Convert your PC gaming on a “cloud console” inside the home It's one of those things you try one day out of curiosity… and then you never want to stop. Playing on your living room TV, on your phone while lounging on the sofa, or on a portable device like the Steam Deck without moving your PC an inch is easier than it seems, and the key tools today are Steam LinkMoonlight and Sunshine.
For a long time, Steam Link has been the quick way: open Steam, press a button, and you're done. But in recent years, the combo Sunshine + Moonlight It has gained a lot of strength, especially among those looking for the lowest possible latency, compatibility with all your games and maximum configuration flexibility, both on a local network and playing away from home.
What is local game streaming and why is it worth it?
When we talk about local game streaming, we are referring to Run the game on your PCBut you can watch the video and control it from another device (TV, mobile phone, tablet, mini PC, console, etc.) over the network. It's like having your own GeForce Now or Xbox Cloud type servicebut powered by your computer.
grace is that You don't need a powerful device at the other endAll you need is the ability to decode video in real time and a good network connection. This way you can take advantage of the power of a graphics card like a RTX 2080 SUPER or similar while playing comfortably on the sofa with the Xbox controller, without a keyboard or mouse in sight.
This approach has several clear advantages: You can play wherever you want inside your houseYou avoid having to move towers, cables, and monitors from one room to another, and in many cases, you save yourself from buying a dedicated console if you already have a good PC. Furthermore, if you set it up correctly, the latency is surprisingly low, enough even for shooters or fighting games without you feeling like you're "behind".
Essentially, you set up a kind of "local cloud" for video gamesYour PC acts as a streaming server, and the rest of the devices (TV, mobile, Steam Deck, Raspberry Pi, consoles with homebrew, etc.) act as clients, receiving the video and sending your button presses.
Steam Link vs Moonlight + Sunshine: two ways to bring your PC to any screen
Today there are two main ways to set this up: pull from Steam Linkwhich is the most convenient option if you live within the Steam ecosystem, or opt for the pair Sunshine (server) + Moonlight (client)which offers more control, less latency, and virtually universal support.
Steam Link is very simple: It integrates directly with your Steam libraryActivate Big Picture mode and start playing. You can even add non-Steam games to your library and stream them anyway. For many people, that's all it takes: they launch an indie or single-player game from the couch and enjoy it without any fuss.
However, those who have made in-depth comparisons often notice that Steam Link introduces slightly more latencyUsers who have measured latency with slow motion have seen figures like 120 ms (~29 frames at 240 fps) versus about 80 ms (~19 frames) using Moonlight/Sunshine in the same environment and device, for example on a laptop. Retroid Pocket 5The difference is especially noticeable if you're very picky about input lag.
In addition, Steam Link has its quirks: limits FPS on the host PC In some scenarios, its support for non-Steam games may require more adjustments, and it doesn't have the same level of fine-tuning of resolution, bitrate, and advanced parameters that Moonlight offers.
The combo Sunshine + MoonlightOn the other hand, it is designed for those who want to get the most out of streaming: Low latency, maximum image quality, almost total freedom to launch any game or even the entire desktop, and compatibility with a huge list of devices, inside and outside the home.
What is Moonlight and how does it fit with Sunshine?
Moonlight is a open source streaming client which implements NVIDIA's GameStream protocol, the same one originally used in devices such as NVIDIA ShieldOver time, the community has taken it much further, allowing its use with servers such as Sunshinewhich work on virtually any modern PC, whether it has an NVIDIA, AMD or Intel GPU.
The idea is simple: your gaming PC runs Sunshine as a streaming server, and Moonlight installs on the device where you want to play.From there, you can see your PC games and launch them as if they were installed locally, but in reality everything runs on the computer and only the video and control inputs are transmitted.
One of Moonlight's greatest strengths is its brutal platform compatibilityYou can use it in:
- Windows, macOS and Linux on computers and mini PCs.
- Android smartphones and tablets, as well as devices with Google TV, Android TV and Chromecast-type sticks with Google TV.
- iPhone, iPad and even Apple TVwith a dedicated app.
- ChromeOS on laptops and tablets.
- Raspberry Pi 4/5 and other Linux development boards, very interesting for setting up a dedicated client behind the TV.
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles through compatible applications.
- Consoles with homebrew like Nintendo Switch, Wii U or PS Vita.
- LG TVs with webOS through community projects.
- Even the old devices Physical Steam Links from Valve.
Thanks to that versatility, you can have the same Accessible catalog of games for your PC from virtually any device with a screen in your home, and even from outside if you open your network to the outside or use a VPN.
Install and set up Sunshine on your gaming PC
The first step in using Moonlight is to properly set up the server, and that role is fulfilled by... SunshineThis open source software is available for Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions, and is responsible for capturing the PC image, encoding it by hardware and sending it to the clients.
To get started, download the latest version of Sunshine from its official website or GitHub, install it and Run it with administrator privileges The first time. On Windows, it's normal for the system to display a warning that "this application may be dangerous": this is a typical false positive with lesser-known programs, so you'll have to click on "More information" and then on "Run anyway".
On the first execution, it will open the web configuration interface at the local address https://localhost:47990. It is quite common for the browser to also display a security warning message because the certificate is local, but you can proceed by indicating that you understand the risk and wish to continue; there is no real danger, it is just that the certificate is not from a recognized authority.
Once inside, Sunshine will ask you to create a user account with username and password to protect access. That will be your login for the web panel from which you will control the streaming server: add applications, manage PIN keys, change video settings, etc.
With that done, your PC is ready as streaming serverAt the top of the interface, you'll see important sections like "PIN" and "Settings." In "PIN," you'll manage pairing with Moonlight clients, and in "Settings," you'll find options for performance, codecs, ports, quality, and more. For the initial setup, you don't need to change much, but later you'll want to fine-tune it.
Moonlight client installation and configuration
The other half of the equation is installing Moonlight on the device you want to play fromThe good thing is that it's usually done from official stores: Google Play on Android, App Store on iOS and Apple TV, Microsoft Store or downloads for Windows/macOS/Linux, repositories on Raspberry Pi and other platforms.
On systems like Chromecast with Google TV or Android TV, simply enter the app store, search for “Moonlight” and installThe same applies to Android phones, Steam Deck (desktop mode), or mini PCs running Linux or Windows. The installer is usually very lightweight.
The first time you open Moonlight, the client will try automatically detect the PC with Sunshine on your local network. You'll see an icon with the computer name; if it doesn't appear, you can add it manually using the PC's local IP address, something like 192.168.1.xxx, using the "+" icon.
When you tap on the server icon for the first time, Moonlight will display a Four-digit PIN On screen. You need to go to the browser on your PC, enter the Sunshine panel, access the "PIN" section, and enter that code. Upon confirmation, the server will pair that client device, allow you to give it a name (for example, "Chromecast," "Steam Deck," or "Mobile"), and from then on, it will be authorized.
Once paired, when you return to Moonlight you will see a list with the applications that you have configured in SunshineThese can be specific games, launchers like Steam/Epic/Ubisoft, or even a "Desktop" access to display the entire desktop and use the PC remotely as if it were a local mirror.
Usage options: Desktop mode, Steam mode, and Big Picture mode
Once everything is linked, you'll normally see at least two important entries in Moonlight: one for “Desktop” or “PC mode”which basically reflects the PC's main desktop, and another for Steam, which launches the Valve client directly in Big Picture mode.
If you log in via Desktop, your remote screen behaves like an additional monitor or a mirror of the main monitorIt's very useful when you want to use your PC as if it were right in front of you, to browse the web, change settings, or launch games that don't have a built-in launcher. In short, it's a low-latency remote desktop.
If you choose Steam, Sunshine will open the client and will activate Big Picture modeIt's the same interface you see on a Steam Deck. From there, you can navigate your game library with the controller, launch Steam titles, or even third-party games you've added as "non-Steam games."
The experience, if everything is set up correctly, can be spectacular: demanding games running on the PC While you enjoy them on your TV, mobile device, or in another room with a fluidity very close to playing locally. Many users highlight that, once they get used to it, they use it for practically everything except ultra-serious competitive gaming.
Key Moonlight settings: resolution, FPS, and bitrate
Moonlight's true potential is revealed when you enter its advanced settingsBy clicking on the gear icon above the server or game profile, you can change parameters such as resolution, frame rate, bitrate, synchronization, audio, controls, and much more.
La resolution It should be adapted to the device where you're going to play: on a mobile phone with a small screen, 720p is usually more than enough and you save bandwidth; on a tablet or monitor, 1080p or 1440p is a good starting point; 4K is viable, but it's best to reserve it for very good wired networks.
With regards to frames per second (FPS) rateYou can choose 60 fps as the standard for almost everything, or even go up to 120 fps if your screen and network support it—something especially appealing for shooters, racing games, and titles where smooth gameplay is key. For slower-paced games (strategy, adventure, RPG), you could manage with less, but 60 fps is the most balanced option.
El bitrate This indicates how much video data is sent per second. Higher bitrates mean less compression and better visual quality, but also put more strain on the network. As a reference, values ​​between 40 and 70 Mbps They can work well on 5 GHz Wi-Fi, while over a cable you can easily go up to 80-120 Mbps at 1080p/1440p and up to 100-150 Mbps in 4K if your network allows it.
Other interesting settings include the low latency mode, which reduces buffers at the cost of being somewhat more sensitive to small cuts, support for HDR or 120 fps (if the server hardware offers codecs like HEVC Main 10) and fine parameters such as frame rate or audio details.
Connecting controllers and using ViGEmBus
For the experience to be truly comfortable, almost everyone ends up playing with a Xbox, PlayStation or similar controller Connected to the client device (mobile, TV, Steam Deck, etc.) via Bluetooth or cable. But for the PC to "recognize" the controller as if it were plugged in directly, it's necessary to install the correct driver.
In Windows, the key is ViGEmBusIt's a driver that creates a virtual gamepad (like an Xbox 360/Xbox One controller) that the system recognizes perfectly. You download it, install it, restart your PC, and you're good to go. Sunshine and Moonlight will use this virtual device to translate the keystrokes coming from the client.
If you don't install ViGEmBus, it's relatively common for the The video looks perfect. However, the controller may not work or may respond erratically, especially with certain drivers or when tools like DS4Windows, BetterJoy, and similar programs are used together. In case of problems, reinstalling ViGEmBus and checking for driver conflicts is usually the first step.
GPU requirements and configuration for hardware encoding
For the entire streaming system to run smoothly, Sunshine relies on the hardware video encoding from the GPU, instead of relying on the CPU. This reduces the impact on game performance and allows for much lower latencies.
In the case of NVIDIA, Sunshine uses NVENCAvailable from the GTX 900/10xx series onwards, and especially efficient in modern RTX cards. AMD relies on AMF, present in graphics cards from the RX 400 series onwards, and in Intel it uses QuickSync, integrated into many CPUs with integrated graphics from the Core 4000 families upwards.
To verify that everything is set up correctly, you can look in the Task Manager In Windows, go to the GPU performance tab and check if the usage increases during streaming under "Video Encoding." Alternatively, open OBS Studio and check if the NVENC/AMF/QuickSync encoders are available, indicating that support is installed.
In Sunshine's settings, make sure that the hardware encoder appropriate and avoid the software encoder, which introduces much more latency and can consume CPU resources that the game needs.
Ethernet cable vs Wi-Fi and the role of the network
The network is the link that most influences the experience. Although Moonlight works well on Wi‑Fi 5 GHzIdeally, for serious streaming, you should at least have the server PC connected. by Ethernet cable to the router. If you can also connect the client via cable, even better.
Some people have tested the same device (for example, a Chromecast with Google TV) both wired and wirelessly, and the difference was obvious: Greater stability, fewer artifacts, and lower latency With a wired network, especially at high resolutions or with high bitrates, Wi-Fi might be fine for regular video, but the real-time demands are much higher for gaming.
If you absolutely have to use Wi-Fi, try to use the 5 GHz BandMove the router or access point closer, reduce interference, and adjust Moonlight settings: lower the resolution to 1080p, limit the bitrate to about 40-60 Mbps, and use low latency mode only if the network is stable.
On more advanced routers, enabling options can help. QoS to prioritize PC gaming traffic, so that streaming doesn't compete as much with downloads, 4K video streaming, or video calls happening in the house.
Latency comparison: Moonlight, Steam Link, and HDMI 2.1
The big question for many gamers is: how noticeable is the latency? Practical tests show that, with a good setup, Moonlight can deliver Response times around 80 ms From the moment you press a button until you see the effect on screen, measured by recording at high speed and counting frames.
Under similar conditions, Steam Link can reach around 120 msIn terms of feel, Steam Link with the AV1 codec in "low latency" mode is very convincing and even "almost native" for many players, but when you compare it side-by-side with Moonlight, the latter usually feels a tad more immediate.
If you go to a direct connection via HDMI 2.1 From PC to TV, you're playing in a different league: there's no video compression, no network traversal, and you can take advantage of technologies like VRR and ALLM to further reduce tearing and lag. It's the Ideal setup for competitive gaming where literally every millisecond matters and you don't need to move from your desk.
Ethernet streaming, when properly set up, comes very close in terms of feel, but will always have a slight extra delay due to the processing. encoding, transmission and decodingIn addition to the lack of VRR directly in the signal sent, for the vast majority of uses and genres, the experience is more than satisfactory.
Playing from away from home: VPN or open ports
One of the great advantages of Sunshine + Moonlight is being able to play not only on the local network, but also from outside the houseusing your internet connection. There are two main paths: setting up a VPN or set up port forwarding on the router.
The most security-friendly option is to use tools like Tailscale or ZerotierThese devices create a VPN between your devices. This way, when you're away from home, your laptop or mobile device "sees" your gaming PC as if it were on the same LAN. It's simple, secure, and doesn't require opening ports publicly, although it may add some latency.
If you would like to the lowest possible latency outside the homeYou'll need to set up port forwarding: access your router (usually at 192.168.1.1 or similar) and redirect the ports that Sunshine needs to your PC's local IP address. These are typically TCP ports 47984 and 47989, and UDP ports 47998, 47999, 48000, and 48002.
It's advisable to use websites like canyouseeme.org to verify if the ports are actually open and, from outside the internet, test Moonlight using your public IP address instead of your local address. Keep in mind that when exposing ports to the internet, it's crucial to maintain strong passwords in Sunshine and have the system properly patched.
In any case, the bottleneck away from home will almost always be the up your home connection and the quality of the mobile or Wi-Fi network you're connecting from. Even so, for less demanding games and more casual sessions, it's perfectly usable and very comfortable.
Ideal devices for playing with Moonlight
Once the server is set up, the fun part begins: choose which gadgets you're going to play onAmong the most interesting options for Moonlight customers are:
La Steam deckIt has become one of the star devices for streaming: a large screen, integrated controls, a Linux-based system where Moonlight runs flawlessly, and enough power to decode HEVC without breaking a sweat. It's perfect for playing in bed, on the sofa, or even outside the house with good Wi-Fi.
Device type Retroid Pocket 5 And other Android handheld consoles, very compact and affordable. They're great for playing your PC game library anywhere, although their screen and processing power aren't as impressive as a Steam Deck. Even so, they're more than adequate as streaming clients.
Un smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth remote It's probably the most versatile option: you always have it with you, pair it with an Xbox or PlayStation controller, and in seconds you're in your library. For adventure games, platformers, or less competitive titles, it's fantastic.
If you fancy a more geeky project, a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 Connected via HDMI to the living room TV and via cable to the router, it can become a dedicated Moonlight client, small and silent, ready to turn on and play as if it were a mini console focused solely on streaming.
In any of these cases, it's a very good idea to look for devices with HEVC hardware decoding (and if possible HEVC Main 10), since that greatly reduces the load and allows for higher quality with less bandwidth.
Tips to lower latency to the maximum in Sunshine and Moonlight
If you want streaming to be as close as possible to having your PC next to you, there are a number of key settings Both Sunshine and Moonlight should be reviewed and tuned according to your network and hardware.
In Sunshine, it starts with Always use a hardware encoder (NVENC, AMF, or QuickSync). Disable any option that forces software encoding, as this increases latency and overloads the CPU. Increase the bitrate to the maximum your network can handle without micro-stuttering and adjust the FPS to 60 or 120, depending on your network's support.
It's also advisable to give Sunshine a bit more priority in Windows, so the operating system doesn't run out of resources during periods of heavy load. And, if possible, Disable VSync on the server It may reduce some added latency, although you'll have to weigh up whether it's worth it compared to the potential tearing.
In Moonlight, reduce the resolution and bitrate if you notice "slow connection" messages or stuttering, and enable the low latency mode To minimize buffers, adjust the buffer size manually if your network is very stable: the smaller the buffer, the less perceived latency, but also the more sensitive to any micro-outages.
Whenever possible, avoid extra layers like third-party VPNs if your priority is pure latency; on a local network or with direct port forwarding, the intermediate hops are fewer. And, of course, Don't forget to keep your GPU and network drivers up to datebecause the improvements in codecs and stability are noticeable.
The most common problems—slow connection messages, games not appearing, unresponsive controllers, or external connection failures—are usually resolved by adjusting the bitrate, correctly adding applications in Sunshine, reinstalling ViGEmBus, or reviewing port forwarding And if your carrier doesn't have you behind CG-NAT.
In the end, setting up an environment of PC gaming on your mobile device and any screen with Steam Link or Moonlight It's more a matter of understanding four concepts of networking, codecs, and configuration than having a PhD in computer science; once you get the hang of it, moving from your desk to the sofa, from the TV to your mobile phone, or from your house to a hotel with your entire catalog of games becomes so natural that it's hard to go back.