Although portable gaming PCs like Valve’s Steam Deck have taken the gaming world by storm, with convenience and portability being their main selling points, gamers with powerful gaming PCs may not need them. Even if you want to play PC games on the go, not everyone is keen on portable PCs as their battery life isn’t great. PC gamers who want to play on a smaller screen just need one of the best gaming phones to start their portable gaming journey.

Related

The best game consoles in 2024

With so many options on the market, buying a new gaming console in 2024 can be difficult, but Game Rant has the solution for gamers!

If you own a gaming laptop or PC and an Android or iOS smartphone, streaming games should be easy as you already have the prerequisites. If you have an extensive Steam library, you can play those games on your phone using the Steam Link application. Moreover, you can connect with one of the best gaming controllers to enjoy an unparalleled experience.

Important steps to play Steam games on your phone

The Steam Link app is a mobile application that allows you to stream games on your Android or iOS device using Remote Play on your PC or Mac. Steam Link lets you take your library with you on the go and also connects to different devices, opening up an exciting world of multiplayer gaming. Below are the steps required to use Steam Link with your phone.

1. Set up Steam Link on your PC

2. Download the Steam Link app

3. Connect a Bluetooth controller

Step 1: Set up Steam Link on PC

The first step is to enable Remote Play in the Steam client on your PC or Mac. This will ensure that you can stream your favorite titles from Steam on a mobile device. It’s worth noting that the Remote Play feature is not enabled automatically, so you’ll need to do it manually. To enable it, open the Steam client and enter your credentials to log in successfully.

Once you are logged in, click on the steam icon in the upper left corner to display a drop-down menu. Click Settings from the options and select Remote playback. The next step is to turn on Enable Remote Play and then activate the Enable advanced host options for Remote Play. Once the latter is done, you will find several options that you can turn on or off depending on your preferences. These include Change desktop resolution To Match Steam Client, Enable hardware codingAnd Play audio as host. You also have the option to enable a PIN feature that limits the number of people who can play Steam games on your network.

Step 2: Download the Steam Link app

After completing the setup process on a PC or Mac, you will need the Steam Link app to play Steam games seamlessly on your Android or iOS device. Fortunately, you can find it on the Google Play Store and App Store using the search function. For Android phones, download the Steam Link app after you find it. Your Android device should be running Android 5.0 or later.

Once the installation process is complete, launch it. You should be greeted by a Get Started icon. You should see that your PC or Mac is already available on the Connect to Computer page. Once you have selected the computer, a PEN should be delivered to your device, which must be entered on the screen. Click Confirm as soon as this is done.

Related

The best controllers for Steam Deck in 2024

These Steam Deck controllers offer great functionality, customization, and responsive feedback.

The Steam Link app will then run a test of your network to make sure it’s running smoothly. Once the test is complete, the app will provide a report detailing your computer’s ability to stream games. It will also tell you if your Android or iOS device supports a touch controller and if you have a stable internet connection. It’s highly recommended that you use a 5GHz Wi-Fi router, preferably with an Ethernet port.

Once you’re back in the clear, you can tap the “Start Playing” button. Steam will then launch on your PC or gaming phone and you can select a game from your library to play. If you can’t see your computer, you should check that the PC or Mac and the phone are on the same network. If you haven’t already, enable remote playback from the PC. You can also connect both devices to the router using an Ethernet cable.

Step 3: Connect a Bluetooth controller

Although Steam Link provides on-screen controls to help you navigate the app, it doesn’t compare to the ease of use of a real gaming controller. A wireless controller is a better option because the smartphone screen is quite small and the on-screen controls take up a large portion of the display, making it difficult for gamers to enjoy the experience.

Steam’s list of officially verified controllers includes the Steam Controller, Xbox One S controller, PlayStation DualShock 4 (for Android 9.0 and above), and Razer Kishi and Raiju Mobile. It’s worth noting that other controllers should work even if they’re not on the list, so if you own a DualSense controller or a third-party controller, you should still be able to use it to play your favorite Steam games on your phone.

To start the pairing process, turn on your phone’s Bluetooth setting and then enable your controller. The next step is to open the Bluetooth settings section and search for nearby devices. Your controller should appear there. If it’s not there, you should restart the pairing process or restart your devices. Once connected, the Steam Link app should already show the controller on the screen. If it doesn’t, tap the gear icon to troubleshoot. Similar to the Xbox Accessories app, the Steam Link app allows you to test the controller, pair it, and set up controls.

What other apps can you use to play PC games on your phone?

If you’re looking for a way to play PC games other than Steam, it’s worth checking out alternatives like Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Moonlight.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

The Xbox Cloud Gaming service lets you access a massive library of Xbox and third-party titles, including day one releases, for a monthly subscription fee. In addition to phones, you can also use it for handheld gaming devices like the Asus Rog Ally and Lenovo Legion Go.

NVIDIA GeForce Now

With Nvidia GeForce Now, you can access and play games from stores like Epic Games, Steam, Ubisoft, and EA. You can also use the multiplayer feature to collaborate or challenge players from around the world.

Moonlight

Moonlight is an open-source option that allows you to stream games at up to 4K resolution and 120 FPS. With support for multiple platforms including Mac, PC, Android, iOS, Chromebook, and Wii U, it’s an excellent choice for game streaming and is free to use. Windows PC users should note that Moonlight requires an Nvidia graphics card to work.

• 

  Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

  The Elite, Microsoft’s premium controller for Xbox consoles, features adjustable tension thumbsticks, a wraparound rubberized grip, and shorter trigger locks. One of the main attractions is its modular design, which allows players to easily switch between components. The companion app also allows for customizable button mapping.

  Three custom profiles are stored internally on the controller and can be easily selected during gameplay. Up to 40 hours of battery life with the included battery ensure uninterrupted wireless gaming pleasure.

• 

  PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Controller for PS5

  PDP’s Victrix Pro BFG PS4|5 wireless controller holds many promises, but comes at a high price. Fully modular and packed with high-end specs, this wireless PC controller is ready for professional gaming across multiple genres.

• 

  Scuf Instinct Pro Wireless Controller

  Designed for use with Xbox and PC, the SCUF Instinct Pro controller offers lightning-fast inputs, a strong wireless connection, and remappable buttons for gamers looking to take their skills to the next level.

• 

  Xbox Core Wireless Controller

  $52 60$ Save $8

  The Xbox Core Controller has a modernized design that enhances the gaming experience. With sculpted surfaces and refined geometry, it offers effortless control and improved comfort while playing. The long battery life lets you play for up to 30 hours without charging. The hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back help players stay on target. The controller features a 3.5mm audio headset jack for any compatible headset, and players can connect it to their console or PC via the USB-C port.

More

The Best Steam Deck Accessories in 2024

These are the Steam Deck accessories you need to maximize your system!

FAQ

Q: Can I play Steam games offline?

Absolutely. If you are in a place with limited or no internet access, you can enable offline mode, a feature that allows you to play games without needing an internet connection. Note that games that require an active internet connection will not run once offline mode is enabled.

Q: What is a Steam emulator?

A Steam emulator allows you to play Steam games without using the Steam Store or being connected to the Internet.

Q: Can I create a Steam account on my phone?

Yes. You will need to use the Steam website on your preferred phone browser to create a new account. Make sure you are at least 13 years old before doing so.