The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Steam Link lets you play a game running on your PC on a supported TV, phone, or tablet. Install the app on the device you want to play on, then use it to connect to a computer running Steam. The PC runs the game; Steam Link sends its video and audio to your screen and returns your input to the PC. It is a streaming connection, not a way to install the PC game natively on the receiving device.
How Steam Link works
Steam Link is a way to stream a game from a computer to another device, not a way to install and run the PC game natively on a phone or TV. The computer running Steam is the host. The TV, phone, or tablet is the receiving device. Valve says video and audio travel from the host PC to the receiving device, while remote input and multiplayer voice travel back to the PC. Its Steam Remote Play page describes real-time encoding over a custom low-latency network protocol.
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In practical terms, your PC remains responsible for running the game. Steam Link lets you view and control that game from another supported screen. The device you sit in front of is therefore not a replacement for the host computer: it is the screen and control point for the streaming session. If you are looking for a way to install a PC game directly on a phone or television and run it there, Steam Link is not what Valve describes.
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The traffic goes in both directions. The PC sends the picture and sound to the other device; your remote controls and multiplayer voice go back to the PC. That means Steam Link is not simply a video feed: the receiving device also needs to send your actions back into the game. Valve describes the protocol as low-latency, but its product page gives no universal measured delay, image-quality rating, or performance guarantee for ordinary TV or mobile streaming.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Do not interpret “low-latency” as a promise that every combination of PC, game, network, and receiving device will feel identical. The official page provides a general explanation of how the connection works, not test results for individual homes or titles. Consider device support an eligibility starting point, rather than a guarantee that every game or setup will perform equally well.
Check whether your device is supported
Valve’s platform list, checked October 13, 2026, includes the destinations below. App availability and minimum operating-system requirements can change; check the Steam Link listing in the relevant app store for your exact device before setting it up. A product family name alone may not tell you whether a particular model or software version can install the current app.
| Destination | Support listed by Valve | Minimum OS listed |
|---|---|---|
| Android phone, tablet, or TV | Supported | Android 5.0 or newer |
| iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, or Apple Vision Pro | Supported | Apple platform version 11.0 or newer |
| Amazon Fire TV | Supported | |
| Raspberry Pi | Models 3, 3+, 4, and 5 listed | |
| Windows, Linux, or macOS computer | Listed as a receiving destination | |
| Meta Quest | Quest 2, 3, and Pro listed for Steam Link VR | See the separate VR requirements below |
The Android line explicitly includes phones, tablets, and TVs, with Android 5.0 or newer listed. The Apple line names iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro and gives an Apple platform version minimum of 11.0 or newer. Valve states that minimum broadly rather than spelling out a separate OS threshold for each Apple device in the compatibility information summarized here. Confirm the specific app listing for your model instead of assuming all devices in a family have the same current availability.
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Valve lists Amazon Fire TV and Raspberry Pi 3, 3+, 4, and 5 as supported, but the page does not give device-specific setup steps or a minimum OS for those entries. It likewise lists Windows, Linux, and macOS computers as possible receiving destinations without giving a minimum OS in the listed compatibility information. For these devices, the store or platform listing is the practical place to check current availability and requirements.
Steam Link is not limited to a TV and a mobile device. Valve also lists computers as destinations. For PC-to-PC streaming, Valve’s page describes signing in to Steam on both computers and opening the Steam Library on the receiving PC. That is a different destination choice from installing the app on a television or phone, but the basic roles remain: one computer runs the game and another receives the stream.
Rank #2
- RGB Cool Lightning Bolt & Long Battery Life: Switch controller with lightening bolt style and 9-color LED looks really cool; 4 light modes: solid lights, breathing lights, RGB strobe led light and led off; Fully charged: 3-4 hours, Runtime: 10-15 hours
- Widly Compatible & One-key Pairing/Wake Up: The switch pro controller is compatible with Switch/Lite/OLED/PC Windows 7/8/10 (only wrok for pc under wired connection); 2 pairing ways; Support one key to wake up your switch console
- Programmable Button & 3 Speeds Turbo: Switch controllers has simplify complex skill operations with M1/M2 key; Support single and multiple mapping; 3 adjustable burst: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s and 20 shots/s; Programming and Turbo will maximize game play
- Sensitive Motion Control & 4-Level Nice Vibration: 6-axis gyro sensor help you react quickly, enhance experience in sports games; Buttons and joysticks are responsive, no lag; Dual vibration motors with 4-level feedback: Strong, Medium, Weak and None
- Great Gift For All People: This cool switch controller will be great gifts for women, men, girl, boy, family and friends; Packing list: 1 X Wireless switch controller, 1 X Type-C cable, 1 X Detailed user manual, 1 X Cool gift box
Support for a platform does not mean that every model, app-store region, game, or network setup is guaranteed to work. Valve’s broad list does not provide per-title compatibility information or compare performance between Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, phones, tablets, or computers. Check the exact current listing and treat the platform list as a starting point.
Set up Steam Link on a TV, phone, or tablet
Valve’s published setup outline is to install Steam Link from the receiving device’s app store and use the app to connect to a computer running Steam. The page does not document the exact pairing screens or prompts for each platform, so their wording and sequence may differ by device. The dependable high-level sequence is to confirm availability, install the app, connect it to the Steam-running PC, and then play through the session.
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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →- Choose the screen you want to play on. Decide whether you want a shared-screen couch setup or a portable screen. Check that Steam Link is available for that specific TV, phone, or tablet, and confirm the device meets its current store-listed requirements. An Android TV, for example, falls under Valve’s listed Android TV support and Android 5.0-or-newer minimum. A phone or tablet can be more portable, while a TV is the larger shared screen; Valve does not publish a performance comparison between those options.
- Make sure a PC can host the game. The game runs on a computer running Steam. Steam Link connects the receiving device to that PC; it does not replace the PC or turn the mobile device into a native PC-game installation. The PC is the source of the game’s video and audio, and receives the remote input and multiplayer voice described by Valve.
- Check the receiving device’s current app listing. Look up Steam Link in the app store or software listing for the specific device you intend to use. Valve’s supported-platform list and minimum versions are useful checks, but availability and OS support can change. For Fire TV, Raspberry Pi, and computer destinations, the listed information does not supply a device-specific minimum OS, so verify the current listing rather than inferring one.
- Install Steam Link. On the TV, phone, or tablet, find Steam Link in the device’s app store and install it. Store availability and instructions can vary by platform. If you cannot find the app or your device’s software version appears to differ from Valve’s broad list, check the current store listing and Valve’s Steam Remote Play page.
- Open the app and connect it to the PC. Follow the connection flow shown in Steam Link to connect to a computer running Steam. Valve’s public page confirms this general sequence but does not specify button names, pairing codes, or platform-specific menu paths. Avoid relying on exact instructions written for a different TV or mobile operating system; the screens may not match.
- Start the game from the Steam session. Once connected, use the receiving device to play while the host PC runs the title and sends its video and audio to the screen. Your control input travels back to the PC. The game is still running on the host, even though you see and control it from another room or device.
If the app does not appear in your device’s store, or its requirements differ from this list, check that store’s current Steam Link listing and Valve’s Steam Remote Play information. The compatibility list is not a guarantee for every device variant or game. The official page supplies a general install-and-connect outline, not detailed pairing dialogs or model-by-model troubleshooting, so use Valve’s current support information for a specific interface or connection problem.
Choose a destination and input method
For couch play, a TV gives you the shared, larger-screen setup; for portable play, a phone or tablet is easier to carry. The best choice is usually the supported device you already want to use. Valve also lists Apple TV and computers as receiving destinations, so streaming is not limited to televisions and mobile screens. The key comparison is the destination’s app availability and software requirements, the screen you want to use, and how you prefer to control the game.
A TV or TV-connected device is a natural option if you want to play on a shared screen. A phone or tablet is a portable option if you would rather use a mobile display. Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, and computer destinations are also on Valve’s platform list, subject to current availability for the exact device. The product page does not establish that one of these destination types has lower latency, better image quality, or a higher level of game compatibility than another.
Rank #3
- 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.
Controls are a separate practical choice. Valve says Steam Link control schemes are optimized for hundreds of popular titles, but its page does not say that a physical controller is mandatory or endorse a particular model. A Bluetooth game controller is an optional accessory to consider if you prefer gamepad controls on a couch or handheld setup. Check that your chosen device and game support the input method you intend to use; the cited page does not provide a universal controller compatibility list or say that one controller works with every destination.
The choice of controls does not change where the game runs: the PC remains the host whether you use the receiving device’s available inputs or an optional gamepad. If you are deciding whether to buy an accessory, treat it as a preference rather than a Steam Link requirement. Valve’s public overview supports the point that controls are part of the experience, but does not specify a required controller, a recommended model, or a separate hardware purchase needed for ordinary TV or mobile streaming.
What to know about network and performance
Streaming sends the game’s picture and sound across the connection to the receiving device and sends control input back to the host. That means the experience depends on more than whether the app installs: both the host PC and destination have to participate in the streaming session. Valve describes its protocol as low-latency, but publishes no single latency figure or performance guarantee for general TV, phone, or tablet use on the cited page.
Valve’s description is useful for understanding the direction of the data, but it is not a home-network configuration guide. The product page does not give a universal bandwidth target, recommend specific router settings for ordinary TV or mobile play, quantify expected delay, or provide comparative image-quality tests. Do not fill those gaps with a supposed minimum speed or a promise that a particular connection will feel instantaneous. Consult Valve’s current support material if you need detailed platform-specific setup or troubleshooting.
- Do not read the VR-specific Wi-Fi and wired-connection requirements as a baseline for ordinary TV or mobile play; Valve separates those requirements into its Steam Link VR section.
- Do not assume every Steam game or every device/network combination will behave the same way. Valve’s broad platform list does not provide per-title compatibility or comparative image-quality and latency measurements.
- Remember that streaming requires a host PC running Steam as well as the receiving device. Installing Steam Link on a television or mobile device alone does not make the PC game run there.
- If you need exact connection prompts or troubleshooting for a particular model, use the current store listing and Valve’s support information rather than relying on a generic pairing path not specified on the product page.
Steam Link VR has separate requirements
Valve lists a distinct set of minimums for Steam Link VR. These apply to the VR configuration, not to streaming a PC game to an ordinary TV, phone, or tablet. The VR list is more specific than the general destination list and should be read as a separate use case.
Rank #4
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- 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
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- A computer running Steam and SteamVR, with Windows 10 or newer.
- An NVIDIA GTX 970 or better graphics card.
- A wireless router with a 5 GHz channel and Wi-Fi 5.
- A wired connection from the PC to the router.
- A Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, or Quest Pro headset.
Valve’s page also says Remote Play Together is not supported for VR. Do not apply the VR hardware list to standard Steam Link streaming unless you are setting up the VR use case. In particular, the Wi-Fi 5, 5 GHz, wired PC-to-router connection, Windows 10+, and graphics-card specifications are stated for the VR section; they are not presented there as minimum specifications for a regular TV, phone, or tablet stream.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Limits of the compatibility information
The listed platforms tell you where Valve says Steam Link is supported; they do not establish the exact app interface for every model, performance on a particular network, or compatibility of every individual game. Operating-system support and app availability can also change, so confirm the current store listing for your device. For current platform details, consult Valve’s Steam Remote Play page, accessed October 13, 2026.
Valve’s page gives the broad install-and-connect path and platform families, but not TV- or mobile-specific pairing screenshots, exact prompt text, or detailed troubleshooting for every device. It also does not supply measured latency, a network-speed threshold for ordinary play, or a comparison of TV versus phone performance. Keeping those limits in mind helps set realistic expectations: confirm your device, use the current app listing, connect to a PC running Steam, and consult Valve’s current support information for any model-specific questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Steam Link run PC games directly on a phone or TV?
No. The computer running Steam remains the host and runs the game. Steam Link sends video and audio to the receiving device, while remote input and multiplayer voice travel back to the PC.
What do I need to use Steam Link on a TV, phone, or tablet?
You need a supported receiving device with Steam Link available, and a computer running Steam to host the game. Valve’s general setup outline is to install the app from the device’s app store and use it to connect to the PC. Check the current listing for your exact device and OS.
Best Value
- 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.
Which Android and Apple devices does Valve list?
Valve lists Android phones, tablets, and TVs running Android 5.0 or newer. It lists iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, and Apple Vision Pro with an Apple platform version minimum of 11.0 or newer. Check the current store listing because support and requirements can change.
Can I use Steam Link on Fire TV, Raspberry Pi, or another computer?
Valve lists Amazon Fire TV, Raspberry Pi 3, 3+, 4, and 5, and Windows, Linux, and macOS computers as destinations. The page does not provide a minimum OS for those entries or detailed platform-specific setup steps. For PC-to-PC streaming, Valve describes signing into Steam on both computers and opening the Steam Library on the receiving PC.
Do I need a physical controller?
Valve does not say that a physical controller is mandatory or endorse a specific model. It says control schemes are optimized for hundreds of popular titles. A Bluetooth game controller is an optional choice if you prefer gamepad controls; check compatibility with your destination and game.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsDoes Valve give a guaranteed latency or network speed for TV and mobile streaming?
No universal latency measurement or network-speed threshold for ordinary TV, phone, or tablet streaming is given on Valve’s cited page. Valve describes a custom low-latency protocol, but does not guarantee a particular delay, image quality, or performance for every game and setup.
Are the Wi-Fi 5 and GTX 970 requirements needed for ordinary Steam Link streaming?
No. Valve lists those specifications in the separate Steam Link VR requirements: a Windows 10-or-newer host with Steam and SteamVR, NVIDIA GTX 970 or better, Wi-Fi 5 on a 5 GHz channel, a wired PC-to-router connection, and Meta Quest 2, 3, or Pro. They are not stated as general TV, phone, or tablet requirements.
Does Steam Link support Remote Play Together in VR?
Valve’s Steam Link VR section says Remote Play Together is not supported for VR.
The Bottom Line
To stream a PC game to a supported TV, phone, or tablet, install Steam Link on the receiving device and connect it to a computer running Steam. Check the current app listing for your exact device, remember that the PC runs the game, and treat controller use as optional. Valve’s VR hardware and network minimums apply to VR, not ordinary TV or mobile streaming.
Quick Recap
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