Sony reveals PS Now game streaming service for consoles, tablets and smartphones

Sony has unveiled plans to stream PS3 games to consoles, tablets, smartpones and Smart TV’s through its new PlayStation Now service.

The new game streaming service will first allow users to stream games from the PS3 library to their PS4, PS3 and later, to the Vita.

US Bravia Smart TVs will also support streaming.

In future, Sony said it hoped to bring PlayStation game streaming to other internet-connected devices, including tablets and smartphones.

PlayStation Now is likened to TV and film streaming services such as Netflix, enabling users to stream games instantly across multiple devices whenever they want.

As games are hosted in the cloud, no updates will be required and saves will also be kept for access on any system.

It is not yet clear what the cost of the service will be, but Sony has said consumers will be able to rent titles, and it will also offer a subscription opening up a number of titles for instant access.

The US beta for PlayStation Now will begin at the end of January. It is expected to be rolled out for the general public in the summer.

A timeframe for the UK or Europe has yet to be announced. Sony noted that the broadband situation in Europe was "considerably more complex" than in North America.

"When it comes to broadband provision, Europe is a considerably more complex region, with a huge number of different providers and varying connection speeds from country to country. In short, we need a little more time to ensure a smooth and successful roll-out," read a statement from the firm.

PlayStation Now will use the technology from cloud gaming firm Gaikai, which Sony acquired in July 2012 for $380 million.