Yes—but the right answer depends on what you mean by “console.” A Steam Deck can run compatible Steam games directly as a handheld. Steam Link can stream a game from a computer running Steam to a supported TV or other device. Valve’s published Steam Link client list does not include Xbox or PlayStation.
Which kind of console experience do you want?
There are two practical ways to play a Steam library away from a conventional desktop setup: run games on a SteamOS handheld, or stream them from a PC to another device. The difference is whether the game runs on the device in your hands or on a separate host computer.
| Route | Where the game runs | What you need | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck | On the handheld | A Steam account and an installed game | That game’s Steam Deck compatibility, performance, and controls |
| Steam Link | On a computer running Steam | A host PC, a supported Steam Link client, and a network connection | App availability for your exact device, host availability, network quality, and controls |
| Xbox or PlayStation | Not identified as a Valve-supported Steam Link client | Do not assume native Steam support | Check each platform’s current official software support |
Can a Steam Deck play your Steam games directly?
Yes. Steam Deck is Valve’s official SteamOS handheld, and SteamOS provides access to the Steam ecosystem. Valve describes SteamOS as “Valve’s Linux-based operating system” and says it plays “tens of thousands of games on Steam.” That broad product-page description is Valve’s characterization, not an independently measured or dated compatibility count. Valve’s SteamOS page
Compatibility is specific to each game. Valve’s Steam Deck Verified program indicates how well games work on the device; do not assume that every title in your library runs equally well. Check the status of the particular games you want to play before choosing this route. SteamOS also has desktop access, so the Deck is a console-style handheld PC rather than a conventional console. Valve’s SteamOS page
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 1280 x 800 HDR OLED display with premium anti-glare etched glass, 7.4" Diagonal display size up to 90Hz refresh rate
- Wi-Fi 6E
- 50Whr battery; 3-12 hours of gameplay (content-dependent)
- Carrying case with removable liner
Can Steam Link stream Steam games to a TV?
Yes, if you have a computer running Steam to host the game and a supported client device. Valve’s instruction is to “Use Steam Link to connect your device to a computer that’s running Steam.” The host PC runs the game and sends its video and audio to the client; your input travels back to the host. The client displays a stream—it does not run the game locally. Valve Steam Remote Play
Valve lists Steam Link clients for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, as well as mobile devices, computers, and Meta Quest headsets. Availability can depend on the exact device, so confirm that Steam Link is currently available for yours. You also need the host computer to be available and a network connection suitable for streaming; Valve’s cited page does not specify a universal speed threshold. Valve Steam Remote Play
Rank #2
- International (UK) Version
- 7.4” diagonal, HDR OLED, 1280 x 800 x RGB, up to 90Hz Refresh rate, High performance touch, <0.1 ms Response time, 1,000 nits peak brightness (HDR), 600 nits (SDR)
- SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)
- 512GB NVMe SSD, 16GB LPDDR5 on-board RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels), microSD UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC
- 6 nm AMD APU, CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32
What about Xbox and PlayStation?
Valve’s published Steam Link client list does not include Xbox or PlayStation. That means you should not assume either console supports Steam Link as a Valve-listed client or runs Steam games natively. The list establishes Valve’s documented support, not that every unofficial workaround is impossible or that platform support could never change.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Valve is entering the gaming console marketplace with the new Steam Deck, a console geared towards PC gamers. The Steam Deck can be docked to a monitor, and used as a PC, or docked to a TV.
- Players can play a huge variety of games at any time with the comfort of a console and the freedom of a PC. Not anti-glare screen.
- Like the name suggests, the Steam Deck will include upgraded 1TB storage, and will include a carrying case. A micro SD slot will also enable expanded storage.
- Valve partnered with AMD to create a specialized APU optimized for handheld gaming, and Valve says the chip will deliver performance to run AAA gaming titles.
- The Steam Deck is outfitted with a 7-inch touchscreen, and two trackpads under the control sticks that allow gamers to operate games never designed outside of mouse and keyboard capabilities.
How to choose between direct play and streaming
- Choose Steam Deck if you want a portable device that runs compatible games itself. Check each game’s Verified status and how it handles on-device controls.
- Choose Steam Link if you already have a gaming PC and want to play on a supported TV or other client. Confirm the app works on that exact device and consider whether the host PC and network will be available when you play.
- Do not treat Xbox or PlayStation as confirmed Steam options. Check current official support for the console rather than inferring compatibility from Steam Link’s support for other devices.
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