If you do run into a situation where the Steam Deck isn't able to play the game you want or you're not getting the performance or experience you're expecting, you can always resort to remote play. It's also versatile where Steam Link isn't, as well, as you can connect it to any TV or external monitor for a larger screen, connect a keyboard and mouse for a more familiar PC experience, and move beyond simply gaming to adapt the Steam Deck for other purposes. The Steam Deck may not always be seamless to use (it is a PC, after all), but it has absolutely everything it needs to play awesome games without any additional faff or accessories. On the other hand, the Steam Deck is truly an all-in-one solution. It's the same remote play feature that platforms like Xbox and PlayStation have, but with a different name. While it's much simpler to get behind than lugging around a completely separate and individual device like the Steam Deck, it also comes with its own restrictions, most notably requiring access to a stable and fast internet connection (which plenty of people still might not have, especially when away from home). Source: Valve (Image credit: Source: Valve)įor many people, Steam Link is a nifty and sometimes useful additional feature to be used alongside a powerful gaming PC, but it's not always the best solution.

If you're primarily a PC gamer and have a large library and decent internet, it can be a great way to play games when you're out and about, lying in bed, want to play on a larger screen, or simply can't be bothered to log onto your PC. Steam Link even supports wireless controllers (if your device does) and multiplayer. Steam Link in its current iteration is a simple proposition: Download the Steam Link app on your Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, macOS, or Samsung Smart TV device, connect the app to a gaming PC with Steam installed, and stream any of your Steam games to that device over an internet connection.

We've done our research, so here's everything you need to know about the Steam Deck versus Steam Link. With the announcement of the Steam Deck, however, many are rightfully curious how this $400 handheld console sets itself apart from simply streaming your Steam library to your phone, tablet, or PC using Steam Link (the app, not the defunct Steam Link device).

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