Plex has unveiled a new component for its streaming software called Plex Arcade, which adds game streaming to its movie and music streaming capabilities.
The service, which is still in beta, will cost non-Plex Pass users $ 5 per month or, for those who already have a Plex Pass, an extra $ 2.99 per month. It allows you to stream more than two dozen Atari games on your PC, Mac, iOS, tvOS and Android devices.
In addition, the new service allows you to host ROMs – if you have them – on your own private Plex server and stream them to your devices. You will need to install a Libretro-style “core” emulator, which provides emulation capability for a given platform and some corresponding game ROMs, but then you will have everything you need to start transmitting ROMs to SNES, Sega Genesis or a dozen more. other consoles.
As for controllers, Plex says that any Bluetooth or USB game controller should work – but for best results, Plex recommends a Sony DualShock 4 or Xbox One controller. Theoretically, a PS5 or Xbox Series X controller should also work, but they weren’t mentioned specifically by Plex in its Plex Arcade blog post.
The service is available for free trial for seven days on the official Plex website, but Plex Arcade will require a Windows or macOS Plex Media Server (without Linux for now).
Watch out, Google Stadia, Plex has your number
Plex’s new game streaming service is Parsec, peer-to-peer software that connects you remotely to another PC. It is this low-latency streaming technology that allows Plex Pass to work.
What makes the service so interesting is that it truly expands the capabilities of Plex, while remaining aligned with the company’s spirit of making your media available wherever you are. It has always been able to stream music, movies and TV shows from your computer to your devices, but now you can also add games to the list.
Admittedly, users of Google Stadia and Nvidia GeForce Now are unlikely to give up on current generation games to stream Game Boy Color games on Plex Arcade, but for ROM library owners looking to stream their legally obtained game collection, it’s a super attractive proposal for just a few dollars a month.