Razer, renowned for its distinct green gaming hardware and accessories, has ventured into the game-streaming sector with its newly launched app, PC Remote Play. Built on solid existing streaming technology, this app facilitates easy connections between PCs and mobile devices, offering a compelling option for gamers—unless one has a strict aversion to software from RGB-centric gaming brands.
This app may also appeal less to those who are already accustomed to using Moonlight or Sunshine, both of which are well-regarded open-source game-streaming clients and servers that took over where Nvidia’s Gamestream left off. Razer’s PC Remote Play utilizes Moonlight’s open-source code, and the company has released much of its own version’s code publicly.
PC Remote Play offers several minor improvements to enhance the user experience:
- No need to set up a Sunshine server on Windows or manage intricate permissions and pairing codes.
- The app establishes a virtual display to match your mobile device, allowing you to turn off your PC’s screen.
- Connectivity for remote gaming outside your home network is streamlined, provided the app can navigate your router’s settings.
- Enhanced functionality for certain Razer peripherals, such as the Razer Kishi Ultra or Kishi V2, including advanced rumble feedback (primarily on Android).
Experience Overview
I evaluated PC Remote Play on my home network while streaming titles like Avowed, Satisfactory, and the Monster Train 2 demo from my Windows PC to an iPad Air (5th generation/M1). To do this, I paired an Xbox One wireless controller via Bluetooth to my iPad and installed the Razer Remote Play app on it, along with Razer Cortex on the PC. Razer recommends additional installations of its various apps on both devices, including the Nexus game launcher on mobile, among others, though it’s possible to bypass some of these steps with minimal effort.
I kept my adjustments to a minimum, opting to explore only a few settings with curiosity aimed at the “Optimize” feature. Overall, the experience was quite streamlined. I did not have to adjust resolutions or attempt to guess a data-streaming rate, as Razer defaults to 30Mbps. This setting typically ensures reliable 1080p streaming and fairly smooth 1440p results. My chief concerns were the absence of familiar features found in Moonlight, such as activating a temporary mouse cursor or employing specific button combinations to exit games.
Unlike Steam Link or Xbox/Game Pass Remote Play, Razer’s app is not restricted to Steam titles; it supports virtually any game installed on your PC. However, it is limited to Windows and major mobile operating systems, excluding options like Mac, Apple TV, Linux, Steam Deck, and Raspberry Pi. In terms of usability, the interface—though characteristically Razer-green and somewhat ostentatious—was easier to navigate compared to Moonlight, requiring no searches for executable files or runtime options for launching games directly from mobile devices.
In terms of streaming performance, there were no noticeable differences from Moonlight, which is unsurprising given the shared codebase. Automatically streaming at the iPad’s native resolution and refresh rate alleviates the usual hassles associated with balancing resolution and cut-offs often encountered with platforms like Steam Link.
Community Perspectives
The Moonlight community has expressed a positive outlook regarding Razer’s interest in utilizing their streaming technology. Cameron Gutman, a founder and lead developer of Moonlight, stated via email that he supports individuals and companies that build upon their software, provided they adhere to the GNU General Public License terms.
Gutman pointed out that various forks of Moonlight already exist, incorporating features such as seamless virtual display integration and multi-session support. According to him, Razer aims to provide a user-friendly interface, which could benefit the broader open-source ecosystem.
Many open-source projects often cater to technical users, inadvertently creating barriers for average gamers. Razer’s resources in UX design and product management can help address the common “papercuts” in user experience, Gutman remarked.
While I continue to use Moonlight and Sunshine for their customizability, PC Remote Play stands out as a viable tool for gamers seeking a straightforward gaming solution outside their PC environment.
