Steam Link app update adds AV1 codec, HDR support, and more for enhanced streaming

Mobile Gaming: Enhancements to Steam Link for Android Devices

Mobile gaming: While Steam Link is available on PCs, mobile devices, Raspberry Pi single-board computers, and even Meta Quest VR headsets, Android accounts for the lion’s share of the service’s overall user base. Valve recently announced a new version for Android devices, which is available from Google Play, Valve, and our Downloads section. The update provides some noteworthy changes for the free streaming service.

Despite discontinuing the original Steam Link hardware a few years ago, Valve is still interested in refining and updating its streaming service app. The software just received an update that provides a greatly enhanced gaming experience.

According to Valve, Steam Link version 1.3.12 adds support to over 500 Android devices. The update has notable improvements, including setting recommendations tailored to network test results. The new version also has a “WiFi lock” to avoid interruptions during streaming.

The latest version isn’t solely focused on Android, though. Valve spread the love around. Steam Link now supports video streaming based on the AV1 codec for “high-end PCs.” It also now supports HDR streaming on Windows systems and an option to disable low-latency audio.

The app is now compatible with the Nintendo Switch Pro controller, and Android TV devices receive surround sound support. It also adds some language features, including Indonesian translation and an English fallback option if non-Latin fonts aren’t working as expected.

User feedback posted on Valve’s announcement mentions that the Steam Link app has re-introduced HEVC encoding. Although AV1 encoding doesn’t work on portable devices such as Nvidia Shield, Steam Deck, or the old Steam Link hardware client, Meta headsets should be compatible with the royalty-free multimedia technology.

Soon after releasing Steam Link 1.3.12 for Android devices, Valve announced a new build designed to run on Raspberry Pi cards. The tool supports Raspberry Pi 3 to Raspberry Pi 5 devices. It provides some of the changes included in the Android version, including settings recommendations based on network test results, Nintendo Switch Pro controller fixes, and Indonesian language support.

Valve launched the original Steam Link software in 2015 alongside the first generation of Steam Machines but discontinued the device in November 2018. A few months later, Valve introduced the Steam Link Anywhere service as a new way to enjoy Steam games on Android devices through an internet connection. Steam Link is free to use, which is a boon for PC gamers tired of being forced to pay for everything, everywhere, all at once.