To stream PC games to an Android phone or tablet, you need a gaming PC running the game and host software, an Android streaming app, and a network connection between them. A controller is optional. The simplest first test is to put both devices on the same home network and try Steam Link or Moonlight with Sunshine.
What you need before you start
- A host PC: The game runs on the computer; the Android device receives its video and sends control input back.
- A host-and-client pair: Steam Link uses Steam on the PC. Moonlight on Android needs a compatible host such as Sunshine, which supports all GPUs according to Moonlight’s listing, or GeForce Experience, which is NVIDIA-only.
- A network connection: Start with both devices connected to the same home network. Moonlight recommends 5 GHz Wi-Fi for the Android device and Ethernet from the PC to the router.
- An Android device and a way to control the game: Touch controls or keyboard and mouse may work for some uses; a compatible gamepad is useful but not required.
There is no universal minimum Internet speed, latency, or frame rate established by the cited product documentation. Moonlight’s listing cautions: “Streaming performance may vary based on your client device and network setup.”
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Choose a streaming setup
| Option | What runs on the PC | Useful distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Link | Steam | Direct route if your games are already available through Steam. Valve documents a computer running Steam and a 5 GHz wireless router as equipment for Android streaming. Valve’s Steam Link for Android requirements. |
| Moonlight with Sunshine | Sunshine | Moonlight’s Android listing describes Sunshine as compatible with all GPUs. The setup guide covers pairing and adding games or a desktop entry. Moonlight project · Moonlight setup guide. |
| Moonlight with GeForce Experience | GeForce Experience | Moonlight’s Android listing identifies this as an NVIDIA-only host option. Moonlight on Google Play. |
Moonlight’s listing says it can stream games from any store. For a new Moonlight setup, Sunshine is the documented host option that is not limited to NVIDIA GPUs.
Recommended Free Tools
Set up Steam Link on Android
- Turn on the PC, launch Steam, and sign in.
- Connect the PC and Android device to the same home network.
- Install Steam Link from Google Play and follow its pairing prompts.
- Connect a controller if you want one, then test a game.
Valve lists Android 5.0 and newer as supported for Steam Link. Its documented supported input devices include Steam Controller, Microsoft Xbox One S Controller, Sony DualShock 4 on Android 9.0 and newer, Razer Kishi, and Raiju Mobile. Valve notes that other devices may work without official support; compatibility can depend on the controller, Android version, connection method, and game.
#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.
Set up Moonlight with Sunshine
- Install Sunshine on the PC and complete its initial setup in the Sunshine Web UI.
- Install Moonlight on Android and connect the phone or tablet and PC to the same network.
- In Moonlight, select the detected PC. Enter the PIN it displays in the Sunshine Web UI to pair the devices.
- Choose a game to test. If it is missing from the app list, add it manually in Sunshine. The setup guide also describes Steam and a desktop entry.
Pair locally before attempting to stream over the Internet. Sunshine provides a built-in UPnP option for forwarding required streaming ports. If automatic setup does not work, Moonlight documents manual port forwarding and mesh-network alternatives; public or corporate Wi-Fi may block the needed traffic. Remote access is not guaranteed to work without network configuration.
A LizardByte document for Sunshine v0.21.0 says Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool versions before 5.6 can conflict with Sunshine’s UPnP support and that the tool is not required with Sunshine. This is version-specific context; use the current Moonlight setup guide for setup steps.
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
Get the network ready and troubleshoot stuttering
For the first test, keep both devices on the same router. Moonlight recommends connecting the Android device over 5 GHz Wi-Fi and wiring the PC to the router with Ethernet. Its documentation does not specify a required router model, cable category, or bandwidth threshold.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →- Test on the home network before changing remote-access settings.
- If the stream stutters, lower the stream resolution or bitrate and test again.
- Compare the Android device’s Wi-Fi connection and, if possible, connect the PC to the router by Ethernet.
- Change one setting or connection at a time so you can identify what improves stability.
Moonlight advertises support for up to 4K at 120 FPS with HDR and 7.1 surround sound. That is a stated app capability, not a guarantee for a particular phone, PC, game, or network. HDR requires an HDR10-capable client, a GPU able to encode HEVC Main 10, and an HDR10-enabled game. For games using DXGI or operating-system HDR, an HDR display must also be connected to the host PC.
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.
Choose input for your phone or tablet
Controller
A controller is optional, but often more comfortable for games designed for a gamepad. Moonlight lists PlayStation 3, 4, and 5; Xbox 360, One, and Series; and Android gamepads. It also documents force feedback and gamepad motion sensors on Android 12 or later. Steam Link’s officially listed devices are a separate set, so check compatibility with the app you plan to use rather than assuming support transfers between them.
Keyboard, mouse, and touch
Moonlight documents keyboard and mouse support as best on Android 8.0 or later. Touch may suit some games and desktop navigation, but controls vary by game. Moonlight also documents a way to emulate mouse movement with a controller: hold Start. This can help navigate desktop menus when you do not have a mouse nearby.
Rank #4
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
When streaming away from home
Remote play adds network setup beyond local pairing. Moonlight’s guide describes UPnP, manual port forwarding, and mesh-network alternatives, but the available method depends on the router, ISP, and network you are connecting from. A public or corporate Wi-Fi network may block the traffic. Get local streaming working first, then follow Moonlight’s Internet streaming setup guide for the route that fits your network.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WIDE SCREEN COMPATIBILITY — PHONE TO TABLET: X5 Lite is a versatile phone controller that stretches up to 213mm to fit iPhone 15/16, most Android phones, iPad mini 6/7, and compatible Android tablets. Secure Type-C connection keeps gameplay stable and responsive.
- MOBILE, CLOUD & REMOTE GAMING: Play supported mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero, or stream console and PC games through Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Moonlight, and remote play. Enjoy physical controls wherever you play.
- HALL EFFECT STICKS — PRECISE CONTROL: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth 360° control for accurate aiming, movement, and camera adjustments. Built for fast-paced mobile games and streamed console or PC titles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ERGONOMIC — 135.4G: At just 135.4g, X5 Lite stays lightweight during extended gaming. Ergonomic, laser-engraved textured grips provide a secure, comfortable hold at home or on the go.
- CUSHIONED MEMBRANE CONTROLS — COMFORTABLE & QUIETER: Cushioned membrane buttons and triggers provide comfortable feedback for repeated inputs while keeping operation quieter. Ideal for extended sessions or gaming in shared spaces.
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