Moonlight is a free and open-source application designed to stream your PC games to your phone, providing a convenient way to enjoy your Steam library while mobile.

What is Moonlight?

The core benefit of Steam is its accessibility across various devices, with many gamers enjoying their titles on both PCs and the Steam Deck. However, playing on the go without a dedicated handheld like the Steam Deck can be challenging. Moonlight solves this by enabling you to play your PC games on your smartphone and other compatible devices.

Setting Up Moonlight

A stable internet connection is vital for a smooth streaming experience, and a wired connection is recommended to minimize latency and maximize data transfer speeds. Moonlight can even stream in 4K at 120fps with HDR, utilizing open-source software like Sunshine.

From GeForce Experience to Sunshine

Historically, Moonlight relied on Nvidia GeForce Experience for streaming. However, with the discontinuation of GameStream within the new Nvidia App, the community developed Sunshine as a replacement host. Moonlight functions as the client software on your phone, displaying the streamed games.

Installation and Account Creation

Setting up Moonlight is straightforward. Install Sunshine on your PC from LizardByte's website and Moonlight on your phone via Google Play or the App Store (look for Cameron Gutman for Android and Diego Waxemberg for iOS). The official Moonlight website also provides downloads for various platforms, including desktop OS, Amazon Fire OS, and Nintendo Switch Homebrew. Creating a Sunshine account is strongly advised to prevent unauthorized remote access.

Optimizing Your Streaming Experience

Beyond basic setup, optimizing performance is key to a smooth gaming experience.

Windows Settings and Controllers

On Windows, switching to high-performance power mode can reduce stuttering. Controller configuration may be necessary, and specialized controllers might require additional software like VirtualHere. Bluetooth gamepads generally work seamlessly with the Moonlight app.

Video Settings and Frame Pacing

Adjusting video resolution, frame rate, and bitrate within the Moonlight app is crucial. Ensure your phone's chipset can handle the chosen settings. Experiment with frame pacing options on Android ('Prefer lowest latency' or 'Prefer smoothest video') to find the optimal experience. Remember, even with a powerful PC and network, a phone's decoding capabilities can limit performance.

Proper configuration and understanding your device’s limitations are essential for a satisfying mobile Steam gaming experience.