You need a gaming PC running the game, host software on that PC, a streaming app on your Android phone or tablet, and a connection between the two. A controller is optional. Start with both devices on the same home network: Steam Link is the simplest route if you already use Steam, while Moonlight paired with Sunshine is an alternative for games from different stores and PCs with any GPU.
What you need to stream PC games to Android
The game runs on your PC; your Android device receives the video and audio stream and sends your controls back to the PC. The phone or tablet is a client, not the machine doing the game rendering. Moonlight describes streaming games, programs, or the full desktop from a PC, with Android input sent back to that computer.
- A gaming PC: It must be powered on and able to run the game you want to play.
- A host app: Use Steam for Steam Link, or Sunshine for Moonlight. Moonlight also documents NVIDIA GeForce Experience as a host option for NVIDIA systems.
- An Android client app: Install Steam Link or Moonlight on the phone or tablet.
- A network connection: For first-time setup, put the PC and Android device on the same home network.
- An input method: Touch, keyboard and mouse, or a compatible controller, depending on the game and app.
Choose a streaming setup
| Option | PC host | Useful distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Link | Steam running on the PC | A straightforward choice if your games are managed through Steam. Valve lists Android 5.0 or newer as the app requirement. Valve’s Steam Link for Android support page has its equipment and controller details. |
| Moonlight with Sunshine | Sunshine, which Moonlight’s Android listing identifies as compatible with all GPUs | Moonlight’s listing says it can stream games from any store. Pair the Android app with the PC host. Moonlight’s project site links to setup guidance. |
| Moonlight with GeForce Experience | GeForce Experience; NVIDIA-only | An option for supported NVIDIA hosts. Check current host-app availability and setup guidance before relying on it. |
Set up Steam Link on your home network
- Turn on the PC, launch Steam, and sign in.
- Connect the Android device and PC to the same home network. Valve lists a 5 GHz wireless router in its stated equipment.
- Install Steam Link for Android and follow the app’s pairing prompts.
- Connect a controller if you want one, then test a game.
Valve lists the Steam Controller, Microsoft Xbox One S Controller, Sony DualShock 4 on Android 9.0 or newer, Razer Kishi, and Raiju Mobile as supported input devices. Other devices may work without official support, so compatibility is not guaranteed just because a controller connects to Android.
Set up Moonlight with Sunshine
- Install Sunshine on the PC and complete its initial setup in the Sunshine Web UI.
- Install Moonlight on Android and connect the phone or tablet and PC to the same network.
- In Moonlight, select the detected host. Enter the displayed PIN in the Sunshine Web UI to pair the devices.
- Test a game. If it is missing from the app list, add it manually; Sunshine also provides Steam and a desktop entry, according to the Moonlight setup guide.
Pair locally before attempting to stream over the Internet. Remote play can require network configuration: Moonlight documents Sunshine’s built-in UPnP option, manual port forwarding if automatic setup does not work, and mesh-network alternatives. Public or corporate Wi-Fi may block the traffic, and router, ISP, and client-network conditions can affect the method that works. Remote setup is not guaranteed to be plug-and-play.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Use a network suited to streaming
Moonlight recommends connecting the Android client over 5 GHz Wi-Fi and wiring the PC to the router with Ethernet. These are recommendations, not a promise of a particular speed increase. The app states that performance varies with the client device and network setup; the available guidance does not establish a universal minimum Internet speed, latency target, router class, or guaranteed frame rate.
- Start with both devices on the same network and test a game before adding remote-play configuration.
- If the stream stutters, lower resolution or bitrate and test again.
- Compare Wi-Fi bands or connect the PC to the router by Ethernet, changing one factor at a time so you can identify what helps.
Moonlight’s Android listing advertises streaming capability up to 4K at 120 FPS with HDR and 7.1 surround sound. That is an advertised ceiling, not a prediction for every phone, PC, game, or network. HDR requires an HDR10-capable client, a GPU that can encode HEVC Main 10, and an HDR10-enabled game. For games using DXGI/OS HDR, an HDR display must also be connected to the host PC. The listing also says local co-op supports up to 16 connected controllers, or 4 with GeForce Experience.
Rank #2
- RGB Cool Lightning Bolt & Long Battery Life: Switch controller with lightening bolt style and 9-color LED looks really cool; 4 light modes: solid lights, breathing lights, RGB strobe led light and led off; Fully charged: 3-4 hours, Runtime: 10-15 hours
- Widly Compatible & One-key Pairing/Wake Up: The switch pro controller is compatible with Switch/Lite/OLED/PC Windows 7/8/10 (only wrok for pc under wired connection); 2 pairing ways; Support one key to wake up your switch console
- Programmable Button & 3 Speeds Turbo: Switch controllers has simplify complex skill operations with M1/M2 key; Support single and multiple mapping; 3 adjustable burst: 5 shots/s, 12 shots/s and 20 shots/s; Programming and Turbo will maximize game play
- Sensitive Motion Control & 4-Level Nice Vibration: 6-axis gyro sensor help you react quickly, enhance experience in sports games; Buttons and joysticks are responsive, no lag; Dual vibration motors with 4-level feedback: Strong, Medium, Weak and None
- Great Gift For All People: This cool switch controller will be great gifts for women, men, girl, boy, family and friends; Packing list: 1 X Wireless switch controller, 1 X Type-C cable, 1 X Detailed user manual, 1 X Cool gift box
Choose an input method and check compatibility
A controller is optional; use one if it suits the game and is compatible with your Android device and streaming app. Moonlight lists PlayStation 3, 4, and 5 controllers; Xbox 360, One, and Series controllers; and Android gamepads. It also documents force feedback and gamepad motion sensors on Android 12 or later. Support varies by app, controller, Android version, connection, and game.
Moonlight says keyboard and mouse support is best with Android 8.0 or later. It also documents holding Start on a controller to emulate mouse movement, which can help with desktop menus when you do not have a mouse handy.
Rank #3
- 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.
Older Sunshine networking note
A LizardByte PDF for Sunshine v0.21.0 says Moonlight Internet Hosting Tool versions before 5.6 can conflict with Sunshine’s UPnP support and that the tool is not required with Sunshine. Because this is version-specific guidance, use the current Moonlight setup guide for present-day steps rather than assuming the older PDF describes current software behavior.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- WIDE SCREEN COMPATIBILITY — PHONE TO TABLET: X5 Lite is a versatile phone controller that stretches up to 213mm to fit iPhone 15/16, most Android phones, iPad mini 6/7, and compatible Android tablets. Secure Type-C connection keeps gameplay stable and responsive.
- MOBILE, CLOUD & REMOTE GAMING: Play supported mobile games like Zenless Zone Zero, or stream console and PC games through Xbox Game Pass, Steam Link, Moonlight, and remote play. Enjoy physical controls wherever you play.
- HALL EFFECT STICKS — PRECISE CONTROL: GameSir Hall Effect sensing sticks deliver smooth 360° control for accurate aiming, movement, and camera adjustments. Built for fast-paced mobile games and streamed console or PC titles.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & ERGONOMIC — 135.4G: At just 135.4g, X5 Lite stays lightweight during extended gaming. Ergonomic, laser-engraved textured grips provide a secure, comfortable hold at home or on the go.
- CUSHIONED MEMBRANE CONTROLS — COMFORTABLE & QUIETER: Cushioned membrane buttons and triggers provide comfortable feedback for repeated inputs while keeping operation quieter. Ideal for extended sessions or gaming in shared spaces.
Rank #4
- TMR Joysticks - Offering higher sensitivity, greater precision, and enhanced durability.
- 8BitDo Exclusive Wireless Technology - “8Speed”, it delivers an exceptionally stable 2.4G connection with ultra-low latency under 1ms. Engineered for rock-solid reliability, it features strong anti-interference and a 10m range with virtually no lag.
- Trigger Mode Switch - Easily switch between linear Hall Effect triggers and non-linear tactile triggers for optimal control across different gaming scenarios.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection). Customizable 6-Axis Motion Control. Turbo function. Rumble vibration. Support 8BitDo Ultimate Software V2.
- 2 Pro back paddle buttons, extra R4/L4 bumpers, and tactile bumpers & D-pad for enhanced control and faster response. Includes a multifunctional charging dock and USB-C adapter for seamless connectivity.
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.
