10 Ways to Join Playstation Party on PC: A Comprehensive Guide

For many gamers, connecting with friends and enjoying online gaming experiences together is crucial. While PlayStation offers a robust party chat feature, the lack of native support for joining these parties on PC can be frustrating. However, fret not! This guide delves into 10 different solutions, each with its own detailed instructions, to help you seamlessly join PlayStation party chat from your PC.

Solution 1: PS Remote Play App

This official Sony solution is considered the most straightforward option. By leveraging the PS Remote Play app, you can stream your PlayStation console directly onto your PC, granting access to all its features, including party chat.

Detailed Steps:

1. Download and Install PS Remote Play App: Head over to the official PlayStation website and download the PS Remote Play app compatible with your PC operating system (Windows or macOS).
2. Connect your PlayStation and PC to the same network: Ensure both devices are connected to the same internet connection for optimal performance.
3. Log in to PlayStation Network: Open the PS Remote Play app on your PC and log in with your PlayStation Network account.
4. Turn on your PlayStation console: Switch on your PlayStation and ensure it’s in rest mode.
5. Start Remote Play: Within the PS Remote Play app, click “Start” to begin streaming your PlayStation console to your PC.
6. Join a Party: Navigate to the “Party” section on your PlayStation and join the desired chat.

Pros:

• Official solution from Sony, offering stability and reliability.
• Provides the full PlayStation experience on your PC, including party chat.
• Leverages your PC’s microphone and speakers for voice communication.

Cons:

• Requires a PS4 or PS5 console for functionality.
• A stable internet connection is vital for smooth streaming and audio quality.
• May be resource-intensive for older PCs.

Solution 2: Discord

Discord has become a popular cross-platform voice chat application favored by many gamers. While it doesn’t directly integrate with PlayStation, you can utilize the mobile app to create servers and invite your PlayStation friends to join, fostering communication across platforms.

Detailed Steps:

1. Install Discord on your PC and mobile device: Download and install the Discord app on both your PC and mobile device (smartphone or tablet).
2. Create a Server: On your PC or mobile app, create a server in Discord and name it accordingly.
3. Share Server Invite Link: Copy the server invite link and share it with your PlayStation friends through a messaging platform like PlayStation messages or social media.
4. Join the Server on PlayStation: Access the PlayStation App on your mobile device and navigate to the “Friends” section. Select the desired friend and choose “Invite to Party.” Then, choose “Discord” and select the created server.
5. Enjoy Chatting: Once your friends join the server, you can communicate seamlessly through Discord’s voice chat on both your PC and mobile device.

Pros:

• Free to use and widely accessible across platforms.
• Enables cross-platform voice chat with friends on PC, PlayStation, and mobile devices.
• Offers various features like voice channels, text chat, and screen sharing.

Cons:

• Requires your friends to install and use the Discord app on their mobile devices.
• Audio quality may not be as high as PlayStation’s native party chat.

Solution 3: Third-party Apps

Several third-party applications like Remote Play Together on Steam and Moonlight offer functionalities similar to the PS Remote Play app. These apps enable you to stream your PlayStation console to your PC, granting access to features including party chat.

Detailed Steps:

1. Choose and Download Third-party App: Depending on your preference and platform compatibility, download and install a suitable third-party app like Remote Play Together or Moonlight.
2. Configure the App: Each app may have specific configuration steps. Follow the app’s instructions to connect to your PlayStation console.
3. Start Streaming: Launch the app and initiate streaming your PlayStation console to your PC.
4. Join a Party: Once connected, you can access the “Party” section on your PlayStation and join the desired chat.

Pros:

• May offer additional customization options compared to the official PS Remote Play app.
• Some apps might offer compatibility with older PCs.

Cons:

• Stability and performance may vary compared to the official solution.
• Additional configuration steps might be required.

Solution 4: Capture Card

For tech-savvy users, utilizing a capture card presents another option. By connecting your PlayStation console to your PC via a capture card and using streaming software like OBS Studio, you can capture both audio and video, allowing you to join party chat and stream your gameplay simultaneously.

Detailed Steps:

1. Connect Capture Card: Securely connect your capture card to both your PlayStation console and PC via the appropriate cables (HDMI, USB, etc.).
2. Install Capture Software: Download and install streaming software like OBS Studio on your PC.
3. Configure Capture Settings: Within the streaming software, configure the capture settings to recognize your capture card as the audio and video input source.
4. Start Streaming: Launch the streaming software and begin streaming your PlayStation gameplay.
5. Join a Party: Simultaneously, access the “Party” section on your PlayStation and join the desired chat.

Pros:

• Offers high-quality audio and video capture for streaming.
• Enables simultaneous gameplay streaming and participation in party chat.

Cons:

• Requires additional hardware (capture card) and software setup.
• May be more complex to configure for non-tech-savvy users.

Solution 5: PS App on PC

While the PlayStation App on PC lacks direct party chat functionality, it allows you to receive party invitations and easily join them through your console. This provides a convenient option for quickly jumping into a party without needing to turn on your PlayStation.

Detailed Steps:

1. Download and Install PS App on PC: Download and install the PlayStation App on your PC from the official website.
2. Log in to PlayStation Network: Sign in to your PlayStation Network account within the app.
3. Receive Party Invitations: You can receive party invitations directly through the app.
4. Join the Party: When you receive an invitation, click “Join” within the app. This will automatically launch the party chat on your PlayStation console.

Pros:

• Simple and convenient way to join parties without needing your console readily available.
• No additional setup or configuration required.

Cons:

• Cannot directly participate in party chat on PC.
• Requires your PlayStation console to be turned on.

Solution 6: Remote Desktop Software

Remote desktop software like TeamViewer or Parsec allows you to remotely access and control your PlayStation console from your PC. This provides a complete solution for accessing all functionalities, including joining party chat, without needing to be physically present.

Detailed Steps:

1. Download and Install Remote Desktop Software: Choose and install remote desktop software on both your PC and PlayStation console.
2. Configure Connection: Follow the software’s instructions to establish a connection between your PC and PlayStation.
3. Start Remote Access: Once connected, launch the remote desktop software and access your PlayStation console remotely.
4. Join a Party: Navigate to the “Party” section on your PlayStation and join the desired chat.

Pros:

• Offers full remote access and control of your PlayStation.
• Allows you to join party chat and access other features from anywhere with an internet connection.

Cons:

• A stable internet connection is crucial for smooth remote access and performance.
• May require additional configuration and technical know-how.

Solution 7: Voicemeeter Banana

This software empowers you to create a virtual audio device on your PC, enabling the integration of multiple audio sources, including your PlayStation party chat and your PC’s microphone. This is particularly useful if you prefer using a single USB headset for both PC and PlayStation audio.

Detailed Steps:

1. Download and Install Voicemeeter Banana: Download and install the Voicemeeter Banana software on your PC.
2. Configure Audio Devices: Within Voicemeeter Banana, configure your PC’s microphone and PlayStation’s audio output (connected via PS Remote Play or capture card) as separate audio inputs.
3. Create Virtual Audio Device: Create a new virtual audio device within the software and define the desired audio output (headphones, speakers, etc.).
4. Set Voicemeeter as Default Audio Device: Configure your PC’s sound settings to use Voicemeeter Banana as the default audio input and output device.
5. Join a Party: Join the desired party chat on your PlayStation. Voicemeeter Banana will automatically mix your microphone audio with the party chat audio, allowing you to communicate seamlessly.

Pros:

• Enables simultaneous use of a single USB headset for both PC and PlayStation audio.
• Offers advanced audio mixing and control options.

Cons:

• Requires additional software installation and configuration.
• May be less user-friendly for non-technical users.

Solution 8: Voice Chat Software with PlayStation Integration

Some voice chat software like Krisp or Squad Chat offer PlayStation integration, allowing you to join party chat directly through their application. This eliminates the need for additional setup or configuration, providing a convenient solution for existing users of these platforms.

Detailed Steps:

1. Download and Install Voice Chat Software: Choose and install voice chat software with PlayStation integration, such as Krisp or Squad Chat.
2. Log in and Link Accounts: Create an account within the voice chat software and link your PlayStation Network account.
3. Join a Party: Once linked, the software will automatically detect your PlayStation friends and online status. You can then directly join their party chats through the software interface.

Pros:

• Convenient way to join party chat directly through existing voice chat software.
• Eliminates the need for additional configuration or setup.
• May offer additional features like noise cancellation or screen sharing.

Cons:

• Limited number of voice chat software offering PlayStation integration.
• May require a subscription for full access to features.

Solution 9: PlayStation Remote Play on Mobile

Similar to the PS Remote Play app for PC, the mobile app offers an alternative solution for streaming your PlayStation console to your phone and accessing party chat. This proves convenient for users who don’t have access to a PC or prefer using their smartphone.

Detailed Steps:

1. Download and Install PS Remote Play App: Download and install the PlayStation Remote Play app on your mobile device (iOS or Android).
2. Connect Mobile Device and PlayStation to the same network: Ensure both devices are connected to the same internet network for optimal performance.
3. Log in to PlayStation Network: Open the PS Remote Play app and sign in with your PlayStation Network account.
4. Turn on your PlayStation console: Ensure your PlayStation is switched on and in rest mode.
5. Start Remote Play: Launch the PS Remote Play app and click “Start” to initiate streaming your console to your mobile device.
6. Join a Party: Navigate to the “Party” section on your PlayStation and join the desired chat.

Pros:

• No PC required, making it convenient for mobile users.
• Offers similar functionality to the PC app, including party chat access.
• Utilizes your mobile device’s microphone and speakers for communication.

Cons:

• May be more difficult to control and navigate compared to the PC app.
• Smartphone’s screen size might limit the gaming experience.

Solution 10: Other Online Voice Chat Platforms

While not designed specifically for gaming, online voice chat platforms like Skype or Zoom can still be used to communicate with your PlayStation friends. This can be a simple solution if you already use these platforms and prefer avoiding additional software installations.

Detailed Steps:

1. Create an Account or Login: Ensure you have an account for the chosen online voice chat platform (e.g., Skype, Zoom).
2. Add PlayStation Friends: Add your PlayStation friends as contacts on the chosen platform.
3. Initiate a Call: Start a voice call with your desired PlayStation friends through the platform’s interface.
4. Join PlayStation Party: Use the PlayStation App on your mobile device to join a party chat simultaneously. This allows you to communicate with your friends through both platforms.

Pros:

• Familiar interface and straightforward functionality for existing users.
• No additional software installation needed.
• Offers features like video conferencing and screen sharing.

Cons:

• May experience latency issues, impacting voice chat quality.
• Not optimized for gaming, lacking features like noise cancellation.
• Requires your PlayStation App to be open and running simultaneously.

Conclusion:

While the lack of native PlayStation party chat support on PC presents a challenge, these 10 diverse solutions offer various pathways for gamers to connect and communicate with their PlayStation friends. Whether you prefer a straightforward official solution like the PS Remote Play app, a convenient mobile option, or advanced software integration, there’s a method to suit your needs and preferences. Remember to consider your technical expertise, available resources, and desired features when choosing the best solution for your gaming experience.