Steam games run locally on Windows PCs, compatible Macs, Linux computers, Steam Deck, and other compatible gaming handhelds. Phones, tablets, TVs, Raspberry Pi devices, and supported VR headsets can usually play them through Steam Link—but in that case, a separate computer runs the game and streams it to the other device.
The short answer
There are three different ways to use Steam:
- Run games locally: Steam and the game run on the device itself.
- Stream games with Steam Link: A host PC runs the game while another device receives the video and sends input back.
- Use Remote Play Together: Other players join a supported local-multiplayer game that is running on one player’s computer.
For local Steam gaming, the safest choices are a Windows PC, a compatible Mac or Linux computer, Steam Deck, or another compatible PC gaming handheld. For sofa, mobile, or TV play, Steam Link can turn a phone, tablet, television, Raspberry Pi, another computer, or supported VR headset into a streaming screen. Valve’s Remote Play page lists the supported destinations and explains how the system works.
Steam compatibility at a glance
| Device | Runs Steam games locally? | Steam Link streaming? | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows PC or laptop | Yes | Yes | Each game still has its own hardware and software requirements. |
| Mac | Yes, for compatible games | Yes | Many Steam games are Windows-only; macOS and Mac architecture matter. |
| Linux PC | Yes, for compatible games | Yes | Native Linux support and Proton compatibility vary by game. |
| Steam Deck | Yes | Yes | Not every game works perfectly; performance, controls, launchers, and anti-cheat matter. |
| Windows gaming handheld | Yes | Yes | Performance, battery life, thermals, and controls vary by model. |
| Linux or SteamOS handheld | Yes, for compatible games | Yes | Linux and Proton compatibility remains game-specific. |
| iPhone or iPad | Usually no for PC games | Yes | Requires a host PC running Steam. |
| Android phone, tablet, or TV | Usually no for PC games | Yes, where supported | App and controller availability vary. |
| Apple TV | No for PC games | Yes | It is a streaming endpoint, not a PC gaming computer. |
| Amazon Fire TV | No for PC games | Yes, where supported | Requires a compatible Steam Link app and host PC. |
| Raspberry Pi | Not generally for demanding PC games | Yes, on supported models | Usually receives a stream from a computer. |
| Meta Quest headset | Not generally as a standalone PC Steam device | Yes, for supported setups | Requires a suitable computer and network for PC VR streaming. |
| PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch | No standard Steam client | Not listed as ordinary Steam Link destinations | Console versions and Steam purchases are separate unless a publisher provides a specific cross-buy arrangement. |
| Chromebook | Sometimes, depending on model and configuration | Often possible through Steam Link | ChromeOS, Linux support, processor architecture, storage, and game compatibility vary substantially. |
Devices that run Steam games locally
Windows PCs and laptops
Windows is the broadest-compatibility Steam platform. You can install the Steam client from Valve’s official Steam page, sign in, install games, and run them on the computer.
However, “Steam runs on Windows” does not mean every Steam game will run well. Check the individual game page for its CPU, GPU, RAM, storage, and Windows requirements. Some titles also require a separate launcher, particular anti-cheat software, or specialist peripherals.
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Mac computers
Steam can be installed on macOS, but compatibility is determined by the game. Some titles provide a Mac version, while others support Windows only. Older Mac games may also depend on technologies or architectures that newer versions of macOS no longer support.
Apple-silicon and Intel Macs can have different compatibility considerations. Before buying, open the game’s Steam store page and check its operating-system icons and system requirements. The general Steam download page is not a guarantee that a particular game supports macOS.
Linux PCs
Linux is a legitimate Steam platform, but the catalog is not universally compatible. Games may use a native Linux build or run through Valve’s Proton compatibility layer.
A title can install successfully and still fail because of anti-cheat, a third-party launcher, DRM, unsupported codecs, middleware, or another technical dependency. “Steam works on Linux” and “every Steam game works on Linux” are very different claims.
Steam Deck
Steam Deck is designed for locally installed Steam games through SteamOS. Games are downloaded to the Deck and run on its own hardware, rather than being streamed by default.
Compatibility is not universal. Valve’s Steam Deck compatibility information uses labels that help indicate whether a game is Verified, Playable, Unsupported, or otherwise untested. Treat those labels as a starting point, not a promise of a perfect experience. A game may be technically playable while having small text, awkward launcher steps, limited controller support, anti-cheat problems, or performance compromises.
Storage is also important, particularly for large games. Internal storage and microSD-card performance affect installation and loading. Battery life varies substantially with the game, frame rate, display settings, and power profile. A Deck can also stream games from another PC using Steam Link or Remote Play.
Other gaming handhelds
Windows handhelds can install the Windows Steam client and run compatible Windows games. Linux- or SteamOS-based handhelds depend on native Linux support and Proton in much the same way as a Linux desktop or Steam Deck.
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Devices that play Steam through Steam Link
Steam Link does not install the PC version of a game on the receiving device. Instead, it sends video and audio from a computer running Steam and sends controller or keyboard input back to that computer. This allows a low-powered device to display demanding games, but it does not remove the host computer’s game requirements.
Phones and tablets
Valve lists iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets as Steam Link destinations. To use one:
- Install Steam Link from the device’s official app store.
- Open Steam on the host computer.
- Sign in and follow the pairing process.
- Select the host computer and enter the pairing code if requested.
- Run the network test.
- Connect a compatible controller, or use touch controls where suitable.
- Choose a game and start streaming.
The phone or tablet normally does not run the PC game locally. The host computer must be powered on, connected, and capable of running the title. Touch controls can work for some games but are a poor fit for many action, strategy, and first-person games; a Bluetooth or wired controller is often better.
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TVs and streaming devices
Steam Link can be used on supported Android TV devices, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and other compatible setups listed by Valve. You can also connect another computer to a television and use that computer as the receiving device.
Do not assume every smart TV supports Steam Link. Availability depends on the television’s operating system, model, age, region, and app support. A TV by itself is not a substitute for the host PC.
Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire TV
Apple TV can receive a Steam Link stream from a separate computer running Steam. Android TV and Amazon Fire TV can do the same where the app is available and compatible. Check the local app store, controller support, and network requirements before buying a device specifically for this purpose.
Raspberry Pi
Valve lists Raspberry Pi 3, 3+, 4, and 5 as Steam Link destinations. In this use case, the Raspberry Pi generally receives a stream from the host computer rather than running demanding PC games itself.
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There are two separate possibilities:
- PC VR: A VR-capable computer runs SteamVR and the game locally.
- Wireless streaming: A supported headset receives the SteamVR stream from a computer.
Valve’s Remote Play page lists Meta Quest 2, Quest 3, and Quest Pro as supported Steam Link destinations. The configuration shown by Valve includes a computer running Steam and SteamVR, Windows 10 or newer, an NVIDIA GTX 970 or better as the listed GPU example, a 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 router, a wired PC-to-router connection, and a supported Quest headset. These requirements are configuration-specific and may change as software and hardware support evolves.
How to set up Steam Link
- Install Steam Link on the receiving device.
- Install and open Steam on the host computer.
- Sign in to the same Steam account, or follow the pairing instructions shown in Steam Link.
- Select the host computer when it appears.
- Enter the pairing code if prompted.
- Run the network test.
- Connect a controller to the receiving device or host as appropriate.
- Select a game from the library.
- Start streaming.
If the image stutters or input feels delayed, first connect the host PC to the router with Ethernet. Then try 5 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet on the receiving device, reduce stream resolution or bandwidth, disable unnecessary TV picture processing, and test with a wired controller. Local-home-network streaming is normally easier than streaming over the internet.
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What each game still requires
Device compatibility is only the first check. For every game, verify:
- Operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, or a compatibility layer such as Proton.
- Hardware: CPU, GPU, RAM, display resolution, and storage requirements.
- Input: Keyboard and mouse, controller, touchscreen, or VR equipment.
- Anti-cheat and launchers: These can prevent a game from working on Linux, Steam Deck, or a streamed setup.
- VR requirements: A VR-ready computer, headset, tracking hardware, and compatible game may all be required.
- Steam Deck status: Verified or Playable does not guarantee ideal text size, performance, controls, or launcher behavior.
- Storage: Handhelds and smaller computers may need an internal upgrade or compatible microSD card.
Steam Link, Remote Play Together, and cloud gaming are different
Steam Link streams a game from your own computer to another device.
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Remote Play Together is a multiplayer feature for supported local-multiplayer games. One player’s computer runs the game, then invites other players to join remotely. Valve says ordinary conditions can support up to four additional players, with more possible depending on connection quality; that is not a universal guarantee for every game or network.
Cloud gaming runs games on a provider’s servers. It is not the same as Steam Link, which uses your own host PC. Cloud services have their own game support, account-linking rules, pricing, and restrictions.
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PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch
PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch are not standard Steam-client platforms. Steam’s official Remote Play destination list does not include them.
A game being available on both Steam and a console does not transfer ownership automatically. You normally need the console version from that platform’s store. Cross-play, cross-save, and cross-buy are publisher- and game-specific, so none should be assumed.
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- 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.
Chromebooks
Chromebook support requires particular care. Depending on the model and configuration, possible routes include a device-specific Steam-on-Chromebook experience, Linux support on ChromeOS, or Steam Link streaming from another computer.
There is no universal Chromebook answer. Processor architecture, storage, ChromeOS support, Linux availability, and the game itself all matter. Steam Link is usually the simpler route when a capable host PC is already available.
Internet and network requirements
For native play, internet is mainly needed to download games, authenticate, receive updates, use cloud saves, and access online features. Some games may work offline after setup, but offline behavior depends on Steam’s offline mode, the game’s DRM, launchers, multiplayer requirements, and account state.
For Steam Link, the host PC must be running Steam and the receiving device must maintain a suitable connection. A wired host connection is preferable. A modern 5 GHz Wi-Fi network is a sensible local-streaming baseline, but latency, interference, distance, router quality, congestion, upload speed, and the host computer’s video encoding performance all affect the result. Remote streaming over the internet is more demanding than streaming within the same home.
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Choosing the right option
- Choose a Windows PC for the broadest compatibility, mods, competitive games, specialist peripherals, VR, and upgradeability.
- Choose a Mac if you already own a compatible one and your target games explicitly support macOS.
- Choose Linux or SteamOS if you value an open platform or console-like interface and are willing to check Proton, anti-cheat, launcher, and game compatibility.
- Choose Steam Deck or another handheld for portable, integrated Steam gaming and a console-like experience, accepting lower performance and game-specific limitations.
- Choose Steam Link if you already own a capable gaming PC and want to play from a sofa, phone, tablet, or TV without buying another gaming computer.
- Choose a suitable PC VR or Quest streaming setup for SteamVR, provided the computer, headset, router, and game meet the requirements.
Common problems and fixes
“The device supports Steam, but my game will not run.”
The game may lack a build for the operating system, fail under Proton, be blocked by anti-cheat, depend on a broken third-party launcher, require unsupported middleware, or exceed the device’s CPU or GPU capability. Check the game’s own requirements and current compatibility notes rather than relying only on the device’s general Steam support.
“Steam Link connects, but the game is unplayable.”
- Test on the same home network.
- Connect the host PC to Ethernet.
- Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet for the receiving device.
- Reduce stream resolution and bandwidth.
- Disable unnecessary TV picture processing.
- Test with a wired controller.
- Restart Steam Link and Steam.
- Check whether the game supports the selected input method.
Some games also feel worse when streamed because they require precise mouse input or very low latency.
“Can I install the Steam game directly on my phone?”
Usually not for the PC version. Steam Link displays a game running on a computer. A separately released mobile version is a different product and may not be included with a Steam purchase.
“Can I move my Steam purchase to a console?”
Usually not automatically. Cross-buy, cross-save, and cross-play depend on the specific publisher and game.
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For full local Steam gaming, buy or use a Windows PC, compatible Mac or Linux computer, Steam Deck, or another compatible handheld. For phones, tablets, TVs, Raspberry Pi devices, and supported VR headsets, Steam Link is the practical option—but it requires a separate host PC running Steam. Always check the individual game’s operating-system, hardware, controller, VR, anti-cheat, and compatibility requirements before assuming it will work.
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