MLB The Show 25 is not available for direct purchase on Windows or Mac
MLB The Show 25 does not have a native PC version. Sony Interactive Entertainment publishes the game exclusively for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. If you own a Windows or Mac computer, you cannot buy and install the game the way you would other PC titles.
However, there are three real routes to play it on your computer: PlayStation Plus Premium with cloud streaming, remote play from a PlayStation console, or an emulator (which exists in a legal gray area). Each has different costs, setup requirements, and performance trade-offs.
Key Takeaways
- PlayStation Plus Premium includes cloud streaming of MLB The Show 25 on PC through a web browser, requiring a Premium subscription and a stable internet connection.
- Remote play lets you stream the game from a PlayStation 5 or 4 connected to your home network, with no additional subscription beyond what you already pay for the console.
- Both streaming methods work on Windows and Mac but depend on your internet speed — 15 Mbps minimum for 1080p, 35 Mbps for 4K.
- Emulation is technically possible but violates Sony's terms of service and may expose your computer to security risks.
- The cheapest legal option is remote play if you already own a PlayStation; the most straightforward is PlayStation Plus Premium if you do not.
Using PlayStation Plus Premium to stream on your browser
PlayStation Plus Premium is Sony's highest subscription tier and includes access to a catalog of games you can play through cloud streaming. MLB The Show 25 is part of that catalog. You can stream it directly to your PC browser without owning a PlayStation console.
To start, go to the PlayStation Plus website, select Premium, and pay the monthly or annual fee (pricing varies by region). Once your subscription is active, log in to your PlayStation Network account on any PC, open a web browser, and navigate to the PlayStation Plus Premium cloud gaming section. Search for MLB The Show 25, select it, and the game will launch in your browser window.
Performance depends entirely on your internet connection. Sony recommends at least 15 Mbps for 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second, and 35 Mbps for 4K. If your connection is slower, the image will be compressed and you may see lag between your controller input and what happens on screen. You will need a compatible controller — a PlayStation 5 controller, Xbox controller, or mouse and keyboard all work.
Remote play from a PlayStation console at home
If you already own a PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4 with MLB The Show 25 installed, you can stream the game to your PC using Sony's Remote Play feature. This does not require a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription — only the base PlayStation Plus membership, which most console owners already have.
On your PC, read the Remote Play app from Sony's website. Install it, sign in with your PlayStation Network account, and make sure your console is turned on and connected to the internet. The app will detect your console and show it on screen. Select it, and your console's display will stream to your computer. You can then launch MLB The Show 25 on the console and play it through your PC.
Remote play works best on a home network where your PC and console are on the same Wi-Fi or wired connection. If you are playing outside your home network, the connection is less stable. The same internet speed recommendations explore: 15 Mbps for 1080p, 35 Mbps for 4K. Input lag is usually lower with remote play than with cloud streaming because the data travels a shorter distance.
Comparing the two streaming methods
| Method | Cost | Setup | Internet requirement | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Plus Premium cloud streaming | Monthly or annual subscription fee | Sign up online, log in to browser | 15–35 Mbps depending on resolution | Players without a PlayStation console |
| Remote play from console | Base PlayStation Plus (usually already owned) | read Remote Play app, sign in, turn on console | 15–35 Mbps depending on resolution | Players who own a PlayStation 5 or 4 |
Remote play is cheaper if you already subscribe to PlayStation Plus. Cloud streaming is simpler if you do not own a console and do not want to buy one. Both methods stream the game rather than running it locally, so your PC's graphics card and processor do not matter — the PlayStation hardware does all the work.
What you need before you start
For either method, you need a stable internet connection. Run a speed test at speedtest.net to check your upload and read speeds. If your connection is below 15 Mbps, streaming will be choppy and input lag will be noticeable. If you are on Wi-Fi, move closer to your router or switch to a wired connection if possible.
You also need a controller. The PlayStation 5 controller works with both methods. An Xbox controller or most third-party controllers work as well. Keyboard and mouse support exists but is not ideal for baseball games, where analog stick input matters for batting and fielding.
Make sure your PlayStation Network account is set up and active. If you are using remote play, your console must be in rest mode or fully powered on, not completely shut down. If you are using cloud streaming, your subscription must be current.
Why MLB The Show 25 is not on Steam or Epic Games
Sony owns the MLB The Show franchise and has chosen to keep it on PlayStation platforms. The company has not released a Windows or Mac version through Steam, Epic Games Store, or any other PC platform. This is a business decision — Sony benefits from keeping the game exclusive to PlayStation because it encourages people to buy or keep PlayStation consoles.
The game is available on Xbox Game Pass through cloud streaming, which is a separate service from PlayStation Plus Premium. If you have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, you can play MLB The Show 25 through Xbox Cloud Gaming on your PC. However, you still cannot read and install it natively on Windows.
Emulation and legal concerns
Emulators that run PlayStation games on PC do exist, but using them to play MLB The Show 25 violates Sony's terms of service. Downloading the game through an emulator is copyright infringement. Even if you own a physical copy of the game, running it through an emulator without Sony's permission is not legal.
Beyond the legal issue, emulation of recent PlayStation games is unreliable. Performance is often poor, controls may not work correctly, and online features like multiplayer do not function. Security is also a concern — emulator downloads from unofficial sources can contain malware. For these reasons, streaming through PlayStation Plus Premium or remote play is the safer and more practical choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play MLB The Show 25 offline on PC?
No. Both cloud streaming and remote play require an active internet connection. If your internet goes down, you cannot play. Offline play is only possible on a PlayStation console itself, not through a PC.
What if my internet is too slow for streaming?
If your connection is below 15 Mbps, streaming will be difficult. Try moving your router closer, using a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi, or reducing the resolution in the streaming app settings. If your internet cannot be improved, streaming is not a practical option for you.
Do I need PlayStation Plus to use remote play?
Yes, you need at least a base PlayStation Plus subscription. You do not need the Premium tier — remote play works with the standard subscription that most console owners already have.
Can I use a keyboard and mouse to play on PC?
Both streaming methods support keyboard and mouse input, but baseball games are designed around controller analog sticks. Batting, fielding, and pitching are much harder with keyboard controls. A controller is strongly recommended.
Is cloud streaming the same as downloading the game?
No. Cloud streaming means the game runs on Sony's servers and you watch the video on your screen. You are not downloading or installing anything on your PC. This is why it works on any computer with an internet connection, regardless of how powerful it is.