Has Steam Link been discontinued?

Has Steam Link Been Discontinued?

In recent years, the Steam Link, a device that allowed users to stream games from their PC to other devices, has been a topic of discussion among gamers. The device was first launched in 2015, and since then, there have been rumors and speculations about its discontinuation. In this article, we will delve into the current status of the Steam Link and answer the question: has Steam Link been discontinued?

Steam Link: A Brief Overview

The Steam Link is a device that allows users to stream games from their PC to other devices, such as TVs, computers, and mobile devices. It was first launched in 2015 and was designed to provide a seamless gaming experience for users. The device uses Wi-Fi or Ethernet connectivity to stream games from the user’s PC to other devices, and it supports a wide range of games, including PC games, Mac games, and Linux games.

Discontinuation of Steam Link Hardware

In November 2018, Valve, the company behind Steam, announced that it would no longer be manufacturing the Steam Link hardware device. This move was seen as a significant development in the gaming industry, as the Steam Link had been a popular device among gamers. However, the company assured users that the software-based Steam Link application would continue to be supported, allowing users to stream games from their PC to other devices.

Why Was Steam Link Discontinued?

The discontinuation of the Steam Link hardware device was likely due to several reasons. One reason was the rise of mobile gaming, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. With the advancement of mobile gaming technology, users can now play games on their mobile devices without the need for a separate device like the Steam Link.

Another reason for the discontinuation of the Steam Link was the shift towards cloud gaming. Cloud gaming allows users to play games on any device with an internet connection, without the need for a separate device like the Steam Link. This shift towards cloud gaming has made the Steam Link less relevant, as users can now access their games on any device with an internet connection.

Is Steam Link Still Supported?

Despite the discontinuation of the Steam Link hardware device, the software-based Steam Link application is still supported by Valve. The application allows users to stream games from their PC to other devices, and it continues to receive updates and support from the company.

How to Use Steam Link

To use the Steam Link, users need to follow these steps:

1. Turn on your PC: The first step is to turn on your PC and make sure that it is connected to the same network as your streaming device.
2. Launch Steam: The next step is to launch Steam on your PC and log in to your account.
3. Connect to the Steam Link app: The Steam Link app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store. Once you have downloaded the app, launch it and connect to the same network as your PC.
4. Stream games: Once you have connected to the Steam Link app, you can start streaming games from your PC to your streaming device.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Steam Link has been discontinued, but the software-based Steam Link application is still supported by Valve. The discontinuation of the Steam Link hardware device was likely due to the rise of mobile gaming and the shift towards cloud gaming. However, the Steam Link app continues to be a popular option for users who want to stream games from their PC to other devices.

Table: Comparison of Steam Link and Cloud Gaming

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Steam Link has been discontinued, but the software-based Steam Link application is still supported by Valve. The discontinuation of the Steam Link hardware device was likely due to the rise of mobile gaming and the shift towards cloud gaming. However, the Steam Link app continues to be a popular option for users who want to stream games from their PC to other devices.