While a desktop computer is certainly a champion when it comes to high-performance gaming, there is nothing quite like cozying up on the couch and enjoying the screen real estate that only television can offer. Streaming games from a Mac or PC to an Apple TV is not only fun but also free using Steam Link. You can even use a console controller (hyperlink to controller blog).
To follow along you’ll need a Mac, Windows, or Linux computer running Steam software on your home network. The system requirements are surprisingly modest; my older iMac running High Sierra runs Steam just fine.
To get connected with an Apple TV, download the free Steam Link app from the App Store and launch the app. 4th generation and newer Apple TVs are supported.
On the Steam Link home screen the cog icon in the top right is the settings panel. This is where you can manage connected computers you’d like to stream from. Here, I have an iMac running High Sierra, an HP running Pop! OS Linux, and a Windows 10 gaming PC.
Big picture mode launches in my living room and I can choose a home. Many games support controllers that are Apple TV compatible, Bluetooth keyboards and mice are also supported. I’m running an Xbox controller over Bluetooth and it works quite well. Point and click adventure games like Thimbleweed Park play great on the big screen, and more latency intense games like Super Meat Boy play surprisingly well, even over a wireless connection.
Valve also offers Steam Link clients for iPhone, iPad, and Macs running High Sierra or newer. They also have apps for Android, Windows, and Linux as well. Steam Link is an interesting and versatile solution to move the game from desktop to, well, any screen you may have!
Related posts:
