Steam Link

Big screen PC games streamed smoothly to your device

Steam Link is Valve’s slick solution for streaming your existing Steam library from your computer directly to your screen of choice, without needing extra hardware. Once your PC and device are on the same network, the app mirrors your desktop’s games, effectively turning your couch or bedroom into a remote gaming station.

The interface is minimalist and focused: you’re guided into Steam’s Big Picture mode, where navigation is clearly designed around controller use. Bluetooth gamepads and the Steam Controller are supported, and button prompts generally map correctly, giving the experience a true “console on your TV” feel. There are also on-screen touch controls, but they’re best kept for slower-paced titles, as precision action games quickly reveal their limitations.

Performance is where Steam Link can truly shine—if your network cooperates. With a wired connection for the host PC and a solid 5 GHz Wi‑Fi or Ethernet for your device, latency is impressively low and image quality can look nearly indistinguishable from playing locally. Fast-paced shooters and racing games feel responsive, provided no one else is saturating your home network.

However, that same dependence on network quality is also Steam Link’s biggest drawback. On weaker Wi‑Fi, you’ll notice compression artifacts, input lag, and occasional stutters. The app does offer adjustable streaming settings (resolution, bitrate, and more), but these can only compensate so much for a poor connection.

Steam Link is best suited for players with a capable gaming PC and a strong home network who want the flexibility to enjoy PC games from the couch, bed, or another room. When those conditions are met, it delivers an impressively console-like experience powered entirely by your existing Steam library.