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[cormack12]

So we're doing a bit of remodelling and my dedicated room is going, which means bringing the PC into the main room. In terms of space, power and connectivity not a problem it will be well hidden and have necessary connections. I'm more interested in knowing how to use it as a 'console'.


How I use my PC currently
Desk based, use steam desktop client and launch games from there. I have a steam controller, ds4windows, and the m/k combo.

Questions
I've faffed with the steam controller on PoE and Gears 4 but I don't really 'feel' it. However, I hate having the cable for the Sony DS4 plugged in. Can I use the DS4 wireless with the PC? I think the mobo has bluetooth built in;
Can you launch straight into Steam Big Picture Mode (realistically)? I wanna boot up as a console ideally and only plug the k/m in when I'm dropping to windows or playing a k/m dedicated game - use the controller to move round the interface etc.;
I'm using the Radeon software with profiles to lock at 60fps/1080p but honestly it's a bit hit and miss. I unplug the monitor and then plug it into a TV and the fps limiter seems to stop working (e.g. on monitor I have skyrim SE locked at 60, plug it into a TV and it seems to then ignore the profile and give me variable frame rate);

And anything else you think I should know to avoid the small pain the ass setup gotcha's?

 

[metareferential]

If you set Steam to launch with windows and you don't have any password/code to log in, you'll have steam immediately ready: just press the ps/xbox button on your controller and you'll have big picture mode, turning your pc into a console, effectively (you'll have to turn the pc on manually and do the same for the controller; still better than having to fiddle around with a mouse and keyboard).

There are also a few very good remote mouse/kb apps for iOS/Android, like Unified Remote, that let you control everything on your pc without physical peripherals.

The DS4 does work wirelessly, you'll find all the easy step-by-step online.

For the frame limiter on an AMD gpu I don't really now what's the best route, as I'm in the green team.

 

[BlackTron]

Personally I don't use big picture or fancy GUI's very much. Been there before and just keep it simple these days.

I still use the wireless 360 USB adapter. Works with up to 4 controllers. Most steam games that use a controller have native 360 pad support. The PS4 and Switch Pro Controller work fine too, but might take a little fiddling on a game-by-game basis. Many games use xinput and though another controller will work, the game will still think you're using a 360 pad and show you 360 buttons on-screen.

My entertainment PC is set up on a normal desk with a monitor and wired kb/mouse. Directly next to it is my TV stand and the video out is cloned on both the monitor and TV.

Near the couch I keep the controllers and a wireless kb/mouse. So whether you're at the desk or on the couch you have no restrictions and it's a seamless transition between, say, sitting at the desk to play an RTS and then grabbing a controller on the couch for Fighter Z.

There are like 8 other consoles under the TV as well but it seems all I ever use is PC and Switch these days lol...

 

[hamster3 3]

Have you tried a Steam Link? The newer Xbox One controllers with bluetooth connect without a dongle and turn it on by pressing the Xbox button.

 

[zenspider]

I have my PC on a rolling rack with the monitor on it, cabling, controllers, and an Oculus headset.

 

[A.Romero]

Use unified remote on your smart phone or tablet to control the pc without plugging m&kb.

I've used my pc mostly from my TV room for years now.