Breaking Down the Difference: What is Steam Link versus Steam?
As a passionate gamer and streamer who lives and breathes PC gaming, I often get asked: what exactly is the difference between Steam Link and Steam? Both are valuable services for accessing and playing games, but they serve distinct purposes.
Steam: The Beating Heart of PC Gaming
Steam, developed by Valve Corporation, is the world‘s largest online marketplace and community for PC gaming. With over 30,000 games in its catalog and 125 million monthly active users, Steam is how most dedicated gamers purchase, organize and play their game libraries.
*Steam user statistics as of February 2023 (Source: Backlinko)*
Some core capabilities Steam provides include:
- Massive game marketplace: Browse, purchase and download thousands of game titles from major publishers and indie developers.
- Automatic updates: Games update themselves without manual intervention.
- Cloud saves: Game progress syncs seamlessly across multiple computers.
- Community hub: Find friends, join groups, discuss games on forums.
- Achievements and tracking: Unlock achievements and record game statistics over time.
For serious PC gamers who care about building a sizable collection, Steam is essential. It runs locally as a background process while you play any Steam game downloaded to that computer.
Steam Link: Your Games, Remotely Streamed
Steam Link, also from Valve, takes a different approach. Consider it a remote streaming receiver for games played on your gaming PC.
With the free Steam Link app installed on another device like a phone, tablet or TV, you can now view and control your Steam games over a home network. The game executes on your host computer, then video, audio and commands get streamed to wherever you are.
But without Steam installed on a "gaming rig" desktop/laptop, Steam Link itself does nothing. It needs a PC counterpart to fulfill that streaming process.
Key Capabilities
- Remote game streaming: Play Steam games on phones, tablets, TVs without local PC horsepower.
- Lag-free experience: Streams within a local home network, avoiding internet lag.
- Full control: Use on-screen controls or sync controllers to fully interact.
- Cross-compatibility: Apps available across all mobile/TV platforms.
For example, I have Steam Link set up on my NVIDIA Shield TV box and iPad Pro. While kicking back on the couch with my controller, I can fluidly stream any game from my powerful gaming tower upstairs. Crisp 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second matches the local experience.
But this remote play magic is dependent wholly on Steam being installed on my Windows desktop. Without Steam actively running up there, streaming games down here couldn‘t happen!
Limitations of Steam Link Worth Noting
- Visual fidelity capped: Maximum 1080p resolution, unable to match 4K.
- Latency risks: Game streaming less ideal for competitive, reaction-based genres.
- Tied to Steam platform: Cannot stream games from other launchers like Epic or Origin.
Steam vs. Steam Link – A Helpful Comparison Chart
| Steam | Steam Link | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Game storefront and launcher | Remote game streaming receiver |
| Core functionality | Buy, download and play PC games locally | View/control Steam games running on remote host computer |
| Hardware required | Windows, Mac or Linux computer | Mobile device, TV box, etc. to install app |
| Peak resolution | Up to monitor‘s max resolution (4K, ultrawide, etc.) | Capped at 1080p |
| Game compatibility | All games purchased on Steam platform | Varies, see Steam store page for supported titles |
| Multiplayer support | Yes, fully supported | Yes, including Remote Play Together feature |
| Price | Free to use (game prices vary) | Free app |
Real-World Use Cases
Based on the strengths of each platform, what are some ideal use cases gamers may relate to?
For Steam
- Maintain game collection & track achievements
- Play latest releases at max fidelity
- Participate in multiplayer matches
- Showcase and build Steam profile
For Steam Link
- Stream games around the house untethered
- Enjoy controller games kicked back on couch
- Play undemanding single-player titles
- Try Steam games before buying on main PC
Personally as a dad, I love playing epic RPGs on my main tower while my kids watch cartoons downstairs. But if monopolizing the TV with The Witcher 3, I can flip to Steam Link on my phone and keep questing from the sofa guilt-free!
Have an underpowered laptop that struggles to run Elden Ring? Running Steam Link there allows buttery performance streamed from your beastly desktop. As a passionate gamer, I‘m grateful Valve developed this flexibility.
In Conclusion: Two Services for Better PC Gaming
At a high level, Steam reigns supreme as the hub for PC gaming – no competitor matches its breadth of games or community engagement. Steam Link then expands remote access to Steam‘s strengths, untethering your library over home internet.
For serious PC gamers like myself, utilizing both Steam AND Steam Link unlocks gaming opportunities impossible otherwise. Valve accomplished something special here: a locally-run juggernaut marketplace, plus the innate ability to stream those personal games anywhere in your sacred domain.
I hope this detailed guide gave you the full picture on Steam Link versus Steam. Feel free to ping me with any other questions – I could talk PC gaming all day long! Game on friends!
