Want to play your favorite PC games without being tied to your desk? Now you can! Thanks to game streaming, you can enjoy those awesome PC titles on your phone or tablet. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or just relaxing on the couch, you can have a high-quality gaming experience right in your hands. Let’s explore some of the best ways to stream PC games to your Android or iOS device.
Level Up Your Mobile Gaming: Streaming PC Games to Android and iOS
Game streaming makes lets you enjoy high-quality gaming experiences on the go, without needing a powerful gaming rig in your pocket. Here are some of the best ways to stream PC games on your Android or iOS device.
Steam Link
Steam Link is a free app from Valve that lets you stream games from your Steam library to your mobile device. It’s a great option for those who already use Steam. It’s easy to set up and works well with a variety of controllers. Just make sure your PC and mobile device are on the same Wi-Fi network for the best experience.
Moonlight
Moonlight is an open-source app that uses NVIDIA GameStream technology to stream games from your PC to your mobile device. It’s a great option for those with NVIDIA graphics cards. Moonlight offers excellent performance and low latency, making it a great choice for serious gamers. It also supports a wide range of controllers and devices.
Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)
With Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can stream games from the cloud to your mobile device. This means you don’t even need a gaming PC! You can play a selection of Xbox Game Pass titles on your phone or tablet, with new games added regularly. An Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is required.
Remote Desktop Apps
Apps like Chrome Remote Desktop or Microsoft Remote Desktop allow you to control your PC remotely from your mobile device. While not specifically designed for gaming, these apps can be used to stream games in a pinch. However, they may not offer the same level of performance as dedicated game streaming apps.
Tips for the Best Streaming Experience
- Strong Wi-Fi Connection: A stable and fast Wi-Fi connection is crucial for smooth streaming.
- 5GHz Wi-Fi: If possible, use a 5GHz Wi-Fi network for better performance.
- Wired Connection (PC): Connect your PC to your router with an Ethernet cable for the most stable connection.
- Game Controller: Use a dedicated game controller for the best gaming experience. Many controllers can be connected to your mobile device via Bluetooth.
Comparing PC Game Streaming Methods
| Method | Requirements | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Link | Steam account, PC with Steam | Free, easy to use, supports various controllers | Limited to Steam games |
| Moonlight | NVIDIA graphics card, PC with GeForce Experience | Open-source, excellent performance, low latency | Requires NVIDIA graphics card |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription | No gaming PC required, growing library of games | Requires subscription, limited game selection |
| Remote Desktop Apps | PC with remote desktop enabled | Can be used for general PC access | May not be optimized for gaming |
With these options, you can enjoy your favorite PC games on your Android or iOS device wherever you go. Choose the method that best suits your needs and gaming preferences.
Playing PC Games on Mobile Devices
PC gamers can now enjoy their favorite titles on smartphones and tablets. Several apps enable streaming games from a desktop to mobile devices. Steam Link allows users to access their Steam library remotely. Moonlight offers a similar service for PCs with NVIDIA graphics cards. These apps work on both Android and iOS platforms.
Gamers need a strong Wi-Fi connection for smooth gameplay. Many wireless and Bluetooth controllers are compatible with mobile game streaming. Some apps even support touchscreen controls. This flexibility lets players enjoy PC games away from their desks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Streaming PC Games to Android Devices
Android users can stream PC games using apps like Moonlight or Steam Link. Install the chosen app on your Android device and PC. Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. Launch the app on your Android device and follow the setup instructions to connect to your PC.
Playing Steam Games on iOS
Yes, iOS users can play Steam games on their devices. Steam Link, available on the App Store, allows streaming from a PC to an iPhone or iPad. Download the app, connect your iOS device to the same network as your PC, and follow the in-app setup guide.
Top Apps for PC Game Streaming
Popular apps for streaming PC games to mobile devices include:
- Steam Link
- Moonlight
- Parsec
- Remotr
- AMD Link
Each app has unique features. Steam Link works well with Steam libraries, while Moonlight is ideal for Nvidia GPU users.
Using Steam Link for Mobile Game Streaming
To use Steam Link:
- Download Steam Link on your mobile device
- Install Steam on your PC
- Connect both devices to the same Wi-Fi network
- Open Steam Link and follow the pairing process
- Select your PC from the app
- Choose a game to start streaming
Streaming PC Games Without Owning a PC
Cloud gaming services allow streaming PC games without owning a PC. Options include:
- GeForce Now
- Google Stadia
- Xbox Cloud Gaming
These services run games on remote servers and stream them to your device.
Cross-Platform Multiplayer via Game Streaming
Many game streaming platforms support cross-platform multiplayer. Android and iOS users can play together if:
- The game supports cross-platform play
- Both users are streaming from compatible services
- The streaming service allows multiplayer functionality
Check the specific game and streaming service for cross-platform compatibility details.
