If there is one area where consoles outperform PC gaming, it is comfortable couch gaming. Valve intended to change this when it introduced the Steam Link along with the Steam Machine in November 2015.
However, the initial release of the device was met with poor reviews and relatively poor performance compared to what users initially expected. Valve discontinued Steam Link hardware in November 2018, just three years after release, but the app is still alive and well.
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Steam link
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The purpose of the Steam Link was to stream the game directly from your Steam account to the connected screen. This allowed users to sit on the couch and play Steam games on their TVs, using their computer as a server to run the game.
But the problems arose from the ill-fated Steam Controller, a device that just didn’t quite fit the needs of its users. Even when other controllers could be used in place of the original, the Steam Link did not work as well as expected.
Unless users had significant bandwidth and a reliable Wi-Fi connection, most games experienced too much input lag to be played.
Steam Link now lives as an app on compatible TVs, mobile devices and the Raspberry Pi. Last week, Steam Link is now compatible with iOS and Apple TV.
How Steam Link works
Apple initially refused to allow the use of the Steam Link app on its devices, but their decision has changed since then, most likely because users can no longer buy games through the Steam Link
However, the Steam Link app is free and doesn’t require anything but a decent internet connection to play your favorite games on your mobile device, even when you’re away from home.
- For initial setup, you need to be on your home network. Open Steam on your PC or Mac and look for the square up and down arrow icon in the upper right corner.
- After you click this icon, open the Steam Link app on your iPhone, iPad or Apple TV.
- You will be prompted to connect a Bluetooth or controller or use touch controls. Select the option you want.
- You will then be asked which computer you want to stream from. Select the system you want to use and you will be given a code on your mobile device.
- Enter this code on the selected computer.
- The mobile device will then perform a series of network tests to determine reliability at various speeds. After completing the test, Steam will tell you how much bandwidth you can expect.
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- After completing the test, you can start playing remotely. However, if any errors occur, you may be prompted to update your drivers. The process is simple and takes very little time.
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After setting up Steam Link, you can stream your games wherever you are. Stuck on a long bus ride? Sync your Bluetooth controller to your iPhone and begin your Civilization VI loop.
Just make sure your home computer is turned on and connected to the Internet, and of course Steam is turned on.
Valve did a good job of fixing many of the issues that were originally related to the Steam Link service. However, certain types of games – especially first-person shooters and action games – are still not recommended for streaming.
Input lag makes these games unplayable, and the streaming service will always have more noticeable lag than playing directly at the source. However, turn-based RPGs, real-time strategy games, and many other great games are perfect for something like Steam Link
Your choice of controller
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The Steam Link is no longer burdened with the Steam Controller, although the device is still compatible. There are many controllers you can use:
- DualShock 4.
- Xbox One.
- Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows.
- Logitech F710 Wireless Gamepad.
- Keyboard and mouse.
There are other controllers that can be used with some tweaks and a little technical know-how, but these five options are the main controllers on the market today. You can even use a standard Bluetooth controller made specifically for the iPhone if you like, which is a great option for active gamers.
Try the Steam Link app and see if you like it. It provides portability that only console games have had until now.
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