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Can You Play Steam Games on a TV, Handheld, or Another PC?

Steam games can reach a TV or another PC through Remote Play, while a Steam Deck can run compatible games locally or connect to an external display.
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Yes. You can stream Steam games from a gaming PC to a supported TV device or another computer with Steam Remote Play, or play compatible games directly on a Steam Deck. The key distinction is where the game runs: Remote Play sends a stream from the host PC, while local Deck play runs on the handheld itself.

Play Steam games on a TV with Steam Link

Valve’s Steam Remote Play setup uses the Steam Link app on a supported receiving device and Steam running on the gaming PC. Valve lists platform categories including Apple TV, Android devices and TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Raspberry Pi, Windows, Linux, macOS, and Meta Quest headsets. That does not mean every smart TV has a Steam Link app; check the app store or supported-device information for your specific TV, or use a compatible connected device.

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The gaming PC runs the game. Valve explains that video and audio travel from the PC to the receiving device, while input and multiplayer voice go back to the PC. In this setup, the TV is the display and input endpoint, not necessarily the machine rendering the game. See Valve’s Steam Remote Play overview.

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Play on a handheld

Run compatible games locally on Steam Deck

Steam Deck is a portable PC gaming device that can run compatible games locally. Your Steam Library appears on the Deck with per-game compatibility ratings to help indicate the expected experience. Check the rating for the game you want to play rather than assuming every Steam game will run equally well on every Deck model or software configuration. Valve’s Steam Deck page describes the device and its capabilities.

#1 Best Overall
Valve Steam Deck OLED 1TB Handheld Gaming Console
  • 1TB NVMe SSD
  • 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
  • Wi-Fi 6E
  • 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
  • Carrying case with removable liner

Stream to a phone or tablet

A phone or tablet can also receive a Steam Remote Play stream through Steam Link when connected to a computer running Steam. That is streaming from the host PC, not the same as running the game locally on a Steam Deck.

Stream between two PCs

For PC-to-PC Remote Play, sign in to Steam on both the gaming PC and the other PC or laptop, then start streaming the game from the receiving computer’s Steam Library. The gaming PC remains the host and runs the game; the second computer receives the stream and sends input back.

Rank #2
VALVE Steam Deck OLED 512GB SSD + 16GB RAM (International Version) - 7.4"" inch, 90Hz, 1280 x 800px, SteamOS 3.0, Handheld Gaming Console, Black
  • International (UK) Version
  • 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
  • SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
  • 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
  • 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32

Connect a Steam Deck to a TV

If you want to play a game running locally on a Steam Deck on a larger screen, connect the Deck to an external display. Valve’s Steam Deck Docking Station supports external displays, wired networking, USB peripherals, and power. The Deck also supports DisplayPort output over USB-C, so a suitable display connection can be another route.

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Valve lists output capability of up to 8K at 60 Hz or 4K at 120 Hz over DisplayPort. These are device specifications, not a guarantee that a particular game, display, adapter, or complete setup will reach those modes. A dock is optional hardware for connecting a Deck to a display; it is not required for Steam Link streaming to a supported TV device, and it does not provide the streaming service.

Rank #3
Valve Steam Deck OLED 2TB Handheld Gaming Console, 7.4" HDR 90Hz Display, Wi-Fi 6E, PC Gaming, with 7-in-1 Kit: Carrying Case, Hub, Controller, 2*Protective Cases, Screen Protector, 32GB USB
  • 【Upgraded】We sells product with professionally upgraded to 2TB SSD. Original Seal is opened for upgrade ONLY.
  • 【Stunning 7.4" HDR OLED & 90Hz Motion】 Experience striking contrast and brilliant clarity with the all-new 7.4-inch HDR OLED display. Designed from the ground up for gaming, it features a 90Hz refresh rate for smooth motion and pure blacks. This handheld is capable of delivering an immersive visual experience, ensuring your Steam library looks better than ever with vibrant colors and amazing motion rendition.
  • 【30-50% More Battery & Efficient Performance】 Play your favorites longer with up to 50% more battery life. By fitting a larger battery and a power-efficient OLED panel, this device provides extended gameplay sessions. It’s the perfect travel companion for long flights or commutes. The updated AMD APU ensures high-speed performance for AAA titles while maintaining incredible energy efficiency.
  • 【3X Faster Downloads with Wi-Fi 6E】 Never wait for a game again. Equipped with Wi-Fi 6E, this Steam Deck OLED offers increased bandwidth and lower latency, delivering downloads up to 3 times faster than previous models. This ensures stable online play and rapid updates, making it the most reliable wireless gaming handheld for modern high-speed home networks.
  • 【Responsive Touch & Enhanced Connectivity】 Enjoy a vastly improved touchscreen with higher fidelity and faster haptics. We’ve added a dedicated Bluetooth antenna to improve connections for multiple controllers. Whether using the built-in trackpads or the included external controller, this allows for precision play in everything from FPS to complex strategy games.

Choose the setup that fits

Setup Where the game runs What receives the video
Steam Link to a TV Gaming PC Supported TV app or connected Steam Link device
Steam Deck handheld play Steam Deck, for compatible games Deck’s built-in screen
Steam Link to a phone or tablet Gaming PC Phone or tablet running Steam Link
PC-to-PC Remote Play Gaming PC Another PC or laptop signed into Steam
Steam Deck connected to a TV Steam Deck External display connected through the Docking Station or suitable USB-C display output
  • Want to use a TV without moving the gaming PC? Check whether Steam Link is available on the TV or a compatible device connected to it.
  • Want to play away from a TV or computer? Use a Steam Deck for compatible local play, or stream to a phone or tablet from a host PC.
  • Want the game on a bigger screen while using the Deck? Connect the Deck to the TV as an external display.
  • Want to play on a second computer? Use Remote Play from Steam on both computers.
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What to expect from Remote Play

Streaming quality depends on the devices and network involved. Valve describes Remote Play as using low-latency encoding and says input returns to the host PC, but its general overview does not establish a universal bandwidth requirement or guarantee a particular latency, resolution, or image quality. Check the game’s compatibility rating for local Deck play; for streaming, confirm that the receiving device supports Steam Link and that your host and network setup work for you.

Rank #4
Valve Steam Deck 1TB Upgraded Handheld Gaming Console with Carring case, 1280 x 800 OLED Display Silicone Soft Cover Protector & Joystic Cap & Tempered Glass Film Bundle
  • Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
  • Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
  • Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
  • Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
  • The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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