How to play PC games on TV in a comfortable way? What's the difference between HDMI and Steam Link?

you can play using Geforce now, I think that would be more simpler way cys your laptop won't overhead for running the game

Any sort of in-between system like Steam link will introduce some input lag, so that's probably why it "feels strange".

The xbox controller is the most well supported for PC games, with the Dual Shock 4 (PS4 / DS4) controller being second, I'd get one of those if you want to play PC games with a controller.

I had always used basic all in one solution (before all those "smart" stuff came even), pc connected to tv by hdmi cable and still using it the same.

Hooking up your pc direct to tv using hdmi is the best way obviously. Be sure the tv has game mode to reduce lag. Xbox 360 controller with the wireless dongle is the most compatible, though hard to find these days (imitation ones may or may not work), Xbox one or series x controller is not quite as compatible as the 360 but mostly works okay and has Bluetooth. Dual shock 4 works okay though you run into problems fairly regularly with games that just don't support it at all. You can get around that with software that makes it show up as a 360 controller instead, if you're on windows. Bluetooth keyboard with a TouchPad for kbm games from the couch. Obviously you won't be playing counterstrike or games like that with a TouchPad.

Steam link has too much lag to play any games which require fast reactions or have lots of movement on screen. My tv has steam link built in (& Bluetooth for connecting a controller) it works okay but I'd rather just play on my actual computer instead. Steam link is quite unstable and LOTS of games cause problems, in my experience. If I filter my library down to games tagged as remote play optimized and controller supported, it's less than 1/4th of them. If you stick with console ports they'll mostly work okay. But then you might just as well play then on console.

Hdmi is the fastest, easier, and best method, no more latency tahn your tv have, no specifics drivers/ software, totally plug and play etc etc, steam link is usefull for those who didn't have tv and pc in the same room

In the meantime just keep playing on console and save for a Gaming PC, because laptops overheat.

i don't own a monitor and my (desktop) computer stays hooked up to my tv via hdmi. i have my couch and coffee table configured in a way that i can comfortably use the mouse & keyboard, but i use the controller (xbox series x/s) for about half my games.. just depends on what i'm playing. i've gotten used to the miniscule amount of latency to the point where i can't really notice it, though i should i mention i don't play any competitive games. like stipaul said though, if your tv has a game mode, you'll wanna turn it on to reduce lag. all it does is disables some of the tv's post-processing features that make movies look nice, which are things you can configure your computer to do itself if you want. also to prevent your laptop from heating up, you may want to invest in one of those fan things to place underneath it and also clean out any dust from your fans if needed.

the best way to play games comfortably is to take your pants off and point a fan or space heater at your junk, depending on the season, wile sipping on your favorite beer, ale, wine, mead or liqueur and sitting on the most comfy piece of furniture you own.

hdmi is the best, especially when your in the same room as your comp. the only thing steam link has going for it is if your comp can be in room A wile you sit n play in room B. if your lap comp gets too hot wile playing games prop it up on something to increase air flow, or point that fan mentioned before at it.

but always remember: the best gaming is done with no pants on