How do I get Steam games to show buttons on PS4?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the latest news and insights in the gaming industry, I often get questions around playing games purchased on Steam on a PlayStation 4 console.

Many readers have asked some variation of: "How can I get my Steam games to display PS4 buttons" or "Can I play my Steam library directly on a PS4?"

I fully understand the desire to unite libraries across platforms. However, I regret to say that playing Steam games directly on PS4 is not possible due to limitations between the distinct platforms. But why is that the case? And what alternatives exist? Read on for a deep dive into the nuances between Steam and PlayStation 4.

The Core Incompatibility Between Steam and PS4

While both are platforms for purchasing and playing video games, Steam and the PlayStation 4 operate on completely different underlying infrastructure.

Steam

Steam is a digital marketplace and platform for purchasing, downloading, and managing PC video games. Games bought on Steam are built specifically to run on Windows PCs based on traditional computer architectures.

Steam machines run components like processors, graphics cards, RAM, mass storage drives, etc. Games rely on drivers and APIs built into Windows to take advantage of this hardware.

PlayStation 4

On the other hand, the PS4 is a closed console system specialized for gaming. Games designed for the PS4 are built around its specific integrated hardware and proprietary operating system.

Rather than flexible components, the PS4 utilizes a combined processor/graphics chip, unified system memory, and an optical-drive based media format. Games take advantage of low-level access to hardware not found in traditional PCs.

This means that the software environment inside a PS4 is vastly different than that of a Steam Machine. They have different operating environments, system architectures, and specialized hardware tuned for their respective platforms.

Attempting Cross-Compatibility Triggers Issues

Due to the fundamental differences in these systems, attempting to run Steam games directly on PS4 or vice-versa would run into many compatibility barriers:

  • System Calls: Game software is written to interact with OS components using platform-specific code which would not translate across SteamOS vs PlayStation OS.

  • Instruction Sets: The processors in a Steam Machine handle code differently than PS4‘s combined CPU/GPU chip making them incompatible.

  • Graphics APIs: Steam games are built for DirectX/OpenGL while PS4 games use GNM/GNMX console-specific APIs.

  • Input/Output: Both platforms handle controllers, audio, video output to displays differently requiring platform-specific implementations.

With games needing such low-level hardware access tailored differently across the ecosystems, core architectural differences stand in the way.

What About Cross-Platform Play?

While playing Steam games directly on PS4 isn‘t possible, some may wonder about games that allow cross-platform play between PC and console gamers.

Popular titles like Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Fortnite allow gamers on both Steam and PS4 to play together. How?

Cross-play centrally hosts the matchmaking and networking on servers. The servers then feed back a synchronized simulation of the game to all players. This allows coordinated gameplay despite players being on different platforms.

However, each user is still running the native version of the game tailored for their hardware environment. Rocket League running on Steam is still the Steam build of Rocket League, even though they connect to PS4 players via the servers.

So cross-play connects ecosystems, but does not replace native versions. Gamers still play the platform-specific game executable locally.

Potential Future for Unified Platforms

While technical constraints prevent running Steam games natively on PS4 today, the gaming industry continues to evolve. Could we ever see a future of unified platforms and portable libraries?

Valve‘s Steam Deck marks an interesting step – a specialized PC-based portable gaming device designed around Steam compatibility and mobile chip architectures. Combined Windows/Linux drivers aim to make Steam games flexible to more environments. Microsoft is also unifying more of their library across Xbox and Windows.

Cloud gaming services also aim to abstract game execution away from local devices by hosting titles on servers. But fully replacing console and high-end PC gaming with cloud tech remains challenging due to internet speeds required.

In time, more convergence of PC and console hardware could enable unified platforms, app stores, and cross-compatible libraries. For now a mix of cloud and native execution seems likely. Gamers demand the performance of tailored local experiences.

But as processors merge Console/PC architecture and new engines target portability, we inch towards unified platforms. The success of Steam Deck and growth of GamePass-style subscription libraries could accelerate changes.

I‘ll be following these trends closely and sharing analysis on future shifts as integrated gaming ecosystems develop. The walls between platforms are eroding over time. A pivotal question is – how long until total consolidation?

Using PS4 Controllers on Steam Games

That covers the lack of PS4 and Steam intercompatibility at the platform level. However, a common question is – can I use my DualShock controller to play games purchased on Steam?

Thankfully the answer there is yes! While the PS4 can‘t run Steam games directly, Windows PCs can interpret DualShock 4 inputs when running Steam titles.

Here is a quick guide to using your PS4 controller when playing Steam games on a connected Windows PC:

  1. Connect your controller to your PC via USB or wireless Bluetooth
  2. Open Steam‘s settings and enable PlayStation controller configuration support
  3. Steam will now detect DualShock 4 inputs as you play games
  4. You can further customize button mappings to your preference

So while PS4 libraries can‘t cross to Steam directly, gamers can unite PlayStation controllers with Steam libraries when playing on a gaming PC. Valve has done great work making Steam friendlier for third-party pads.

Those are the core talking points on reconciling Steam and PlayStation 4 – from platform barriers to emerging industry shifts to controller workarounds. I hope this gives a comprehensive breakdown explaining the limitations but also possibilities as gaming ecosystems evolve.

Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m here to provide context and updates around the latest in PC and console gaming news.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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