I don’t consider myself an audiophile, but sound is incredibly important in games, especially in experiences where audio matters (Alien: Isolation). Or are willing to toss their existing speaker system for newer Bluetooth or USB based solutions. As much as these units claim to be high-end multimedia solutions, on the cheap, for the whole family - they are designed for the average consumer that could give two wanks about where their audio is coming from. Something like the Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or the Google Chromecast not having at least a digital audio out or headphone jack is BS, but a pinch understandable. Having spent a little time on the set-top media box side of consumer products, I am noticing a trend with these incredibly small living room boxes, which the Steam Link has unfortunately adopted: They are sacrificing traditional audio ports for a smaller size. The back features two USB ports, with a third USB port on the side, a RJ45 network connection, and an HDMI output.

The Steam Link isn’t so small as to not have the necessary ports to hook this thing up to a modern TV. I don’t think pocket comfort was a primary design goal. Whether that’s what Valve was going for is another matter. It takes up about the same amount of real estate as my phone and wallet. This is great for portability, because wrapping the wires around the Steam Link and slipping the entire bundle into my pocket isn’t a hassle. I don’t blame my controllers for creeping closer to the tiny black box, because the Steam Link makes them look like impractically huge beasts.

It’s like all my controllers are creeping close to it, just so they can feel better about their stature. You know the person in the group everyone stands next to when they want to look taller? That’s the Steam Link’s role on my entertainment center.

Steamlink on pc