Console and cloud streaming
The overlay reads the controller connected to the computer running OBS. Whether it works depends on where your controller is connected, not on the game you play.
The short version
- Controller connected to the PC: the overlay works. PC games, Remote Play and cloud gaming all qualify.
- Controller connected to the console: the overlay cannot see it, even with a capture card.
- Remote Play makes the overlay possible on console games, at the cost of some extra latency.
Which setups work?
| Setup | Controller connected to | Overlay |
|---|---|---|
| PC game | PC | Works |
| PS Remote Play on PC | PC | Works |
| Xbox app or Xbox Remote Play on PC | PC | Works |
| Cloud gaming (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming) | PC | Works |
| Console with a capture card | Console | Does not work |
| Streaming straight from the console | Console | Does not work |
How do I show my inputs on a console game?
Use Remote Play. The console runs the game and sends the picture to your PC, while your controller is plugged into the PC. OBS captures the Remote Play window, and the overlay reads the controller like it would for any PC game.
The trade-off is real: Remote Play adds latency and compression compared with a capture card. Use a wired network connection on both the console and the PC. For casual and content-focused streams it works well; for high-level competitive play, you will feel the difference.
Does it work with cloud gaming?
Yes. With GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming, the controller is connected to your PC and the game runs on a remote server. The overlay reads the controller locally, so it works the same as with a PC game. Your internet connection decides how responsive the game feels, not the overlay.
Why does it not work with a capture card?
A capture card carries video and sound from the console to your PC. It does not carry controller inputs: your controller talks to the console directly, by cable or Bluetooth, and the PC never receives them. Without inputs on the PC, the overlay has nothing to draw. The same applies when you stream straight from the console, which has no Browser Source at all.
Adapters that route a controller through a PC before it reaches a console do exist, but we do not test or support them.
How do I set up PS Remote Play for streaming?
- On the PS5, open Settings, System, Remote Play and turn on Enable Remote Play.
- Install PS Remote Play on your PC and sign in with the same PlayStation account.
- Connect the DualSense to the PC, by USB or Bluetooth, and start Remote Play.
- In OBS, capture the Remote Play window and add your overlay link as a Browser Source.
- Use Ethernet on both the console and the PC: Wi-Fi is the first cause of stutter in Remote Play.
What does a cloud setup look like?
With GeForce NOW or Xbox Cloud Gaming, the game runs in an app or a browser window on your PC and your controller stays connected to that PC. Capture the game window in OBS and add the overlay as usual. Keep the overlay in OBS, not in a second browser tab next to the game: the Browser Source is what your viewers see.
Which setup should I choose?
- You play on PC: nothing to change, the overlay works as is.
- You play on console and want the overlay: switch to Remote Play and accept a little extra latency.
- You play console competitively and latency comes first: keep the capture card and stream without the overlay.
- You play in the cloud: the overlay works, focus on a stable connection.
The gamepad tester shows in seconds whether the overlay will receive your inputs.
Open the gamepad tester