GameStream: Stream PC Games to Any Device - NVIDIA
Game Streaming with NVIDIA GameStream and Moonlight
NVIDIA GameStream is a technology that facilitates the streaming of games from a Windows PC equipped with a GeForce graphics card to a variety of other devices.
While official support is limited to NVIDIA’s SHIELD devices running Android, broader compatibility is achievable through alternative solutions.
Expanding GameStream Compatibility with Moonlight
A third-party, open-source client called Moonlight enables game streaming to a wider range of platforms.
This includes:
- Windows PCs
- Mac computers
- Linux PCs
- iPhones
- iPads
- Android devices (beyond the SHIELD line)
Essentially, Moonlight unlocks the potential of GameStream, allowing users to enjoy their PC games on devices beyond those officially sanctioned by NVIDIA.
By utilizing Moonlight, the functionality of NVIDIA’s GameStream technology is significantly extended, providing greater flexibility for gamers.
NVIDIA GameStream and Steam In-Home Streaming: A Comparison
NVIDIA GameStream and Steam In-Home Streaming both offer methods for playing PC games on other devices. Understanding their differences can help you choose the best option for your setup.
For some users, Steam's In-Home Streaming may prove to be the more suitable choice. Steam facilitates streaming from a Windows PC to a variety of platforms, including other Windows PCs, Macs, Steam Machines, Steam Link devices, and Linux computers.
However, a key limitation of Steam In-Home Streaming is its inability to stream to devices running iOS or Android. This is where Moonlight/GameStream provides a distinct advantage.
Furthermore, performance may vary between the two systems. GameStream, being NVIDIA’s proprietary and optimized solution, is directly integrated into the GeForce Experience application bundled with NVIDIA graphics drivers.
It is recommended to test both GameStream and Steam In-Home Streaming to determine which delivers superior performance on your specific hardware configuration.
A unique feature of GameStream is “Remote Streaming.” This functionality officially permits game streaming from your PC over the internet, provided you possess a sufficiently fast internet connection.
In contrast, Steam's In-Home Streaming is restricted to local network use, as its name suggests; internet streaming is not supported.
Key Differences Summarized
- Platform Support: Steam supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and Steam Machines. GameStream adds iOS and Android.
- Optimization: GameStream is optimized by NVIDIA for NVIDIA GPUs.
- Streaming Location: GameStream allows remote streaming over the internet, while Steam is limited to local networks.
Ultimately, the optimal streaming solution depends on your devices, internet speed, and graphics card. Consider these factors when making your decision.
Setting Up NVIDIA GameStream on Your PC: A First Step
The initial stage involves configuring NVIDIA GameStream on your Windows-based computer. It’s important to note that an NVIDIA graphics card is a prerequisite for utilizing this feature.
Should the GeForce Experience software not already be present on your system, it must be downloaded directly from NVIDIA’s website and subsequently installed. Following installation, initiate the "GeForce Experience" application via your Start menu.
Within the GeForce Experience window, navigate to the "Preferences" tab located at the top. Then, select the "SHIELD" category. Confirm that the checkbox labeled "Allow this PC to stream games to SHIELD devices" is enabled.
Activation of this option may be unavailable if your graphics card is either outdated or lacks sufficient processing power.
Once a connection is established through Moonlight, games can be launched from a displayed list. Games automatically identified by GeForce Experience on your PC are showcased within the "Games" tab of the application, and become available for streaming.
To incorporate games that GeForce Experience hasn't automatically detected, they can be manually added to the Games list through Preferences > Shield. Notably, any program, including desktop applications, can be added here.
For the purpose of streaming your entire desktop environment, select the + button on the right side of the list and add the following executable:
C:\windows\system32\mstsc.exe
Following this, you can utilize the "Edit" button to rename the entry to "Windows Desktop" for clarity.
Step Two: Installing Moonlight and Initiating Game Streaming
Related: Transforming a Raspberry Pi into a Steam Machine Utilizing Moonlight
Next, navigate to the official Moonlight Game Streaming website and download the appropriate client for your intended device. Clients are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, Amazon Fire devices, iPhones, iPads, Raspberry Pi, and Samsung VR headsets.
Following installation, launch the Moonlight application. It should automatically identify your GameStream-enabled PC, provided both devices are connected to the same local network.
Within Moonlight, select your PC from the displayed list and click or tap the "Pair" option to establish a connection between Moonlight and your gaming computer.
Should your PC not appear automatically, you will need to manually input its local IP address. Locate the IP address of your Windows PC and enter it into the Moonlight client application.
The Moonlight application will then generate a PIN. Input this PIN into the "SHIELD is requesting to connect" prompt that appears on your PC to complete the pairing process.
Experiencing issues with the PIN request dialog? This is a common problem. To resolve it, open the NVIDIA Control Panel on your Windows PC, select the "Desktop" menu, and then choose "Show Notification Tray Icon."
The PIN pop-up is dependent on this system tray icon; it will not appear unless it is enabled.
You are now able to enjoy your games using a variety of control methods. A wide range of game controllers – including Xbox and PlayStation controllers, as well as less common models – are generally compatible. A mouse and keyboard will also function when used with a computer.
However, proper mouse functionality with Moonlight on Android devices typically requires a rooted device.
On Android or iOS devices, touchscreen controls and an on-screen keyboard can be utilized.
For comprehensive information regarding touch controls, streaming games over the internet, and general troubleshooting, consult the official Moonlight setup guide.
If you encounter performance issues, several factors could be contributing. The speed of your wireless router and network are critical, as are the specifications of the PC handling the game stream.
The receiving device also needs adequate specifications, as Moonlight’s decoding process isn’t always optimally efficient. Testing on multiple devices is recommended to determine the best performance.
Consider utilizing Steam in-home streaming as an alternative if you are using a computer.
Image Credit: Maurizio Pesce on Flickr