Steam Deck now includes a top PlayStation Portal feature.

Published on 21 Jan 2026

Alright, so listen. I've been messing around with the Steam Deck since it first landed on my doorstep, and let me tell you, it's been a journey. From fiddling with proton layers to discovering obscure indie gems, it’s a genuinely fantastic piece of kit. But, and this is a pretty big "but," there was always this little itch in the back of my mind. Something the PlayStation Portal, for all its niche existence, did really well. And now? Well, the Steam Deck just went and got it. Not just a similar feature, mind you, but that feature. Yeah, I’m talking about proper, honest-to-goodness remote play that makes your PlayStation Portal look... well, less essential.

I know what you're thinking. "Steam Deck already has remote play, doesn't it?" And you’d be right, kind of. Steam Link has been around forever, and there are third-party options like Moonlight. But we're not talking about those. We're talking about something baked right into the system, streamlining the experience in a way that feels utterly native. It’s a game-changer, folks. Seriously. It’s Valve finally saying, "You want a seamless streaming experience across your home network, with your library, and without any faff? Here you go."

Wait, What Feature Are We Talking About?

Okay, let's cut to the chase. The big news swirling around the Steam Deck community is the official, integrated remote play capabilities, particularly through the recent Steam Client Beta update that dramatically improves Steam Link functionality, effectively making it a first-class citizen within SteamOS. Think about it: the PlayStation Portal's main appeal is its dedicated screen for streaming PS5 games from your home console. It’s an elegant, if somewhat limited, solution for lounging on the couch while the main TV is in use. Now, imagine having that same seamless experience, but for your entire Steam library, streamed from your beefy gaming PC to your Steam Deck, all without the jankiness that sometimes plagued previous iterations.

It’s a significant move, really. For ages, if you wanted to stream from your PC to your Steam Deck, you'd dive into the desktop mode, launch Steam Link, or wrestle with Moonlight. It worked, mostly, but it wasn't the kind of 'pick up and play' simplicity Valve usually champions. This new integration changes that, bringing a level of polish and ease-of-use that finally rivals, if not surpasses, the Portal's singular focus. And trust me, having wrestled with network settings and router configurations more times than I care to admit over the years, this sort of baked-in simplicity is a godsend.

Why This Matters for Steam Deck Enthusiasts

So, why is everyone so hyped? Well, it’s about flexibility, isn't it? The Steam Deck is already a portable powerhouse, letting you play your PC games on the go. But sometimes, you just want to experience that demanding AAA title at max settings, rendered by your desktop beast, while still enjoying the comfort of your handheld. This update makes that a reality with far less friction. No more being tied to your desk. Want to play Cyberpunk 2077 on your patio? Go for it. Fancy a quick round of something low-key, like a simple puzzle game from the Sprunki category, but rendered by your main rig? Absolutely. The world, or at least your house, is your oyster.

It also, inadvertently, highlights the Steam Deck's sheer versatility compared to its more specialized competitors. The Portal does one thing really well: stream PS5 games. The Steam Deck? It plays native games, emulates classics, doubles as a Linux PC, and now, streams PC games with unparalleled ease. It's like having a universal remote for your entire gaming ecosystem. And for someone who often finds themselves balancing work and gaming time, being able to seamlessly jump from a desktop session to a handheld one, without missing a beat, is just... chef's kiss.

The Experience: It's Not Just About Remote Play, Is It?

Actually, there's something even more interesting here. The essence of this isn't just "remote play got better." It's about Valve continuing to refine the Steam Deck experience, pushing it closer to that ideal of a single, unified gaming platform. They’re listening. They’re iterating. This isn’t a company resting on its laurels. According to various tech analysts I follow on platforms like TechRadar and IGN, this kind of aggressive feature integration is key to solidifying the Steam Deck's position as the go-to handheld for PC gamers. They’re not just building a device; they're building an ecosystem. And frankly, it's pretty exciting to watch.

I initially thought, "Oh, just another software update." But after looking deeper, and actually using it myself (yes, I installed the beta client the moment I heard), the difference is palpable. The responsiveness, the image quality—it’s a leap. It brings the concept of remote play, which has existed for a while in various forms, to a new level of accessible elegance for the Steam Deck. It feels like what it always should have been. You know, no weird hoops to jump through. Just works.

Your Burning Questions About This Steam Deck Update

So, what exactly is this new feature on Steam Deck?

It's deeply integrated, enhanced remote play functionality through the Steam Client Beta, making PC game streaming to your Steam Deck buttery smooth.

Is it really just like the PlayStation Portal?

In terms of seamless in-home streaming, yes, but the Steam Deck offers far more versatility since it also runs games natively and supports other platforms.

Do I need special hardware for this?

Nope, just your existing gaming PC, your Steam Deck, and a solid home Wi-Fi network – though a good router always helps!

Can I use my Steam Deck to play games on my TV wirelessly now?

This specific feature focuses on streaming from your PC to your Steam Deck. For TV output, you'd still connect your Deck to the TV or use a dock.

Why is this such a big deal for the Steam Deck community?

It vastly improves the ease and quality of streaming PC games, effectively expanding the Steam Deck's library and flexibility without needing more processing power on the handheld itself. It even makes playing quick, retro-style games like Sprunki 1996 from your powerful PC a breeze.

Ultimately, what Valve has done here with the Steam Deck is more than just add a feature; they’ve refined an experience. They've taken a concept that others have tried, sometimes with mixed results, and woven it into the very fabric of their flagship handheld. It’s a testament to their ongoing commitment to making the Steam Deck the ultimate portable PC gaming machine. And honestly? I’m here for it. Every single improvement, every little tweak that makes gaming more accessible and enjoyable. That's what it's all about, isn't it?