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For the simplest setup, connect your PC to the TV with HDMI, connect a compatible controller to the PC, select the TV as the display, and launch the game. If the PC is too far away for a practical cable, stream it with Steam Link on a supported TV or streaming device instead.
Choose HDMI or streaming
| Your setup | Best starting point | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| The PC is near the TV, or you can run a cable | Connect the PC to the TV with HDMI | Requires a physical cable, but the display signal does not travel through a game-streaming network path. Valve describes HDMI as a way to connect a PC to a TV for Big Picture. |
| The PC is in another room and the TV or an attached device supports Steam Link | Stream over your home network | Avoids a long display cable, but depends on the Steam host, client app and network. Valve lists Steam Link client devices. |
Connect the PC directly to the TV with HDMI
- Connect an HDMI output on the PC to an HDMI input on the TV. Check that both devices have compatible ports and use a cable long enough to reach.
- Use the TV remote to select the HDMI input you connected. In the PC’s display settings, choose whether to mirror or extend the desktop, or make the TV the active display. Menu names vary by operating system.
- Connect or pair a controller with the PC. Valve’s Big Picture page gives Xbox 360 wireless for Windows, wired Xbox One or Xbox 360, and Logitech Wireless Gamepad F710 as examples; these examples are not a complete current compatibility list.
- Open Steam, enter Big Picture mode, and launch the game. Valve designed Big Picture for TV and controller use.
If the game is outside Steam, controller support depends on the game and its launcher. For a Steam Link setup on NVIDIA SHIELD, NVIDIA documents adding a non-Steam game to Steam as one option; that does not ensure every title will behave the same way.
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Stream the PC game with Steam Link
- Check whether your TV or an attached streaming device supports the Steam Link app. Valve lists Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Raspberry Pi and other clients; app availability can vary by device, so check its current store listing.
- Run Steam on the gaming PC and install or open Steam Link on the TV-side device. Steam Link connects that device to a computer running Steam.
- Connect both devices to your home network. For Apple TV, Apple says the Apple TV and Steam computer must be on the same local network. Apple recommends connecting both to the router over Ethernet for best performance.
- Pair a compatible controller with the device running Steam Link. Apple’s Apple TV listing names compatible PlayStation, Xbox and MFi controllers.
- Start the Steam Link connection and launch the game. If you use NVIDIA SHIELD, follow NVIDIA’s host and app configuration instructions; its guide covers options including fast decoding and a 4K resolution setting.
Reduce streaming lag
For Apple TV Steam Link, Apple’s recommendation is to wire both the TV device and the computer to the router with Ethernet for best performance. This is a performance recommendation for that streaming setup, not a requirement for HDMI.
The Tool Desk
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If you use SHIELD, NVIDIA recommends enabling Game Mode on the TV. Its guide, updated August 4, 2025, says Game Mode on most modern TVs can reduce latency by up to 500 ms. That is NVIDIA’s claim, not a guaranteed result for every TV or setup.
#1 Best Overall
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
What to check if the controller or game does not work
- No picture: Confirm the TV is on the HDMI input connected to the PC, then check the computer’s display settings and cable connections.
- Controller is not detected: Confirm it is connected to the device actually running the game: the PC for direct HDMI, or the TV-side Steam Link client for streaming. Compatibility depends on the controller and endpoint.
- Streaming is choppy or delayed: Check that the PC and client are connected to the intended home network. If possible, try Ethernet for Apple TV Steam Link and enable the TV’s Game Mode when available.
- A non-Steam game will not launch or accept input: Support varies by title and launcher. NVIDIA’s SHIELD guide describes adding a non-Steam game to Steam, but this is an option to try rather than a universal fix.
Why Big Picture helps on a TV
Steam Big Picture provides a TV-oriented interface designed for controller navigation. Valve describes it as a way to use Steam with a TV and game controller from the couch. It is useful when the PC is connected directly by HDMI; the HDMI connection itself does not require Steam or Big Picture.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Sale
XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller | Shock Blue
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #4
GameSir G7 Pro Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Wireless Gamepad for PC&Android with TMR Sticks, Hall Effect Analog Triggers, 1000Hz Polling Rate, 3.5mm Audio Jack - Black
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Rank #3
Sale
ManbaOne Interactive Screen Wireless Gaming Controller (Black)
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
Rank #2
EasySMX X05Pro Wireless Gaming Controller for PC, Switch, Android/iOS
- Universal Multi-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows PC, Switch/Switch 2, Android, and iOS via USB-C, 2.4G wireless (1000Hz), or Bluetooth (125Hz). Note: Not compatible with X-box, Play-Station, Luna, or GeForce
- Ultra-Quiet Silent Gaming: Silicone-damped buttons for whisper-quiet operation. Perfect for late-night gaming without disturbing family or roommates. All buttons redesigned for silent play—ABXY, D-pad, triggers, and function keys
- Hall Effect Precision Technology: Drift-free 11-bit Hall Effect joysticks with 1000Hz polling rate in wired/2.4G modes for ultra-fast competitive response. Bluetooth mode offers 125Hz for mobile gaming. Long-lasting durability guaranteed
- Advanced Trigger & Programmability: Dual-stage adjustable triggers with 2+2 rumble motors for realistic feedback. Two top-mounted programmable buttons avoid accidental presses—solving common back-paddle issues for competitive advantage
- Ergonomic Comfort & Endurance: Sweat-resistant silicone grip for marathon sessions. 1000mAh rechargeable battery for extended play. Upgraded 8-way D-pad with dome switches delivers precise diagonal control for fighting and retro games
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