Valve’s ‘Steam Link’ app lets you play PC games on your TV via your home network. The app is now available on Samsung 2016 and 2017 Smart TVs, with support for 4K resolution on 2017 models.
PC games on your TV
The partnership with Valve was announced way back in October 2016 and a beta app was released in July 2017. It took almost a year to polish up the experience but the app is now finally available in 55 countries, including the US and the UK, the companies confirmed.
The app brings the Steam gaming experience to the big screen. After installing the Steam Link app, you get access to your library of games streamed to the TV from your PC via your home network. While it technically works via WiFi, a wired connection is recommended.
- “We’ve received incredible feedback on our Steam Link feature and are excited to bring it to our consumers around the world,” said Heeman Lee, VP of the Visual Display at Samsung. “We’re thrilled that our Smart TVs are helping redefine the PC gaming experience by providing players the opportunity to utilize large-screen displays that deliver true-to-life picture quality.”
4K gaming on 2017 TVs
Steam Link is available for 2016 and 2017 Samsung Smart TVs. It supports “full 4K streaming” on 2017 models, according to Samsung. 2016 TVs support up to 1080p resolution. HDR is not supported on either.
To get started you also need a supported game controller (Steam controller, Xbox 360 wired/wireless, Xbox One wired, and Logitech F510/F710).
Streaming games is a fairly new development on connected TVs. While Valve and Samsung’s solution works only on a home network, Sony’s PlayStation Now and Nvidia’s Geforce Now services can stream games over the internet. One of the advantages is that you can utilize the most powerful hardware in your home to play the newest games on the biggest screen.
Valve is also selling 'Steam Link' hardware that can be connected to any TV.
The Steam Link app is free to download and is available now on the app store for Samsung’s 2016 and 2017 Smart TVs.
- Source: Samsung & Valve
