{"id":239252,"date":"2025-03-26T00:08:05","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T00:08:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/?p=239252"},"modified":"2025-03-26T00:08:05","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T00:08:05","slug":"is-steam-link-a-console","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Steam Link a console?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_67_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#Is_Steam_Link_a_Console_Unpacking_Valves_Streaming_Device\" title=\"Is Steam Link a Console? Unpacking Valve&#8217;s Streaming Device\">Is Steam Link a Console? Unpacking Valve&#8217;s Streaming Device<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#Delving_Deeper_What_Makes_a_Console_a_Console\" title=\"Delving Deeper: What Makes a Console a Console?\">Delving Deeper: What Makes a Console a Console?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#The_Key_Differentiators\" title=\"The Key Differentiators\">The Key Differentiators<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#A_Streaming_Solution_Not_a_Standalone_System\" title=\"A Streaming Solution, Not a Standalone System\">A Streaming Solution, Not a Standalone System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#The_Steam_Machine_Experiment\" title=\"The Steam Machine Experiment\">The Steam Machine Experiment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#The_Evolution_of_Steam_Link\" title=\"The Evolution of Steam Link\">The Evolution of Steam Link<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#Is_Steam_Deck_a_Console\" title=\"Is Steam Deck a Console?\">Is Steam Deck a Console?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#The_Future_of_Game_Streaming\" title=\"The Future of Game Streaming\">The Future of Game Streaming<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#FAQs_Steam_Link_%E2%80%93_Clearing_Up_the_Confusion\" title=\"FAQs: Steam Link &#8211; Clearing Up the Confusion\">FAQs: Steam Link &#8211; Clearing Up the Confusion<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#1_Is_Steam_Link_still_available\" title=\"1. Is Steam Link still available?\">1. Is Steam Link still available?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#2_Can_I_use_Steam_Link_on_my_Samsung_TV\" title=\"2. Can I use Steam Link on my Samsung TV?\">2. Can I use Steam Link on my Samsung TV?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#3_Does_Steam_Link_require_a_powerful_PC\" title=\"3. Does Steam Link require a powerful PC?\">3. Does Steam Link require a powerful PC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#4_Can_I_use_Steam_Link_without_a_controller\" title=\"4. Can I use Steam Link without a controller?\">4. Can I use Steam Link without a controller?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#5_Does_Steam_Link_work_over_the_internet\" title=\"5. Does Steam Link work over the internet?\">5. Does Steam Link work over the internet?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#6_Is_Steam_Link_better_than_Moonlight\" title=\"6. Is Steam Link better than Moonlight?\">6. Is Steam Link better than Moonlight?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#7_Can_Steam_Link_wake_up_my_PC\" title=\"7. Can Steam Link wake up my PC?\">7. Can Steam Link wake up my PC?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#8_Can_I_play_non-Steam_games_with_Steam_Link\" title=\"8. Can I play non-Steam games with Steam Link?\">8. Can I play non-Steam games with Steam Link?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#9_What_devices_can_I_stream_to_using_Steam_Link\" title=\"9. What devices can I stream to using Steam Link?\">9. What devices can I stream to using Steam Link?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#10_Is_Steam_Deck_a_replacement_for_Steam_Link\" title=\"10. Is Steam Deck a replacement for Steam Link?\">10. Is Steam Deck a replacement for Steam Link?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#11_Why_is_my_Steam_Link_so_laggy\" title=\"11. Why is my Steam Link so laggy?\">11. Why is my Steam Link so laggy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#12_Does_Steam_Link_support_Bluetooth\" title=\"12. Does Steam Link support Bluetooth?\">12. Does Steam Link support Bluetooth?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#13_Can_I_stream_Xbox_games_through_Steam_Link\" title=\"13. Can I stream Xbox games through Steam Link?\">13. Can I stream Xbox games through Steam Link?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#14_Does_Steam_Link_require_a_Steam_account\" title=\"14. Does Steam Link require a Steam account?\">14. Does Steam Link require a Steam account?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#15_Is_Remote_Play_good_on_Steam\" title=\"15. Is Remote Play good on Steam?\">15. Is Remote Play good on Steam?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/#Conclusion_Steam_Links_Role_in_the_Gaming_Ecosystem\" title=\"Conclusion: Steam Link&#8217;s Role in the Gaming Ecosystem\">Conclusion: Steam Link&#8217;s Role in the Gaming Ecosystem<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Steam_Link_a_Console_Unpacking_Valves_Streaming_Device\"><\/span>Is Steam Link a Console? Unpacking Valve&#8217;s Streaming Device<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n<p>No, <strong>Steam Link is not a gaming console<\/strong>. It is a device and an application designed to <strong>stream games<\/strong> from a computer running Steam to another screen, such as a TV, phone, or tablet. It acts as a bridge, enabling users to play their PC games on different displays throughout their home or even remotely.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Delving_Deeper_What_Makes_a_Console_a_Console\"><\/span>Delving Deeper: What Makes a Console a Console?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To fully understand why Steam Link doesn\u2019t qualify as a console, let&#8217;s first define what constitutes a gaming console. Traditionally, a gaming console is a <strong>standalone device<\/strong> with its own dedicated <strong>hardware and operating system<\/strong> optimized for playing video games. Consoles typically have a <strong>specific set of games<\/strong> developed or adapted for their unique architecture. Think of the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X\/S, or Nintendo Switch. These are all self-contained units capable of running games independently.<\/p>\n<p>Steam Link, on the other hand, relies entirely on a separate PC. It has no processing power to run games independently. It merely <strong>mirrors the video output and sends input commands<\/strong> from the controller back to the PC. Its sole purpose is streaming. Steam Link\u2019s software also requires a host computer to operate.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Key_Differentiators\"><\/span>The Key Differentiators<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Here&#8217;s a concise breakdown of the critical differences:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Standalone Operation:<\/strong> Consoles operate independently; Steam Link requires a host PC.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dedicated Hardware:<\/strong> Consoles have specialized hardware for gaming; Steam Link primarily focuses on network connectivity and streaming capabilities.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Game Library:<\/strong> Consoles have exclusive or optimized games; Steam Link streams games already owned on a PC.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Operating System:<\/strong> Consoles run dedicated operating systems; Steam Link functions as an application within an existing OS.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Processing Power:<\/strong> Consoles possess their own processing power to render and run games. Steam Link relays on the processing power of a PC to process and stream the game.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Streaming_Solution_Not_a_Standalone_System\"><\/span>A Streaming Solution, Not a Standalone System<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The core functionality of the Steam Link is to extend the reach of your gaming PC. Imagine you have a powerful gaming rig in your study but want to play on the living room TV. Instead of moving the entire setup, you use Steam Link to <strong>stream the game<\/strong> to the TV while the PC handles all the heavy lifting.<\/p>\n<p>This technology, known as <strong>remote play or game streaming<\/strong>, allows you to enjoy your PC games on devices that might otherwise be incapable of running them. This could include older laptops, mobile devices, or even televisions with the Steam Link app.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Steam_Machine_Experiment\"><\/span>The Steam Machine Experiment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to note that Valve, the creators of Steam and Steam Link, did venture into the hardware space with <strong>Steam Machines<\/strong>. These were intended to be PC-based consoles, running SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system designed for gaming.<\/p>\n<p>However, Steam Machines <strong>were not traditional consoles<\/strong>. They were more like pre-built gaming PCs with a console-like operating system. They offered a more flexible and open platform than typical consoles, but they ultimately didn\u2019t gain widespread adoption and were discontinued. It&#8217;s worth considering the <strong>Games Learning Society<\/strong>&#8216;s work when thinking about the impact of different gaming platforms.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Evolution_of_Steam_Link\"><\/span>The Evolution of Steam Link<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Originally, Steam Link was a dedicated hardware device. This small box connected to your TV and network, providing a simple interface for streaming games from your PC. However, Valve eventually discontinued the hardware version and transitioned to a <strong>software-based solution<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Now, the <strong>Steam Link app<\/strong> is available on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and even Raspberry Pi devices. This broadened its accessibility and made it easier for users to stream their games without purchasing dedicated hardware.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Steam_Deck_a_Console\"><\/span>Is Steam Deck a Console?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While Steam Link isn&#8217;t a console, a related product called the <strong>Steam Deck<\/strong> could be considered a hybrid. The Steam Deck is a <strong>portable gaming device<\/strong> that runs SteamOS and allows you to play your Steam library on the go. However, it is <strong>a dedicated gaming device<\/strong> with its own processing power, screen, and controls, setting it apart from the streaming-focused Steam Link. <strong>GamesLearningSociety.org<\/strong> provides a lot of great research in this space.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Future_of_Game_Streaming\"><\/span>The Future of Game Streaming<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Game streaming continues to evolve, with services like <strong>Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and PlayStation Plus Premium<\/strong> offering subscription-based access to large libraries of games. These services stream games directly from the cloud, eliminating the need for a powerful local PC.<\/p>\n<p>While Steam Link remains a valuable tool for streaming games from your own PC, these cloud-based services represent a significant shift in the landscape of game accessibility.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs_Steam_Link_%E2%80%93_Clearing_Up_the_Confusion\"><\/span>FAQs: Steam Link &#8211; Clearing Up the Confusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the capabilities and limitations of Steam Link:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Is_Steam_Link_still_available\"><\/span>1. Is Steam Link still available?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <strong>Steam Link hardware device is discontinued<\/strong>. However, the <strong>Steam Link app is still available<\/strong> for various platforms, including iOS, Android, Android TV, and Raspberry Pi.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Can_I_use_Steam_Link_on_my_Samsung_TV\"><\/span>2. Can I use Steam Link on my Samsung TV?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>While the Steam Link app was previously available on Samsung TVs, <strong>Valve discontinued support for it on Samsung TVs after November 30th, 2023<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Does_Steam_Link_require_a_powerful_PC\"><\/span>3. Does Steam Link require a powerful PC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, the <strong>performance of Steam Link is heavily dependent on the power of the host PC<\/strong>. A more powerful PC will result in smoother streaming and better graphics quality.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Can_I_use_Steam_Link_without_a_controller\"><\/span>4. Can I use Steam Link without a controller?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you can use Steam Link without a controller, but it&#8217;s not ideal for all games. The Steam Link app provides <strong>on-screen touch controls<\/strong>, but they may not be suitable for fast-paced or complex games. A dedicated controller is generally recommended for the best experience.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Does_Steam_Link_work_over_the_internet\"><\/span>5. Does Steam Link work over the internet?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, Steam Link <strong>can work over the internet<\/strong> using Steam&#8217;s Remote Play Anywhere feature. However, a <strong>fast and stable internet connection<\/strong> is crucial for a good streaming experience.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Is_Steam_Link_better_than_Moonlight\"><\/span>6. Is Steam Link better than Moonlight?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The answer depends on individual circumstances. Some users find <strong>Moonlight provides a superior streaming experience<\/strong> due to its lower latency and better compatibility with certain hardware. However, Steam Link is easier to set up and integrates seamlessly with the Steam ecosystem.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Can_Steam_Link_wake_up_my_PC\"><\/span>7. Can Steam Link wake up my PC?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, Steam Link can be configured to <strong>wake up your PC using Wake-on-LAN (WOL)<\/strong>. This allows you to start streaming even when your PC is in sleep mode.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Can_I_play_non-Steam_games_with_Steam_Link\"><\/span>8. Can I play non-Steam games with Steam Link?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, Steam Link allows you to <strong>stream non-Steam games<\/strong> by adding them to your Steam library as &#8220;non-Steam games.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_What_devices_can_I_stream_to_using_Steam_Link\"><\/span>9. What devices can I stream to using Steam Link?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can stream to a variety of devices, including <strong>iOS devices, Android devices, Android TVs, Raspberry Pi devices, and even other computers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Is_Steam_Deck_a_replacement_for_Steam_Link\"><\/span>10. Is Steam Deck a replacement for Steam Link?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, Steam Deck and Steam Link serve different purposes. Steam Deck is a <strong>portable gaming console<\/strong>, while Steam Link is a <strong>streaming solution<\/strong> for playing PC games on other devices.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Why_is_my_Steam_Link_so_laggy\"><\/span>11. Why is my Steam Link so laggy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Lag can be caused by several factors, including a <strong>slow network connection, a weak Wi-Fi signal, or a underpowered PC<\/strong>. Try using a wired Ethernet connection and closing unnecessary programs on your PC.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Does_Steam_Link_support_Bluetooth\"><\/span>12. Does Steam Link support Bluetooth?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, the <strong>Steam Link hardware and many devices running the Steam Link app support Bluetooth<\/strong>, allowing you to connect wireless controllers, keyboards, and mice.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Can_I_stream_Xbox_games_through_Steam_Link\"><\/span>13. Can I stream Xbox games through Steam Link?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>No, Steam Link is designed for <strong>streaming games from your Steam library<\/strong>. To stream Xbox games, you would need to use Xbox Remote Play or Xbox Cloud Gaming.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Does_Steam_Link_require_a_Steam_account\"><\/span>14. Does Steam Link require a Steam account?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, the host PC requires a Steam account and the game to be present in the library. Remote Play Together allows other players to join, but the host will need an account to stream the game.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Is_Remote_Play_good_on_Steam\"><\/span>15. Is Remote Play good on Steam?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Steam&#8217;s Remote Play is a good option for streaming games if you want to play them remotely on another device. However, its performance can be affected by your network connection.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion_Steam_Links_Role_in_the_Gaming_Ecosystem\"><\/span>Conclusion: Steam Link&#8217;s Role in the Gaming Ecosystem<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Steam Link has played a significant role in expanding the accessibility of PC gaming. While it&#8217;s not a console in the traditional sense, it offers a convenient way to <strong>enjoy your PC games on various screens throughout your home<\/strong>. As game streaming technology continues to advance, Steam Link remains a valuable tool for gamers seeking flexibility and convenience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Is Steam Link a Console? Unpacking Valve&#8217;s Streaming Device No, Steam Link is not a gaming console. It is a device and an application designed to stream games from a computer running Steam to another screen, such as a TV, phone, or tablet. It acts as a bridge, enabling users to play their PC games &#8230; <a title=\"Is Steam Link a console?\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/is-steam-link-a-console\/\" aria-label=\"More on Is Steam Link a console?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-239252","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/239252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=239252"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/239252\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=239252"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=239252"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gameslearningsociety.org\/wiki\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=239252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}