The End of an Era: Why Was the Steam Link Discontinued?

The Steam Link, both as a standalone hardware device and later as a software application, aimed to bridge the gap between your powerful gaming PC and your living room TV. However, Valve ultimately decided to discontinue the hardware version in November 2018, favoring a software-based approach. The primary reason boils down to a confluence of factors, including hardware limitations, the versatility of software solutions, and shifting market dynamics. The Steam Link dongle was capped at 1080p resolution, which was becoming increasingly outdated as 4K televisions gained popularity. Valve recognized that a software application could surpass this limitation and offer broader compatibility across various devices, including mobile phones, smart TVs, and even Raspberry Pi computers. By focusing on software, Valve could deliver a more future-proof and accessible streaming solution.

The Rise and Fall of the Steam Link

Valve’s Steam Link, released in 2015, initially provided a cost-effective way to bring PC gaming to the big screen. Its purpose was simple: to stream games from your gaming PC to any HDMI-equipped display on your home network. Using your existing home network to allow you to mirror the experience of the gaming computer to your TV. The device acted as a conduit, transmitting video and audio while relaying controller inputs back to the PC. However, the hardware limitations, mainly its 1080p resolution ceiling, and the rapid development of smart TVs and mobile devices capable of handling game streaming rendered the dedicated hardware obsolete.

Valve’s decision to transition to a software-based model was a strategic move. The Steam Link app offered greater flexibility and accessibility, supporting a wider range of devices and potentially higher resolutions depending on the client device’s capabilities. This allowed Valve to reach a larger audience and offer a more adaptable streaming experience.

However, the story doesn’t end there. The software-based Steam Link application hasn’t been without its challenges. For instance, the Steam Link app was developed by Samsung for its smart TVs, but it stopped maintaining it properly after the launch of Samsung Gaming Hub in 2021, resulting in several users reporting issues with the app on Samsung TVs. This illustrates the complexities of relying on third-party support and the need for ongoing maintenance to ensure a seamless user experience.

The demise of the Steam Link also highlights the ever-evolving nature of technology. Dedicated hardware can quickly become outdated, while software can be continually updated and improved. Valve’s shift towards a software-centric approach reflects this trend and their commitment to providing the best possible streaming experience for their users.

The Appeal of Software Over Hardware

The transition from dedicated hardware to software offers several key advantages:

• Wider Compatibility: The Steam Link app can be installed on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and Raspberry Pi computers. This broad compatibility allows users to stream their games to virtually any screen in their home.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Software can be easily updated and improved, allowing Valve to add new features, optimize performance, and address bugs without requiring users to purchase new hardware.
• Cost-Effectiveness: A software-based solution eliminates the need for a dedicated hardware device, reducing costs for both Valve and the end-user.
• Higher Resolution Support: The Steam Link app can support resolutions beyond 1080p, depending on the client device’s capabilities and network conditions. This allows users to enjoy their games in stunning detail on 4K or even higher resolution displays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Steam Link

Q1: Is Steam Link hardware discontinued?

Yes, the Steam Link dongle was discontinued in November 2018. Valve shifted its focus to the software-based Steam Link app, which is available for mobile devices, smart TVs, and Raspberry Pi computers.

Q2: What is the point of Steam Link?

The Steam Link allows you to stream games from the Steam Library on your PC to any TV or compatible device in your home. The technology takes advantage of the horsepower you already have in your home, streaming from your current gaming computer by mirroring its experience to your TV.

Q3: Is Moonlight better than Steam Remote Play?

Many users report that the Sunshine/Moonlight experience is consistently superior to that of Steam Remote Play. However, your individual experience may vary depending on your hardware, network configuration, and game settings.

Q4: Is Steam Link better than HDMI?

Comparing Steam Link to an HDMI cable depends on the use case. HDMI provides a direct connection with minimal latency but is limited by cable length. Steam Link offers wireless flexibility but introduces potential latency issues depending on your network.

Q5: Can Steam Link do 4K?

The original Steam Link hardware was limited to 1080p. However, the Steam Link app can stream in 4K if your gaming rig, network, and client device are capable.

Q6: Is Steam Link Legal?

Yes, using Steam Link is legal as long as you are streaming games from your own personal PC, not a third-party owned computer.

Q7: Do all Steam games work with Steam Link?

All Steam games can be played streaming between your own computers. However, performance may vary depending on the game and your network conditions. The Steam store page will indicate if a game is well-suited for streaming.

Q8: Can Steam Link wake up PC?

Yes, the Steam Link app can utilize Wake-on-LAN (WOL) to remotely power on your gaming PC when you attempt to connect.

Q9: Why doesn’t Steam Link work?

Steam Remote Play can stop working due to various reasons, including a temporary glitch in Steam modules, game piracy issues, a malfunctioning guest device, incorrect network configuration, and firewall, and a corrupt Steam client.

Q10: Is Steam Deck like Steam Link?

The Steam Deck is a portable gaming solution, while Steam Link is a streaming technology. However, the Steam Deck can also use Steam’s Remote Play feature to stream games from your PC, similar to how Steam Link works.

Q11: Does Steam Link work over Ethernet?

Yes, Steam Remote Play works best over Ethernet. A wired network connection provides the most stable and reliable performance. Wireless connections can be prone to interference and instability.

Q12: Can you get banned for sharing Steam games?

Your Family Library Sharing privileges may be revoked, and your account may also be VAC banned if your library is used by others to conduct cheating or fraud. Additionally, VAC-banned games cannot be shared.

Q13: Can Steam Link play any game?

Steam allows you to add non-Steam games to your library. Therefore, Steam Link can be used to stream virtually any game from your PC, including titles from Origin, Epic Games Store, and other platforms.

Q14: Can you use your phone as a Steam Link?

Yes, the Steam Link app on Android extends Steam Link functionality to many Android phones, tablets, and TVs, running Android 5.0 and newer.

Q15: Can you cast Steam to TV?

You can cast your desktop to your TV and play Steam games. This process involves navigating to the Sources tab in the Steam app and clicking Cast Desktop.

The discontinuation of the Steam Link hardware was a strategic decision driven by the desire to offer a more versatile, accessible, and future-proof gaming experience. While the dedicated hardware is no longer available, the software-based Steam Link app continues to provide a valuable service for gamers who want to enjoy their PC games on a variety of devices throughout their home. Understanding the reasons behind this decision, along with the capabilities and limitations of the Steam Link app, can help gamers make the most of their PC gaming experience.

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