For over a decade, the dream of seamlessly connecting a PC to a television for a console-like experience eluded one gamer. Valve's Steam Link, a streaming device launched in 2015, initially seemed like a promising solution, but persistent connection issues rendered it unusable for years. Now, with the advent of a new Steam Machine on the horizon, the author has finally overcome these hurdles, making the aging Steam Link a viable and impressive way to enjoy PC games on a big screen.
The initial allure of playing PC games on a large display, akin to a home cinema setup, dates back to a brief period in the author's life over ten years ago. The practicalities of moving a desktop PC, however, soon made this an impractical endeavor. Valve's subsequent announcements of the Steam Machine and Steam Link offered renewed hope. While the Steam Machine was envisioned as a compact living room PC running Valve's SteamOS, the Steam Link was a smaller box designed to stream games from a nearby computer to a television.
Early experiences with streaming technology, such as OnLive in 2012, had fostered skepticism. When the Steam Link first arrived, it was met with similar disappointment. Despite connecting to the network and detecting controller inputs, games consistently appeared as a black screen with a red icon indicating a poor connection. This issue persisted across multiple attempts, likely due to the author's reliance on Wi-Fi in rented accommodation where running Ethernet cables was not feasible. The device was relegated to a drawer, a symbol of unmet expectations.
Despite Valve discontinuing the Steam Link in 2018 and clearing out stock at heavily discounted prices, the author's attempts to revive the device continued intermittently. The core problem, a connection issue, remained a persistent roadblock. Even with the arrival of a new fiber optic internet package and a more powerful router in a newly owned home, the problem persisted when attempting to stream games like Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor. The device's 802.11ac Wi-Fi connector, which utilizes the 5GHz channel, did not seem sufficient.
The Ethernet Solution and the Fraps Revelation
A significant investment in Ethernet cables and a splitter hub was made, creating a direct wired connection between the PC, the router, and the Steam Link. Despite this seemingly robust setup, the familiar black screen issue persisted for some games, though others like Halls of Torment continued to function. Online forums offered a bewildering array of potential fixes, many outdated or irrelevant to the current hardware and software configurations, leading to immense frustration.
The troubleshooting process was further complicated by the ongoing development and multiple iterations of Steam Link software, which now exists as both a standalone app and within other streaming contexts, including VR. After exhausting software settings, the author reached out to a friend who had successfully used a Steam Link for years. During a conversation about the friend's setup, a crucial detail emerged: the presence of Fraps, an old benchmarking tool, running in the background.
Fraps, a benchmarking utility last updated in 2013, had been a long-standing companion for capturing screenshots during game reviews. A quick search revealed that Fraps was known to interfere with Steam Link functionality. Disabling Fraps for the first time in years led to an immediate resolution. Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor, along with other previously problematic titles, began streaming flawlessly to the television.
A Decade of Gaming on the Big Screen
With the Fraps conflict resolved, the Steam Link has proven to be a remarkably capable device. Performance has been excellent across a variety of game genres, from demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and Titanfall 2 to racing simulations like Dirt Rally. The streaming quality has been impressive, with no discernible input lag or visual degradation.
The Steam Link has also facilitated a more comfortable experience with games that are typically UI-heavy or text-intensive, such as Oxygen Not Included and Suzerain, which can be cumbersome on smaller screens. The device's compatibility with the Steam Controller, with its trackpad controls, further enhances the usability of these PC-centric titles on a television.
Furthermore, the Steam Link's updated software allows for Bluetooth device connectivity, enabling silent gaming sessions through headphones. This feature proved invaluable for late-night gaming without disturbing a partner, a scenario previously only possible with traditional consoles. This flexibility has been a significant personal gain, fulfilling a long-held desire for a different approach to PC gaming.
While the new Steam Machine offers conveniences like portability, the author concludes that for those who already own a capable desktop PC, the Steam Link remains an excellent and cost-effective alternative. The ability to purchase a used Steam Link for around £20 or even run the software on a Raspberry Pi presents an accessible entry point into living room PC gaming. Coupled with a Steam Controller, the decade-old Steam Link proves to be a surprisingly modern and satisfying solution, rendering the investment in a new Steam Machine unnecessary for many.