You can't natively install and run PlayStation 4 system code on Valve's handheld hardware because the Steam Deck runs on a Linux-based architecture powered by an AMD APU, while the PS4 uses an x86-64 AMD Jaguar CPU built for Sony's proprietary environment. However, you can easily stream your PS4 library to your handheld using open-source remote play software, turning your device into a portable PlayStation portal.
Setting this up requires configuring your console, installing a client app called Chiaki-ng (formerly known as Chiaki or Chiaki4Deck) on your Steam Deck, and pairing the two devices. Once configured, you can access your entire library anywhere you have a stable Wi-Fi connection.
Preparing Your PlayStation 4 for Streaming
Before touching your handheld, you need to grant your console permission to accept remote connections and fetch your specific account identifiers.
Turn on your PS4 and go to the main Settings menu. Scroll down and select Remote Play Connection Settings, then make sure the box for Enable Remote Play is checked.
Next, head back to the main Settings menu, select Power Saving Settings, and choose Set Features Available in Rest Mode. Enable both Stay Connected to the Internet and Enable Turning on PS4 from Network. This lets your handheld wake your console up from across the house or outside your local network.
Finally, you need your unique PSN Account ID (encoded in base64 format), which is required by remote play clients to authenticate your user profile. You can retrieve this quickly by visiting a trusted lookup tool like the PlayStation Remote Play ID Utility on a browser, where you just type your public PSN username to generate the required string without sharing your password.
Installing Chiaki-ng on the Steam Deck
Chiaki-ng is the premier open-source client that handles the video stream and control mapping from Sony consoles to non-Sony hardware.
Press and hold the Power button on your Steam Deck, then select Switch to Desktop. Once you're on the Linux desktop environment, open the Discover Software Center (the blue shopping bag icon).
Type chiaki-ng into the search bar using the on-screen keyboard (press X). Click Install on the application card.
Once the installation finishes, you can add it to your Steam library so you can launch it easily from Game Mode later. Open the desktop version of Steam, click Games in the top menu, select Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library, find Chiaki-ng in the list of applications, and check its box before clicking Add Selected Programs.
Pairing Your Console and Handheld
Switch back to Gaming Mode using the shortcut icon on your desktop. Open your library, navigate to the Non-Steam tab, and launch Chiaki-ng.
When the application opens, it should automatically detect any PlayStation console on your local home network. If it doesn't appear, click the Plus (+) icon in the top right corner to manually add your console's local IP address.
To pair the devices, you need a temporary registration PIN from your console:
- Go back to your PS4, open Settings, and select Remote Play Connection Settings.
- Click Add Device.
- Note the 8-digit numeric PIN displayed on your screen (note that this code expires after a few minutes).
In the Chiaki-ng connection window on your Steam Deck, enter your PSN Account ID (the base64 string you generated earlier) and the 8-digit PIN. Click Register. If successful, your console icon will gain a verified pairing status.
Optimizing Performance and Controls
Clicking your console icon in Chiaki-ng launches the video stream. To get a smooth, stutter-free experience, you should fine-tune your settings.
Press the settings gear inside Chiaki-ng to adjust the video codec and bitrate. If you notice input lag or macro-blocking artifacts, try switching from H.264 to H.265 (HEVC) if your hardware supports it, and lower the bitrate slider to match your network stability. For the best results, connect your PS4 to your router via an Ethernet cable, and make sure your Steam Deck is connected to a 5GHz Wi-Fi band.
By default, Chiaki-ng maps the Steam Deck's physical controls intuitively, but you can customize inputs by mapping the rear grip buttons or touchpads. For example, clicking the left trackpad can be set to act as the PlayStation Share button, while clicking the right trackpad can serve as the Options button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play my PS4 games away from home?
Yes, but it requires extra network configuration. You must set up port forwarding on your home router for UDP port 9287 to allow external traffic to reach your console. Alternatively, you can use a virtual private network (VPN) server running on your home network to securely tunnel your handheld back to your local subnet.
Do my PS4 accessories like controllers work during streaming?
When streaming via Chiaki-ng, the Steam Deck acts as the primary controller. However, you can pair a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller directly via Bluetooth to your Steam Deck if you prefer playing while docked to a monitor or TV.
Why is my video stream stuttering even on fast Wi-Fi?
Micro-stutters usually happen due to packet loss or Wi-Fi channel congestion. Switch your router to a less crowded wireless channel, move closer to your access point, or lower the resolution setting within Chiaki-ng from 1080p down to 720p to cut bandwidth requirements in half.
Will trophies and game progress save normally?
Everything saves directly to your console just like normal. Since the game is actually executing on your PlayStation hardware, your trophy progression, cloud saves, and digital licenses remain entirely synchronized with your PSN profile.
