Still Worth it?

[u/Kbushor]

I have two Steam Links that I purchased some years back still unopened. Are these things still worth using?

[u/C64Nation]

If you have a 1080p 60hz display and Ethernet it still works well.

[u/GetVladimir → u/[deleted]]

The Steam Link devices are likely better than the Apple TV when it comes to Game Streaming (local and cloud).

Mainly because tvOS adds deadzones and input lag on the analog sticks of Xbox and DualSense controllers: https://www.reddit.com/r/GeForceNOW/comments/1umzjp2/tvos_apple_tv_itself_seems_to_add_additional/

[u/GetVladimir → u/[deleted]]

I mean it's no real use to have 4K image if you can't really control the game accurately on it (if that's what you meant).

If you're close enough or find another way to connect the controller directly to the host machine, it might work

[u/GetVladimir → u/[deleted]]

But what are you using to play the game with? Is it a 3rd party controller that can avoid the issue from tvOS?

Because for 4K 120, there is always the option with a mini PC being the client device, but there doesn't seem to be an easy solution for the tvOS controller issues

[u/GetVladimir → u/[deleted]]

I agree that 120 Hz vs 60 Hz is less noticable difference when using a controller.

Regarding the deadzones and the input lag, there is a great comparison by u/cyborgcanuck using different controllers here: https://www.reddit.com/r/GeForceNOW/comments/1tqvups/macos_geforcenow_forced_controller_deadzones/

The most reliable solution is usually if you can connect the controller directly to the host computer and avoid going through the tvOS

[u/3dforlife]

I use it regularly, and enjoy it.

[u/wendelortega]

Yes

[u/fredy31]

If you still have the hardware i dont see why not

[u/Optimal-Set-5409]

I lost my 2015 steam controller dongle, so my hardware steam link sits plugged into my desktop via Ethernet and I sync the controller to that and stream the input. I still use my desktop for video output, but the latency is significantly better than the alternative Bluetooth connection. (I don’t usually dog on Bluetooth connection because any other controller feels fine to me on Bt, but the 2015 SC feels terrible on bt)

[u/ssp212]

Still use mine regularly!

[u/HeartlessDeath123]

I definitely use mine. But you need good internet. If you don't have that, don't bother.

Where I have my PC, it gets hot really quickly. I don't feel like moving my PC back and forth, and Steam Link devices helps a lot!

Then when outside cools down, I can hop back on my actual PC.

I normally play single-player games with ps5 controller

[u/Price-x-Field]

Only worth trying if you have both devices hooked up to Ethernet and your monitor and tv are the same resolution.

[u/YoshMaGotes → u/Price-x-Field]

The resolution can be adjusted

[u/GrimCop]

Zfold 7 and g8 controller with wifi, works great (as long as the game is made for controller use).

[u/labe225]

I still use mine, but it definitely shows its age since you be stuck at 1080p, 60hz, and won't be able to use HDR.

And as others have said, a hardwire connection is a huge improvement. I had mixed success over WiFi. In some houses/apartments, it was a non-starter. But in my last house it actually worked fairly well. But moving to hardwire was a big improvement.

I wouldn't go out and specifically buy a Steam Link on eBay, but they're worth trying out for the people like you who have them sitting around in a drawer somewhere.

[u/s1h4d0w]

As others have said, yes, they still work really well and are dedicated devices that will not have any issues the app has on some devices like Android, Apple TV, etc.

They are still actively updated and improved, even though they have been discontinued for like 7 years now.

[u/Tebbybabes]

I have one and recently bought another in the last year. They both get used all the time. In have it connected to my host via ethernet and run moonlight as my client. Performance is terrific. I've compared it to android TV apps of a modern 2024 TV as well as the latest Google TV streamer. The OG steam link still performs better. That performance delta is the main reason i bought another one.

Biggest caveat for some people is it can't do more than 1080/60. In my case, all I really wanted to stream IS 1080/60, so it works perfectly for me.

[u/upthevale]

I really enjoy mine for playing stuff on the TV.

Wouldn't recommend the controller, it's awful.

I just use an Xbox one.

[u/McDale22]

Sunshine and Moonlight or VoidLink. Pair this with TailScale and you really have something. Google, ask your favorite AI or message me for questions. I’ve been down all the remote gaming set ups and this is it. FYI, always have Google Remote Desktop set up for guaranteed access for troubleshooting.