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Connect the gaming PC to the TV with an HDMI cable, connect a compatible controller to the PC, select the TV as the display, then launch the game. For Steam games, Big Picture provides an interface designed for TV and controller use. If running a cable is impractical, Steam Link can stream from the PC to a supported TV or streaming device over your home network.
Option 1: Connect the PC directly to the TV with HDMI
Direct HDMI is the simplest setup when the PC is near the TV or you can run a cable between them. The PC renders the game and sends its video and audio to the TV; this route does not depend on network streaming. Valve specifically recommends connecting a laptop or dedicated PC to a TV with HDMI for Steam Big Picture. Valve’s Big Picture overview describes the interface as redesigned for TV and game-controller use.
- Connect an HDMI output on the PC to an HDMI input on the TV. Check that both devices have compatible ports and that the cable reaches comfortably.
- Use the TV remote to select the HDMI input you used. In the PC’s display settings, choose whether to mirror the computer display, extend it, or use the TV as the active display. The exact settings path depends on your operating system.
- Connect or pair the controller with the PC. Valve’s examples include Xbox 360 wireless for Windows, wired Xbox One or Xbox 360 controllers, and the Logitech Wireless Gamepad F710; these are examples, not a complete or current compatibility list.
- Open Steam, enter Big Picture mode, and launch the game. If the game is not in Steam, support depends on the game, its launcher, and your controller configuration.
Option 2: Stream the game to a TV device with Steam Link
Use Steam Link when the PC is in another room and the TV or an attached device supports the app. The gaming PC runs Steam and the game; the TV-side Steam Link client receives the stream and sends controller input back to the PC. Valve lists clients including Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Raspberry Pi on its Remote Play page. Check the target device’s current app listing because availability can depend on device and app-store support.
- Confirm that the TV itself or a connected streaming device supports Steam Link.
- Run Steam on the gaming PC, then install and open Steam Link on the TV-side device.
- Connect the PC and the Steam Link device to your home network. For Apple TV, Apple requires the Apple TV and Steam computer to be on the same local network. Apple recommends connecting both to the router over Ethernet for best performance; see the Steam Link listing for Apple TV.
- Pair a compatible controller with the device running Steam Link. Apple lists compatible PlayStation, Xbox, or MFi controllers for its Apple TV app.
- Follow the on-screen pairing and connection prompts, then launch the game through Steam Link.
Using NVIDIA SHIELD
If your TV-side device is NVIDIA SHIELD, follow NVIDIA’s SHIELD Steam Link setup guide for host and app configuration. The guide also covers hardware optimization, fast decoding, and a 4K resolution setting. NVIDIA recommends enabling the TV’s Game Mode to reduce latency. Its guide, updated August 4, 2025, says Game Mode can reduce latency “up to 500ms”; that is NVIDIA’s claim, not a guaranteed result for every TV or setup.
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Quick Recap
SaleBestseller No. 1
Best Value
Sale
XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller | Shock Blue
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Rank #4
GameSir G7 Pro Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Wireless Gamepad for PC&Android with TMR Sticks, Hall Effect Analog Triggers, 1000Hz Polling Rate, 3.5mm Audio Jack - Black
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
Rank #3
Sale
ManbaOne Interactive Screen Wireless Gaming Controller (Black)
- Supported Multi-Platform:Switch/Switch 2 (NO support wake-up function)/iOS/Android/Windows PC (Notice:Not compatible with Xbox, PlayStation or GeForce Now, For game platforms not mentioned, please consult customer service before buying）
- Connection modes:Wired/Bluetooth/Wireless Dongle(Connect to PC via Bluetooth : Select iOS (phone) mode, but it's not recommended; Dongle is more stable)
- 【Innovative Intelligent Interactive Screen】Manba One V2 wireless game controllers create a new era of controller screens; Equipped with a 2-inch display, no App & software needed, you can set the pc controller directly through the screen visualization, More convenient operation
- 【Micro Switch Button】Manba One wireless controller has Micro Switch Button and ALPS Bumper; The 6-axis gyroscope function makes switch games more immersive
- 【Customize Your Own Controller】The intelligent interactive screen allows you to easily set vibrations, buttons, joysticks,lights, etc., without the need for complex key combinations; 4 configurations can be saved to unlock your own gameplay for different games; The 4 back keys support macro definition settings, and you can activate the set character's ultimate move with one click
Rank #2
EasySMX X05Pro Wireless Gaming Controller for PC, Switch, Android/iOS
- Universal Multi-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Windows PC, Switch/Switch 2, Android, and iOS via USB-C, 2.4G wireless (1000Hz), or Bluetooth (125Hz). Note: Not compatible with X-box, Play-Station, Luna, or GeForce
- Ultra-Quiet Silent Gaming: Silicone-damped buttons for whisper-quiet operation. Perfect for late-night gaming without disturbing family or roommates. All buttons redesigned for silent play—ABXY, D-pad, triggers, and function keys
- Hall Effect Precision Technology: Drift-free 11-bit Hall Effect joysticks with 1000Hz polling rate in wired/2.4G modes for ultra-fast competitive response. Bluetooth mode offers 125Hz for mobile gaming. Long-lasting durability guaranteed
- Advanced Trigger & Programmability: Dual-stage adjustable triggers with 2+2 rumble motors for realistic feedback. Two top-mounted programmable buttons avoid accidental presses—solving common back-paddle issues for competitive advantage
- Ergonomic Comfort & Endurance: Sweat-resistant silicone grip for marathon sessions. 1000mAh rechargeable battery for extended play. Upgraded 8-way D-pad with dome switches delivers precise diagonal control for fighting and retro games
#1 Best Overall
Sale
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)
- Compatible with Windows and Android.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
- Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
- Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
- Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.
Which setup should you choose?
| Situation | Good starting point | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| The PC is near the TV, or you can run a cable | Direct HDMI | Requires a physical cable, but avoids network streaming in the display path. |
| The PC is in another room and the TV or attached device supports Steam Link | Steam Link over your home network | Avoids a long video cable, but depends on the host, client, app support, and network quality. |
| Streaming feels sluggish | Try Ethernet where possible and enable TV Game Mode if available | Apple recommends Ethernet for Apple TV Steam Link; NVIDIA recommends Game Mode for SHIELD. Results vary by setup. |
| The game is outside Steam | Try launching it directly and check its controller support; for SHIELD streaming, NVIDIA documents adding a non-Steam game to Steam | Compatibility and controller behavior can vary by game and configuration. |
Controller and compatibility checks
- Connect the controller to the device that needs to receive its input. For direct HDMI, that is usually the PC. For Steam Link, pair it with the TV-side device running the app.
- Check the game’s own controller support. A controller working with Steam or a streaming device does not guarantee that every game or launcher will recognize it the same way.
- Verify the exact TV-side device. Steam Link availability and supported controllers can change, so check the current listing for your device before relying on a particular setup.
- For Apple TV streaming, keep both devices on the same local network. Ethernet is Apple’s performance recommendation, not a requirement for the direct HDMI method.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
