Valve is helping to reduce the clutter on gamers’ desks by removing the need for the Steam L😼ink box as the way to 💟stream games on screens not directly connected to a PC.
, the Valve Steam Link app is now available on Apple iOS devices, granting Steam users the ability to stream their game libraries directly to their Apple TV, iPhone, and iPad. In order to connect, users need to utilize a 5Ghz network or be connected via a wired ethernet connection. Additionally, the Steam Link is compatible with MFI controlle♐rs, as well as Valve’s Steam Controller.
Although mobile Steam Link support launched last year, there were certain “business conflicts” that prevented Apple devices from being supported, according to Valve. Those hurdles cut out a considerable portion of Steam users, who had to either c💃ontinue using their Steam Link box (which was discontinued in November 2018) to stream to a non-mobile screen, or to simply not have the ability to stream at all.
Now that iOS support is available, we took a lꦉook at the Steam Link app’s perfoಌrmance using an Apple TV 4K and iPhone XS Max.
Setup
Setup for the Steam Link app is a breeze, regardless of 𒈔which device you decide to stream to. Download and launch the app, and the on-screen directions will walk you through the setup, beginning with a note to make sure that your Steam instance is in Big Picture Mode and that your Bluetooth controller is paired with the computer that’s actually running Steam. Once paired, you’ll select your computer from the menu, followed by a prompt to enter a four-digit code on your PC in orde𓃲r to create the connection. After entering the code, a diagnostics test will run to determine your connection speed, which takes about 30 seconds. Once connected, Steam’s Big Picture Mode view will appear on your iOS device’s screen, allowing you to move freely through your library to pick the game you want to play.
Apple TV 4K
While there were no issues with initially connecting the Apple TV 4K to the PC, there were a few spotty moments of lag. This was likely due to the fact that my Apple𒅌 TV is located in a different room than my gaming PC. Regardless, the non-laggy moments of playing games (which were Ultimate Chicken Horse and Grand Theft Auto V) were just as responsive as if I were playing directly🍸 on my ga🌟ming PC.
iPhone XS Max
The iPhone XS Max had a similar experience as the Apple TV, but was played in the same room as the gaming PC (roughly 15-feet away from one another). No lag was experienced at all, with the exact same real-time responsiveness. The nice 🐼thing about playing on the iPhone is that the touchscreen can be used to navigate through Steam’s Big Picture Mode, instead of having to use the Steam Controller (which I am none too fond of).
Verdict
The Steam Link app provides a simple and straightforward experience for anyone hoping ꦍto play their Steam games from somewhere other than their computer desk. T𝓡he setup was surprisingly easy; considerably easier than the setup process for the physical Steam Link box ever was. Just be mindful of the fact that you’ll probably have a much better experience if your device is in close proximity to your Apple TV (at least in the same room).
Although Valve has said that it will continue support for༒ its physical device, feel free to💎 use your old Steam Link box as a coaster or doorstop.