Can You Use Steam Link on a Browser? Exploring Remote Play Options

The short answer is no, Steam Link itself doesn’t directly run within a web browser. Steam Link is designed as a standalone application for various devices (like phones, tablets, and dedicated hardware – though the latter is discontinued) to stream games from a host PC. However, there are ways to achieve a similar result: using Steam Remote Play through the Steam client on another device or even a Steam Deck can allow you to stream to devices with browsers, effectively achieving remote play. Let’s dive deeper into the nuances of Steam Link, Remote Play, and alternative options.

Understanding Steam Link and Remote Play

Steam Link was initially a small hardware device that allowed users to stream games from their main gaming PC to a TV or other display in their home. Think of it as a dedicated receiver for your gaming PC’s video and audio output. Valve has since discontinued the Steam Link hardware, but the core functionality lives on in the Steam Link app, available for Android, iOS, Apple TV, and even Raspberry Pi. This app performs the same function as the original hardware, streaming your Steam library to a different screen.

Steam Remote Play, on the other hand, is the broader feature set that encompasses Steam Link’s functionality. It allows you to stream games between any two devices running the Steam client, whether they’re on the same network or across the internet. Remote Play Together even lets you invite friends to join your local co-op games, even if they don’t own them!

While Steam Link app works on various platforms, it does not run as a browser extension or through a browser-based interface directly. The Steam client installed on another machine performs the streaming.

Achieving Browser-Like Remote Play

Although you can’t directly use Steam Link in a browser, you can use the Steam client on a device with a browser to indirectly achieve a similar result. Here’s how:

1. Install the Steam client on a device that has a web browser (like a laptop, another desktop computer, or even a Steam Deck).
2. Log into the Steam client on both your host gaming PC and the device you want to stream to.
3. Ensure both devices are connected to the same network (or are configured for Remote Play Anywhere) for internet streaming.
4. On the streaming device, navigate to your Steam Library.
5. Launch the game you want to play. Steam will automatically initiate a Remote Play session, streaming the game from your host PC to the device.

You can then minimize the Steam client on the streaming device and use the browser while the game runs in the background, effectively giving you a similar experience to Steam Link with browser access.

Exploring Alternatives

If you’re looking for true browser-based game streaming, there are other services to consider:

• Cloud Gaming Services: Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming, Nvidia GeForce NOW, and Amazon Luna allow you to stream games directly through a web browser without needing to own a gaming PC. These services handle all the processing on their servers, so you only need a stable internet connection and a compatible device.

• Parsec: Parsec is a remote desktop application designed for low-latency game streaming. While it’s not strictly browser-based, it offers excellent performance and supports streaming to a variety of devices. It requires installation of the Parsec client, but it is compatible with both Steam and non-Steam games.

Optimizing Your Streaming Experience

Regardless of which method you choose, here are some tips for optimizing your game streaming experience:

• Wired Connection: A wired Ethernet connection is always preferable to Wi-Fi for both your host PC and your streaming device. This will provide a more stable and reliable connection with lower latency.
• Powerful Router: If you must use Wi-Fi, make sure you have a modern router that supports the 5 GHz band. This band is less congested than the 2.4 GHz band and can provide better performance.
• Adjust Streaming Settings: Both Steam Remote Play and other streaming services offer settings to adjust the resolution, bitrate, and frame rate of your stream. Experiment with these settings to find the best balance between visual quality and performance.
• Close Unnecessary Applications: Close any unnecessary applications running on both your host PC and your streaming device. This will free up resources and improve performance.
• Update Drivers: Keep your graphics drivers up to date on your host PC. This will ensure that you have the latest performance optimizations and bug fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use Steam Link on any device?

The Steam Link app is available for Android, iOS, Apple TV, Raspberry Pi, and some smart TVs. You can also use Steam Remote Play between any two devices running the Steam client. The original Steam Link hardware has been discontinued.

2. Does Steam Link work with non-Steam games?

Yes, Steam Link works with non-Steam games as long as you add them to your Steam library.

3. Is Steam Link still supported by Valve?

While Valve no longer manufactures the Steam Link hardware device, they continue to support the Steam Link app and the Steam Remote Play feature with software and device updates.

4. Can I use a Steam Deck like a Steam Link?

Yes, the Steam Deck can be used as a streaming device using Steam Remote Play. This allows you to stream games from your computer to your Deck in the same way that Steam Link lets you play games on your phone.

5. Does Steam Link support 4K streaming?

Yes, the Steam Client Beta added a 4K option for Remote Play streaming. To take advantage of this, you’ll need a powerful gaming rig, a wired network, and a capable client device.

6. Can I use Steam Link without a controller?

Yes, when you launch the Steam Link app without a controller, touch controls are automatically available.

7. How does Steam Link work on mobile devices?

Steam Link streams games from your PC over a Wi-Fi connection to your Android or iOS device. The actual computation is performed by the PC.

8. Can I play games on a monitor without a PC using Steam Link?

No, Steam Link requires a host PC to stream the games from. The monitor would be connected to the device running Steam Link app.

9. Why is Steam Link so laggy?

An unstable network connection is the main reason for Steam Link audio lag. Connect to a wired network using an Ethernet cable, and ensure you have a faster and newer router.

10. Is Steam Link capped at 60 fps?

Over a 5 GHz network, the target is 1080p at 60 frames per second. A wired network and a capable client device may allow streaming at 4K at 60 FPS.

11. What visual quality can I expect from Steam Link?

Setting the quality to “Balanced” or “Fast” will reduce the bandwidth used for streaming, reducing the visual quality and lowering the load on your network.

12. Is Moonlight better than Steam Remote Play?

Sunshine/Moonlight may perform better using GPU encoding when compared to Steam Remote Play using CPU encoding. But Steam Remote Play is easier to set up since it relies on the already existing Steam ecosystem.

13. Why did Steam discontinue Steam Link hardware?

Valve’s reasoning for discontinuing the dongle is that its 1080p ceiling would have eventually rendered it obsolete, and the software version can be used on non-HDMI devices.

14. Can I use Steam Link on Xbox?

Steam itself doesn’t run on Xbox. Games that support Xbox account linking can be linked through the Steam interface, but this is a different feature.

15. Does Steam count hours for non-Steam games played through Steam Link?

Yes, Steam now allows you to see the playtime of your non-Steam games and programs on your profile records.

Final Thoughts

While you can’t directly run Steam Link inside a browser, leveraging the Steam client on a device with browser capabilities gets you pretty close. Combine that with the powerful Steam Remote Play features and alternative cloud gaming options, and you have a wealth of choices for playing your favorite games on virtually any screen. And if you’re interested in the intersection of games and education, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Their work highlights the potential of games as powerful learning tools. Now, go forth and game remotely!