For example, Google Stadia is played through a web app on desktop PCs. Google also serves up a web app to play Stadia in Safari on Apple devices. Android has a dedicated app distributed through the Play Store. In all cases, gamers tap or click the Play button to start the streaming session. The only difference is that the server where the video stream is coming from can also pick up and react to your inputs. That means you don’t need a beefy RTX 30-series graphics card or a new Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5. [newline]With cloud gaming, all you need is a reliable internet connection.

Leveraging Nvidia’s cutting-edge technology, it supports resolutions up to 1080p and real-time ray tracing for stunning visuals. Play games from platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store without needing a high-end PC. Gamers can now connect next-gen devices like VR headsets, advanced consoles, and wearables effortlessly to platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now. This integration enables high-definition gameplay without requiring expensive setups, making gaming more accessible than ever. Sandra Pattison, a seasoned writer and editor at Cloudwards for over five years, specializes in VPNs, streaming services and children’s online security. Outside of work, her interests range from photography to enjoying movies and playing The Sims.

Playstation Plus Premium (cloud)

Yes, cloud gaming is safe as long as you protect your online privacy and ensure that security is tight. Make sure your gaming account password is strong, regularly update your account, review your privacy settings and enable two-factor authentication. Also, check to see if your platform has additional security features — for example, PlayStation provides suspicious login alerts. PlayStation Plus is ideal for PlayStation 4 and 5 gamers, as well as Windows PC users. This service lets you stream as many as 400 classic and new games.

On top of that, many services offer support for a vast selection of free-to-play games like Rocket League or Path of Exile. The cost of cloud gaming depends on the service you choose to go with. The lion’s share of the above-mentioned services offers a subscription that can range anywhere between $5.99 to $30 per month.

The icing on the cake is the massive game library, with more than 450 games, as well as the included EA Play membership, which offers an additional selection of games to enjoy. Cloud gaming is an innovative, accessible way to play games without expensive hardware — but how does cloud gaming work? It’s pretty simple; you just need a reliable internet connection and a subscription to a cloud gaming provider.

Faq: How Cloud Gaming Works

Best of all, the Game Pass catalog continues to grow every month. With titles such as Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 playable through the cloud, you’ll have instant access to some of the most popular games as part of your subscription. Outside of the technical explanation, cloud gaming is becoming popular now because it works.

PlayStation console owners have probably heard of PlayStation Plus. If you’re into streaming games via the cloud, consider the Premium tier. If you own a PlayStation console, you can stream a massive selection of games at up to 4K resolution at 60fps. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate isn’t the most affordable compared to other gaming services, coming in at $16.99 per month after the first two promotional weeks.

The top subscription, Ultimate, gives you access to the RTX 4080 Servers, eight hours of gameplay at a time, and 4K resolution with no ads. Nvidia GeForce Now works by connecting you to digital PC game stores, including Steam, Epic Games, Ubisoft, Xbox, Electronic Arts, and gog.com. With 1800 + options available, you’re bound to find something you own or want to purchase. You’re allowed to play games solo or through couch co-op with a friend. There are even minigame challenges and worldwide tournaments to take part in through AntStream Arcade.

Pricing is always a factor with monthly services, and cloud gaming runs the gamut from entirely free to ridiculously expensive. Determining if a service is worth the cost depends on how much content it provides and how often you use it. Some of our favorite platforms are a bit pricey, but they bring a lot of functionality for the right user. Once you’ve determined that your network is up to the task, you’ll need to figure out what games you’re interested in playing.

It connects to existing PC game stores like Steam, Epic, and GOG. One helpful resource is Cloudbase.gg, which shows which of the over 6000 games are available on Boosteroid. This makes it easy to check if your favorite games are supported. These include game trials, exclusive in-game items, and discounts on select digital purchases. However, you get a full Windows PC rather than just access to specific games.

Can I Play Multiplayer Games On Cloud Gaming Platforms?

The Priority tier, at $9.99 per month, offers the best value, with ray tracing-enabled premium rigs, up to six hours per session and no ads. The Ultimate tier, at $19.99 per month, offers an RTX 4080, 4K resolution at up to 240fps, and eight-hour sessions. Nvidia’s GeForce NOW was one of the pioneers of the cloud gaming industry, and it remains a major player to this day.

Some users enjoy PlayStation Plus Premium on the PlayStation Portal. As one Reddit user mentioned, games like Coffee Talk are perfect for playing on the Portal device. Game quality and performance depend on your internet connection. A fast, stable connection gives the best experience with less lag. Even with good internet, some may notice slight input lag compared to locally installed games. The service combines the best of Xbox gaming with cloud capabilities.

These are supported by a wide range of devices and come with various monthly price tags. No matter your budget or needs, one of these five should fit the bill. GeForce Now takes the exact opposite approach of Google Stadia. Instead of a game console in the cloud, GeForce Now works with the games you already own on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and other PC gaming platforms. Free users can play for an hour at a time with the games they already own, and they may need to queue.