Wanna play your PC games on the big screen? Windows, macOS, and Linux computers work like quasi-game consoles with that huge library of games. It’s even better because console controllers are compatible with desktops.
Unfortunately, you’ll often have a problem with your PC being in one room while your TV is in another. HDMI cables aren’t practical between rooms. Play games on your TV over your home network by streaming them from your computer.
Let’s look at how to stream PC games to your TV.
Stream from PC to TV anywhere
Your computer can stream video games to your TV in four ways:
- Wireless HDMI and Miracast
- Chromecast games to TV
- Steam Link box for Raspberry Pi to stream PC games
- Play PC games on your TV or set-top box
The list is ranked from most effective to least effective. So Miracast doesn’t have as much responsiveness as Nvidia GameStream or Steam remote play, but it will let you stream games to your TV.
1. Wireless HDMI and Miracast let you play games on TV
With desktop operating systems, there are several wireless HDMI systems available. You can send video and audio between two devices via wireless HDMI, which makes these technologies possible.
WiDi and AMD Wireless Display were early wireless HDMI devices. Miracast replaced them. Wireless connections are made with Miracast. By connecting a compatible dongle to your PC or laptop, you can stream games to your TV. Miracast is also supported by several smart TVs. In other words, you might not even need a Miracast dongle to stream games to your TV. Under $100 is usually the cost of a dongle.
2. Chromecast PC games to TV
Chromecast lets you cast your desktop to your TV. Including games, you can cast anything from your computer to your TV.
You’ll need Chrome on your PC to use this. Here’s where you use your Chromecast account. Here’s how:
- Turn on the TV
- Connect the Chromecast to the HDMI input
- Load Chrome on your computer and make sure you’re signed in
- Make sure the browser window is minimized
- Start your TV game and cast it
- Open the menu again in Chrome
- Choose a cast
- The Sources dropdown should be set to Desktop in the pop-up box
- Cast from your Chromecast device by clicking the name
- To disconnect, click Cast in your browser.
Because Google Chrome runs on any computer, this method works. There are some flaws, though.
Despite how effortless it is to cast games from a laptop to a TV, there’s a lot of lag. The Chromecast Ultra connected to Ethernet even lags when casting a mouse-driven strategy game over 5GHz wireless. Having Chrome open while gaming isn’t ideal, especially if you have a low-spec computer, because Chrome uses so much RAM by itself. Playing games with Chromecast isn’t very effective.
3. Play PC games on your TV with Steam Link
You can stream PC games to a TV or other device using Steam Link, a product of the massively popular gaming distribution platform Steam.
With Steam Link, you can stream every game in Steam’s library. For Steam Link, follow these steps:
- Get Steam on your PC and start playing.
- Click Settings on Steam
- Check Enable Remote Play when you’re selecting Remote Play
The Steam desktop app will now pair with a Steam Link-compatible device. Is there a device you’re going to use? Here’s the tricky part. Stream PC games to your smart TV with Steam Link if you own a Samsung or Sony Smart TV. Steam Link lets NVIDIA Shield TV owners play PC games. NVIDIA GameStream isn’t available anymore, so they can’t do anything.
Is there a way to do this without these devices? You can stream PC games with an affordable Raspberry Pi. Dedicated Steam Link boxes for under $50 are available for single-board computers. Steam Link is another option. It’s a shame they’re gone.
As soon as you’ve set it up, you have to pair it with your PC. You’ll need to:
- To pair your Steam Link, go to Steam > Settings > Remote Play
- Navigate to Settings > Computer on the remote device
- If it doesn’t show up, use Rescan.
- Tap Start Playing on the Steam Link page
- On your PC, enter the PIN displayed on the remote device
- Afterward, Steam games will work on your TV once the connection is made
Your Steam Link needs a game controller. Connect your Steam Link box with an Ethernet cable to your router for best results.
4. Your TV can play Steam Remote Play
Are you wondering how to play Steam games on your TV? Apple TV and Android TV are great for casting PC games to your Smart TV.
The Steam Link app is available on some Smart TVs like Sony and Samsung. For TVs that don’t support Steam Link, you can use Apple TV. A Raspberry Pi can also run Android TV if that’s out of your budget. To set up Steam for streaming, follow the steps in the previous section. Steam Link needs to be installed on your Smart TV, Apple TV or Android TV box.
Cast steam games to your TV and play them. You’re ready to play now that your Bluetooth game controller is paired to your PC.
Streaming PC games to TV: What’s the best way?
We’d say Steam is the best option for streaming or casting PC games to your TV. You’ll want to try this method if you’re on a budget and have an Apple TV, Android TV, or Smart TV.
Build your own Steam Link box with Raspberry Pi if you want full control over your hardware. It’s good to watch games on Miracast and Chromecast, but they lag when you play. Additionally, these devices won’t cast Steam games reliably to your TV.
