Sony bringing its Netflix-like game streaming service to Windows

Sony's PlayStation Now service is launching for Windows PC, meaning subscribers will soon be able to access PlayStation 3 games on their computer screen in the same way they'd watch a Netflix series.

PS Now will launch in Europe first, starting on Aug. 24 in the U.K., Belgium and Netherlands. A U.S. launch will follow "shortly thereafter," according to a new PlayStation Blog post.

Sony also revealed the recommended PC specs for using PS Now, and subscribers will be happy to learn: you won't need much. Here it is:

• Windows 7 (SP1), 8.1 or 10
• 3.5 GHz Intel Core i3 or 3.8 GHz AMD A10 or faster
• 300 MB or more; 2 GB or more of RAM
• Sound card; USB port

Along with the new Windows support for PS Now, Sony will also be releasing a $25 USB adapter in September that will let DualShock 4 controllers connect wirelessly with Windows and Mac PCs. The PS4 controller has historically had terrible Windows support, so this is a positive step.

PS Now gives subscribers access to a library of more than 400 PlayStation 3 games, all of which are streamed to the user's device of choice (as opposed to being installed there). Much like Netflix or Spotify, subscribing gives you access to everything in the library.

Sony currently offers two subscription options for the service: a one-month plan for $19.99 or a three-month plan for $44.99. The company also sold a $99.99 one-year subscription for a limited time in late 2015, but that's no longer available.

It's not clear exactly when the U.S. launch is happening, but with several European markets getting it as soon as Wednesday, it hopefully won't take too long. PS Now's arrival is part of Sony's recent expansion into the PC ecosystem, following the recently added Mac/Windows support for PS4 Remote Play.