Steam Link on a cheap TV box is the Steam Machine most people actually need

Valve introduced its latest Steam Machine in November, allowing users to play their Steam library on a TV, similar to PlayStation or Xbox. While it may appeal to those who already own a significant Steam library and primarily play at a desk, it's not recommended for most gamers who already possess a capable gaming PC. Steam Link can be used on a cheap compatible TV box, eliminating the need to purchase another gaming computer.

Users can play games on their television from the couch without investing in another gaming setup, as long as their PC is capable of running the games. The game continues running on the PC, sending video and audio to the television over the home network, while the TV requires minimal processing power. An inexpensive box can effectively handle streaming demanding PC games, making an Android TV box or an existing one an affordable option.

Steam Link's main appeal lies in the convenience of playing PC games on a larger screen from the comfort of the couch, akin to gaming on a PlayStation or Xbox. With Steam already offering a controller-friendly interface, users can browse their library and launch games without needing a second installation or maintenance location.

Streaming games from the same PC also simplifies managing updates and saves across different devices. While streaming does introduce some delay and compression, it may not be a significant issue for certain types of games, particularly those with immediate response requirements. However, it's essential to consider the TV's output capabilities, such as 4K and refresh rates, as not all streaming boxes support these features equally.

Starting with Ethernet and enabling the TV's Game Mode can help determine if a dedicated gaming computer is truly necessary.