Basic Information

What are the requirements?

To use Plex Arcade, you need:

• Plex Media Server version 1.21.2 or newer (running on Windows or macOS)
• An account from our partner (Parsec) linked to your Plex account
• An active Plex Arcade subscription for the Plex account (this is not the same thing as a Plex Pass subscription)

Are there any limitations?

• Only Plex Media Server running on Windows or MacOS are supported (servers running on Linux, NAS devices, or NVIDIA SHIELD are not currently supported)
• Plex Arcade is not currently supported on “headless” servers or for Windows users using a third-party tool to run Plex Media Server “as a service” (see more below)
• Not available for Managed Users
• Regular Plex users who are members of Plex Home or a shared user will need their own Parsec account and their own Plex Arcade subscription

Related Page: Plex Arcade Subscription
Related Page: Create a Parsec account

Which player apps support Plex Arcade?

The following Plex client/player apps currently support accessing Plex Arcade:

• Amazon Fire TV
• Android (mobile)
• Android TV
• Apple TV
• iOS
• macOS (desktop) (Keyboard control only; no gamepad support)
• Plex Web App (Chrome- and Chromium-based browsers only)
• Windows (desktop) (Keyboard control only; no gamepad support)
• more app support coming soon!

Note: Android devices must be running Android version 6.0 or higher (Fire OS 6.0 for Fire TV devices) and support OpenGL ES v3 or higher.  iOS devices need iOS 13 or higher.

Which game platforms can be scanned in and show metadata in Plex?

We support showing metadata for a range of retro cartridge-based systems. Only games for the following platforms can be included in the Games library:

• Arcade
• Atari (2600, 5200, 7800)
• Nintendo (NES, Super NES, N64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance)
• Sega (Genesis, Game Gear, Master System, 32X)

Is Plex Arcade free to all Plex users?

No, access to the feature requires an active Plex Arcade subscription. Each user who wishes to game needs their own Plex Arcade subscription. You can always try it out with a free trial!

Related Page: Plex Arcade Subscription

Can I use Plex Arcade when away from home?

Yes! Just like with streaming other media, you can play content from your Games library when away from home, so long as you have “Remote Access” successfully enabled for your server.

Note: Due to platform limitations, it is not currently possible to game remotely when using Apple TV or iOS clients. Those platforms currently only support playing games on the same local network (LAN) as the Plex Media Server.

Related Page: Remote Access

Which controllers are supported?

You can use any bluetooth or USB game controller that’s compatible with your device. For Chrome-based gaming in the browser, you can also use a keyboard. For best results, we recommend using a Sony “DualShock 4” or an Xbox controller.

For Apple TV, we recommend using MFi certified controllers.  For older MFi controllers without select and start buttons use L2 + A for Select and R2 + A for Start.

For the keyboard control in browsers, we match the default RetroArch keybindings.

Related Page: Default RetroArch Keybindings

Subscription Information

How do I start a Plex Arcade subscription with Plex?

To start a new Plex Arcade subscription, you can visit the Plex Arcade page. As part of the sign-up process, you’ll get redirected to the Parsec website, to create an account there (or sign in to an existing one) and confirm that you want to link/authorize Plex.

Related Page: Plex Arcade Subscription

Do you offer a trial of Plex Arcade?

Yes! Each Plex account can make use of a (single) free, 30-day trial of Plex Arcade. You’ll automatically receive the free trial the first time you start a Plex Arcade subscription on your Plex account.

Do I need a Plex Pass subscription?

A Plex Pass subscription is not required to use Plex Arcade.

However, if you do already have an active Plex Pass subscription, then you’ll automatically get a discount on the Plex Arcade subscription for being an active Plex Pass subscriber.

Server Information

Do I need a Plex Media Server to use Plex Arcade?

You need Plex Media Server to set up and run the Games library. If you have a friend or family member that runs their own Plex Media Server with a Games library, they can share with you (just like other media types). You will need a Parsec account and your own Plex Arcade subscription.

Related Page: Plex Arcade Subscription
Related Page: Create a Parsec account

What kind of server do I need?

Plex Arcade is available for Plex Media Server running on Windows or macOS computers. The computer must also have a supported graphics card. It is not currently possible to use a Linux-based server (including NAS devices) or NVIDIA SHIELD to run the Games library.

Related Page: Parsec Hardware Requirements

Are “headless” servers supported?

Game streaming is accomplished by capturing the video of the game render. Unfortunately, computers and GPUs typically don’t behave well when you try to do so from a “headless” server that doesn’t have a monitor or display attached. Our partner, Parsec, recommends attaching an HDMI dongle, such as this one from Amazon, to mimic having a display/monitor for headless systems.

Related Page: Parsec: Running Parsec On A Headless Gaming PC Or A Server

Does it work if I use a third-party tool to run Windows PMS “as a service”?

Unfortunately, the GPU is not typically made available to apps running as a service. In such cases, you would not be able to use Plex Arcade, because your server would be unable to render and capture the game data for you to stream and play.

Can I use ZIP game files?

Game files compressed to a zip file are recognized and should work.  If you experience trouble with the game, try uncompressing the game.

Where does game metadata come from?

Game metadata (box art, summaries, etc) is pulled from IGDB.com