfect timing
- Rhythm games where timing is crucial
Troubleshooting common problems
Sometimes things don't go as planned. Most issues have simple solutions.
Connection drops: Make sure your PS5 isn't completely powered off. The console should be in rest mode. If the problem persists, restart both devices.
Input lag is too high: Reduce the streaming quality to 720p. Temporarily turn off other devices on the network. Connect your PS5 to Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi.
Controller not responding: Re-pair the controller via Bluetooth settings. Update the controller firmware via your PS5. Try a USB-C cable for a wired connection.
The future of mobile gaming
Sony is investing heavily in Remote Play. Updates regularly bring improvements. The integration with PlayStation Portal shows the way: streaming is becoming increasingly important.
Apple's focus on gaming is also growing. New iPad models feature more powerful chips and better displays. The combination with Sony's streaming technology is only getting better.
Sustainable choices with refurbished
A refurbished iPad is perfect for Remote Play. You get premium performance at a fair price. The devices have been professionally inspected and cleaned. Often, you won't notice any difference compared to new.
Sustainability benefits:
- Less electronic waste
- Lower CO2 footprint
- Preservation of valuable raw materials
- Support for the circular economy
Leapp thoroughly tests every device. The battery is replaced if necessary. You get the same warranty as with new products. For gaming, it makes no difference, except for your wallet.
Conclusion: Freedom that changes your gaming experience
PS5 Remote Play on your iPad is more than just a stopgap when the TV is busy. With a good internet connection and the right accessories, you'll simply prefer playing on that compact screen to the TV.
Whether you choose a refurbished iPad Pro for the ultimate experience or a standard iPad for casual gaming, the freedom to play anywhere will change the way you view gaming. The technology is there, the performance is excellent, and with a refurbished model, you'll also save a lot. Time to leave that PlayStation behind.
