OnLive Game System FAQ

The OnLive Game System delivers instant-play, high-end, new-release video games to TVs. Now players of all skill levels can enjoy games from the comfort of their living rooms—instantly and on-demand—without ever having to bother with discs, downloads or updates. Whether you are checking out a demo, joining a premium multiplayer game or watching live gameplay from around the world, with the OnLive Game System it’s as effortless and as fast as changing channels.

The OnLive Game System is available from the OnLive Web Store.

The OnLive Game System bundles these components:

The OnLive MicroConsole TV adapter is a sleek, pocket-sized device that connects to your broadband Internet connection and your TV. It’s backed by high-performance, Internet-based game servers to deliver an unprecedented gaming experience. You can launch top-tier games in seconds that would take minutes to start on high-end consoles or PCs. Through the MicroConsole TV adapter, you have instant access to OnLive’s Marketplace of premium new release, indie and classic games, with free game demos.

The MicroConsole TV adapter works with up to four OnLive Wireless Controllers, which were designed specifically for the video-rich OnLive environment. Exclusive media controls provide one-touch recording of Brag Clip videos of your finest gameplay moments, as well as the ability to pause/play, rewind and fast-forward through videos.

Setting a new standard for Internet-connected TV devices, the OnLive MicroConsole HDMI video output supports full 1080p60 HD and is 3DTV-ready, with digital HDMI and optical audio support of surround sound. There is simultaneous Bluetooth headsets support for voice chat as well as dual USB ports support for most current PC gamepads, game controllers, keyboards, mice and headsets.

If your TV lacks HDMI but does have component inputs, you can purchase the OnLive Component Video Adapter from the OnLive Web Store):

Purchase an OnLive Game System through the OnLive Web Store. If you don’t already have an OnLive account, you’ll create a free account during purchase. Once you receive your OnLive Game System, plug it in and follow the on-screen instructions, and you’ll be playing in just minutes.

You can play premium video games instantly, watch live gameplay and capture Brag Clips video of your finest moments on any HDTV.

For best results, we recommend attaching the OnLive MicroConsole to your HDTV with the included HDMI cable (or through an HDMI-compatible audio receiver to your TV). If your TV does not have an HDMI input, you can use the optional OnLive Component Video Adapter for analog video and analog stereo audio, available through the OnLive Web Store.

If your TV does not have HDMI but does have a DVI input, you can connect the OnLive HDMI cable to your TV via an HDMI-to-DVI adapter (available at consumer electronics stores) for video. Then, use a minijack-to-RCA stereo cable for audio (available at consumer electronics stores; also included in the OnLive Component Video Adapter package available at the OnLive Web Store).

If your receiver has HDMI pass-through to the TV, you can simply attach the HDMI cable to the receiver. Alternatively, you can use an optical audio cable (available at consumer electronics stores). If you have an analog amplifier, you can use a minijack-to-RCA stereo cable (available at consumer electronics stores; also included in the OnLive Component Video Adapter package available at the OnLive Web Store).

The OnLive Game System supports digital HDMI and optical audio support for surround sound.

You’ll need a wired broadband connection near your television (2 Mbps required, 5+ Mbps recommended for best performance). As a general rule, we recommend 5 Mbps for TVs 40 inches and larger, 4 Mbps for 30-40 inch TVs, and 3 Mbps for smaller.

If you do not have a wired broadband connection near your TV and you are not familiar with setting up network connections, then we urge you to contact OnLive technical support for help. You can email us at support@onlive.com. It’s generally not that hard to do, but each home situation is different, and we’d be happy to walk you through the hookup process.

If you are familiar with setting up network connections, then there are several options:

Generally speaking, you’ll get more reliable results with a wired connection (Ethernet, a coax bridge or powerline adapter) than with a wireless connection (e.g. Wi-Fi).

The easiest solution is to run an Ethernet cable from your broadband router to your TV, if that is practical.

If you have a good Wi-Fi signal near your TV and there are not nearby sources of wireless interference, then Wi-Fi should work fine. A good way to determine whether you have a good Wi-Fi signal near your TV is to place a laptop near the TV and connect to OnLive on your laptop through your Wi-Fi network. If you get good quality and reliable results, then a wireless bridge may be a good choice. Alternatively, you can use a powerline adapter or a coax bridge. Learn More

Do not hesitate to contact us if you are having trouble with the hookup process. We’re happy to help.

You can find more information about the OnLive Game System at onlive.com/game-system-support. If you have additional questions, visit our Customer Support Portal. If the answer’s not there, you can email us at support@onlive.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible.