Steam link - any good?
Discussion
Dont know why but I have never heard of this until now, and I am intrigued.
I currently only play games on my XBO, but there are a few games on PC that pique my interest. Problem is I dont want to be sat in front of the computer to play them.
Broadcasting the game to another TV in the house seems like a cool idea.
Just wondering whether anyone here has one and whether they can comment on how well it works? Is there a limitation on the sort of games it can stream, are their any latency issues etc?
Thanks
I currently only play games on my XBO, but there are a few games on PC that pique my interest. Problem is I dont want to be sat in front of the computer to play them.
Broadcasting the game to another TV in the house seems like a cool idea.
Just wondering whether anyone here has one and whether they can comment on how well it works? Is there a limitation on the sort of games it can stream, are their any latency issues etc?
Thanks
I've had one for about a year now. Works impressively well but because of lag it is for casual or slower paced games.
It's only a heartbeat but that's enough to ruin a shooter I recon.
Playing Pacman (Battle Royal natch) you have to allow for the delay but that's easy with only four directions.
Elite Dangerous also works fine but again you allow for the heartbeat delay so I avoid combat mission when working through the link.
Magicka is another great couch co-op game.
I'm a fan of steam controllers too, I have 3 and an ancient PS2 dualshock that talks to the link ok.
It's only a heartbeat but that's enough to ruin a shooter I recon.
Playing Pacman (Battle Royal natch) you have to allow for the delay but that's easy with only four directions.
Elite Dangerous also works fine but again you allow for the heartbeat delay so I avoid combat mission when working through the link.
Magicka is another great couch co-op game.
I'm a fan of steam controllers too, I have 3 and an ancient PS2 dualshock that talks to the link ok.
They work well but you need a wired connection between the host PC and Steam Link, WiFi will just lag horrendously.
However you can just use an old laptop in place of the Steam Link to achieve the same result, if you have one floating about already save your £10 and use that instead.
However you can just use an old laptop in place of the Steam Link to achieve the same result, if you have one floating about already save your £10 and use that instead.
Thanks for the responses gents. Looks like it might be worth a punt. Sadly looks like they are all out of stock as a result of the latest Steam sale.
Only thing that may hold me back is probably going to be the quality of the wireless connection. The signal from where the router is located to the TV is terrible.
Guessing I could run it through my home plug to solve the wireless issues but suspect that would mean I would also loose my internet when using the steam link?
Only thing that may hold me back is probably going to be the quality of the wireless connection. The signal from where the router is located to the TV is terrible.
Guessing I could run it through my home plug to solve the wireless issues but suspect that would mean I would also loose my internet when using the steam link?
Bullett said:
Why would you lose your internet connection?
It works well. Wired is obviously best but wifi also works. I'd also recommend a steam controller.
I had problems using a headset with it as it doesn't seem to handle two way audio very well so bear that in mind.
I was just assuming that the home plug wouldn't be able to transfer internet data at the same time as the data for the steam link? If it can then that makes things very simple.It works well. Wired is obviously best but wifi also works. I'd also recommend a steam controller.
I had problems using a headset with it as it doesn't seem to handle two way audio very well so bear that in mind.
moustachebandit said:
Bullett said:
Why would you lose your internet connection?
It works well. Wired is obviously best but wifi also works. I'd also recommend a steam controller.
I had problems using a headset with it as it doesn't seem to handle two way audio very well so bear that in mind.
I was just assuming that the home plug wouldn't be able to transfer internet data at the same time as the data for the steam link? If it can then that makes things very simple.It works well. Wired is obviously best but wifi also works. I'd also recommend a steam controller.
I had problems using a headset with it as it doesn't seem to handle two way audio very well so bear that in mind.
I've got a Steam Link and use a powerline adapter to provide a LAN connection from my router to the Steam Link, it has given me no end of problems. I have a lot of issues getting the IP addresses to sync, so I end up having to manually set them each time.
When it works, it's great. Just be aware of using it with powerline adapters, but YMMV.
Great bit of kit. My main PC is on the middle floor and I have a networked cinema in basement. I was forever dragging my PC downstairs when I had visitors who wanted the full screen gaming experience - so I tried the steam link. Works perfectly. I had to get a bit of software (also from steam) to get the steering wheel to work (something like virtual USB). Racing on a cinema screen is seriously cool!
Mine is LAN wired, not noticed any lag on car games, FPS, platformers etc.
Mine is LAN wired, not noticed any lag on car games, FPS, platformers etc.
You can test it if you have a second PC knocking about, a laptop is fine.
Install steam on the second machine, log in with your normal account details then tell it to use in-home streaming (under steam/settings). Don't install any games on the new client machine.
Play a game.
Good enough to test your network.
Install steam on the second machine, log in with your normal account details then tell it to use in-home streaming (under steam/settings). Don't install any games on the new client machine.
Play a game.
Good enough to test your network.
Bullett said:
You can test it if you have a second PC knocking about, a laptop is fine.
Install steam on the second machine, log in with your normal account details then tell it to use in-home streaming (under steam/settings). Don't install any games on the new client machine.
Play a game.
Good enough to test your network.
Or try it with your phone...... Steam link app for andriodInstall steam on the second machine, log in with your normal account details then tell it to use in-home streaming (under steam/settings). Don't install any games on the new client machine.
Play a game.
Good enough to test your network.
I have the Steam Link downstairs on a 50inch 4K and it works great. I don’t use WiFi with it. It is hard wired with CAT6 and is plugged into a network switch that runs about 40 foot to top floor where it is then into my top floor router and I’m not experiencing any lag at all. I love playing wreckfest and Burnout Paradise city and they are fine. Also use the Steam controller. Very good products.
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