I don't use Steam but this looked like something some Steam users might be interested in?? I have no idea if it's a worthwhile device or not but passing the info on just the same.

Article -
Farewell to the Steam Link, the best wireless HDMI gadget ever made (update: it’s $2.50)
One last chance to get it for $2.50 (plus shipping)

https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2018/11/19/18103672/valve-discontinues-steam-link-streaming-set-top-box

I got one last year for my dad for Christmas. He wasn't keen on it. Its just a HDMI cable.

We wanted it to use non-Steam related things on (to save running a HDMI cable round the room.) You need to have Steam installed on the PC, the PC turned on and Steam running, and allow streaming in your account options. Then it will always load Big Picture mode up as default and you have will to minimize that.

As well as that it also maps certain buttons to Steam even when your playing a non-Steam game over it. (It took me ages to figure out why the menu in game wasn't appearing eventually I figured out its cause of the Link.)

Even for $2.50 (shipping is something like $10 I think) is still way too much for it. You'd be better off getting a long HDMI lead and just running it round the room.

I really like mine, never had any problems with it. Bit disappointing that they just discontinue it, would have thought they'd release an updated version at some point.

That's ... such nonsense. Did I miss the the ways I can use my HDMI cable with my peripherals at the same time? Or run it over a network cable instead?

The point of the device is to conveniently transfer control of your PC elsewhere. If that's right next to your PC, then yes you're not going to see much benefit from it. If it's somewhere else in the house, it certainly beats throwing down an HDMI + 1-3 USB extension cords for your Mouse/Keyboard/Controller which you'll have to replug and having to clone your PC manually every time you want to play (not to mention I wouldn't keep a third monitor plugged in if I wasn't using it most of the time).

Best use is if you can plug it into the network next to your TV. Plug in some peripherals into the device exactly where you need them (ideally a duplicate set). Done.

So...it's basically like the Steam streaming option I use to run AAA on my 15 years old computer but for a TV ? That computer is also next to a TV I play those PC games on.

Or does the device work at very long range ? I don't get it, does the device have an HDD you can install games on ? Well, I should've cared before.

I don't use streaming options through Steam, so I can't give you an snwer there.

But its ment for say if your PC is upstairs and you want to play Steam games downstairs or something.

It doesn't have a hard drive its just a little box that talks over the internet to your PC, and displays whatever is on the screen. (Though when you connect the device your PC will enter Big Picture mode.) Thats why you need to have the PC on and Steam running.

It has a few USB ports on the front of the box to plug controllers or whatever in. It is recommened to use it wired net though, as most poeple have issues using it and wireless.

Ah I see.

So it seems that in my situation, the device would only save me the use of a second computer. Could prove useful to single computer users. More if that machine is not located next to a TV.

Now I suppose that if Valve is discontinuating the device, it means it did not convince people of its usefulness.

That's too bad, I'd pick one up if you like having the console experience with PC games. It's a little weird at first but beats having to drag my giant gaming machine downstairs. I actually prefer running my Link over directly playing on my gaming machine. I have an 3DHD television and a comfy sofa versus a ten year old flat screen monitor and rocker game chair. Haven't been able to sit in my game chair much since the hospital.

That's pretty much the only reason why I use Steam/buy Steam games; the streamability.

They released app versions for android/ios and several tv manufacturers (and streaming from PC to PC worked before already) so supposedly its not really needed anymore.

That's a pity I was thinking of getting one within the next couple of months. Hopefully they keep making the controllers, they're cool.

I bought one a while back when they were marked down to like $2.50. Seemed like even if it didn't work, I wasn't out much money, but fortunately it has been a pretty good investment. I added my gaming frontend, Launchbox, to my Steam apps, which gives me access to my entire game collection through it, although some programs here and there don't like being streamed for some reason.

On my old router, I would sometimes get pauses in the stream, but I got an upgraded one a few months ago and haven't had a single issue since then. I've heard that the performance can be worse if you're in an urban area or someplace that has a lot of wifi networks in the same space, but I live in the suburbs and that isn't really an issue for me.

It is currently $2.50+Handling if you'd like one! I can't wait to stream GOG titles on our next TV, haha.

Doesn't give me a link to buy one unfortunately.

They've discontinued it from the website.