Low latency
Usually about one frame on top of the dongle itself. Turn on stats to see the number, and low latency mode to push it lower.
Free and private. Nothing is uploaded.
Your console,
on your laptop.
Plug a cheap HDMI to USB capture dongle into your laptop and play your PlayStation, Switch, Xbox or retro console right in the browser.
The browser version works in Chrome and Edge, with nothing to install. Your browser will ask for camera and microphone access, because that's how it sees the dongle.
Also available as an app for iPad, Mac and Windows
Three steps, about a minute
Built for playing, not just watching
Screenshots and instant replay
Grab a screenshot with C, or save the last 30 seconds with V. Screenshots are copied to your clipboard too.
Retro filters
Scanlines and a full CRT look with curved glass and phosphor glow, plus pixel perfect and 4:3 scaling for older consoles.
Picture in picture
Pop the game into a small floating window and keep it on screen while you do something else.
Profiles
Save settings for each console. The right profile loads when its dongle connects.
Private by design
The picture goes from the dongle to your screen and nowhere else. Nothing is uploaded or recorded unless you ask.
Which dongle do I need?
Most capture devices that show up as a webcam work. These are the common ones.
HDMI to USB 3.0 dongles
Usually built on the MacroSilicon MS2130 chip. Up to 1080p at 60 fps. The best value for gaming.
HDMI to USB 2.0 dongles
Usually the MacroSilicon MS2109 chip. Fine for slower games, but limited to around 1080p at 30 fps.
Capture cards
Devices like the Elgato Cam Link 4K show up as a webcam and work the same way, at 1080p and 60 fps.
Questions
Does it add lag?
A little. The dongle adds its own delay, and the browser usually adds about one frame on top. Turn on stats to see the number on your setup. Fast competitive games feel best on a TV, but most games play great.
Why does it ask for my camera and microphone?
Your computer treats an HDMI dongle as a webcam for the picture and a microphone for the game sound. PortPlay never turns on your laptop's own camera.
Is anything uploaded?
No. Everything happens on your computer. Screenshots and clips are saved to your own Downloads folder.
Do I need the app?
Not on a computer. The website does everything. The apps for Windows and Mac add their own window and save screenshots and clips straight to your Pictures and Videos folders. Get them from the Microsoft Store or the App Store. On an iPad, use the PortPlay app from the App Store.
Does it work on an iPad, Mac or Chromebook?
Yes. On an iPad with a USB-C port, get the PortPlay app from the App Store. On a Mac, get the same app from the App Store, or use this website in Chrome or Edge. On a Chromebook, the website works in Chrome.
The picture is choppy. What can I do?
Use a USB 3 port, set your console's video output to 1080p, and pick 1080p and 60 fps in settings. PortPlay also shows tips when it notices a problem.