UPDATE: Friday May 18: The Android version of Steam Link is now live for devices running Android 5.0 and up. The app can be downloaded from Google Play, today, but be prepared to encounter the odd bug until it comes out of beta.
While the app will enable gamers to play their Steam libraries on their smartphone via a paired Steam Controller, users will need to be connected to a PC on the same network.
In the release notes Valve writes: “The Steam Link app brings desktop gaming to your Android device. Just pair a Bluetooth controller or Steam Controller to your device, connect to a computer running Steam on the same local network, and start playing your existing Steam games.”
Early impressions appear to be good, with a 4.4 (out of 5) rating thus far.
User Michael New wrote on the Google Play listing: “Genuinely impressed with how well this works. Your results are going to depend on how good the network connection is in your house, but with a good router and your PC wired in (even with the PC over Wi-Fi my results were good) it feels like the game is running on the phone itself. Except you can play…”
Original article continues below…
Valve is launching its Steam Link app for iOS and Android, making it possible for gamers to stream their entire library directly to smartphones and tablets.
Whatsmore, the forthcoming new app also works on Apple TV and Android TV, meaning you’ll be able to play those same Steam titles on the living room television set.
Naturally, the app is compatible for the Steam Controller, as well as MFI (Made for iPhone) as well as others available across both iOS and Android.
The devices will need to be connected via 5Ghz network or wired Ethernet to a host system (Mac or PC). However, so long as you tick that box, you’re good to go.
The app will launch in the week commencing May 21, with the Android app initially arriving in beta.
The end for Steam Machines?
Elsewhere, in today’s media release, the company announced a new Steam Video app is also slated for release on iOS and Android later this simmer.
The company says it allows “users to enjoy the thousands of movies and shows available on Steam directly via their Android and iOS devices over Wi-Fi or LTE. In direct response to customer feedback, it will offer the ability to enjoy content in offline and streaming modes.”
Related: When is the next Steam sale?
There’s not much in the way of detail, but the lunch of these apps effectively puts a Steam Machine within your iOS and Android mobile device or set-top box.
It remains to be seen whether Valve is turning its back on the Steam Machines in favour of focusing on devices everyone owns, but last month the company removed the listing for Steam Machines from its store.
This led to speculation the Linux-based platform was being abandoned, but the firm says is continuing its bid to get SteamOS into people’s homes.
The plot thickens.
Will you be rushing to play your Steam games on your iPhone or Android devices? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
