In the face of ever-increasing hardware and system requirements, finding gaming to be an expensive hobby is natural. Often, this paywall of entry has halted many people’s pursuit of this hobby, which is a shame since video games are some of the most advanced art forms today and can actually help with improving cognitive functions. Thankfully, cloud gaming services are here to make games more accessible to everyone.
Well, technically not everyone as there are still some specific requirements, but cloud gaming services have helped make the hobby more accessible. Sometimes, all you need is subscription money and a reliably fast and modern internet connection.
With the following cloud gaming services we will recommend, you can forego the expensive hardware that you usually need to play a video game smoothly (usually for PC, but consoles are also not exempted).
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GeForce Now
NVIDIA’s proprietary cloud gaming service program is GeForce Now. This one will connect you to digital PC gamer stores and will allow you to stream games using powerful and capable hardware.
There’s also a one-hour free trial though that’s subject to regional availability. Paid members, however, can expect to play the game in maxed-out visual settings and higher resolutions.
If there was one caveat with this service, sometimes it’s so heavily used that you might have to wait in a queue since their machines are still in use.
- Most powerful cloud streaming platform (performance-wise)
- Has a limited free mode
- Long queues for popular games
- You need to buy the games
PlayStation Plus
Once it was a standalone program known as PlayStation Now, it has since been merged and is now part of the PlayStation Plus membership package. However, the same idea still applies here. With PlayStation Plus, you can cloud stream PS3, PS2, and even play some PlayStation exclusives on your PC through cloud gaming.
There are still some system requirements you need to follow along with a Dualshock 4 controller, but they’re not as heavy as a gaming PC’s specs, and most current-gen work laptops these days can handle it, provided you have a proper internet connection.
- Hundreds of PlayStation Plus games as part of the catalog
- Only available on Windows 10 or better
- Latency depends on the region
- No need to buy games
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is still currently in beta mode, works similarly to other types of cloud gaming services but there’s a larger collection of games here due to Microsoft’s sphere of influence. You will also need your own device that’s compatible with the inputs in Xbox Cloud Gaming’s list of supported titles.
So your best bet is with a laptop or an Android device and an Xbox controller. Once you’ve picked a game, the service will then stream the gameplay to your device and will read your inputs so the connection has to be crystal clear here.
- Any game that supports Xbox Cloud Gaming will be available on the same day as its release
- Rotating game library
- Same game access as the Ultimate Game Pass offerings
- No need to buy games
airgpu
airgpu will grant you a powerful gaming device for rent once you’ve paid its initial fees, meaning it’s also an independent virtual PC. However, you’re given more freedom here– you get a whole new PC with which you can install and run any software.
There are limitations, of course; for one, they don’t allow cryptocurrency mining or other activities with questionable legality. But payment is on a per-hour basis and there’s no pressuring monthly subscription needed.
Where this kind of flexibility helps if you already have a wide game library from Steam, Epic Games, or other launchers. You’ll be able to play them on airgpu. Bear in mind that it doesn’t come with games– you’ll have to buy those games first. You only get to rent a powerful virtual Windows PC.
- Payment is per hour
- Allows you full usage of PC, including software installation
- OS is Windows only
- You need to buy the games
Shadow
Here’s another cloud service that will give you an independent virtual machine once you’ve paid the dues. To that end, it works like airgpu. You need to have a game library as well. But the gaming PC you’ll be renting via the cloud is quite robust and comes with 12 GB of RAM and an RTX GPU.
There’s also a good 1Gbps download speed if you want your game library installed right away. It’s great for gaming on the go or just about any activity involving a Windows computer. It’s a bit more pricy compared to other services since there’s a hefty monthly due that was raised relatively recently.
- Independent virtual machine
- You need to buy the games
- Windows only
- Monthly subscription
Amazon Luna
Sadly, Google Stadia just got shut down but Amazon Luna looks poised to assume its role as one of the largest cloud gaming libraries right now. Its roster isn’t as expansive yet so temper your expectations. This one is unique as well since it only supports browser-based gameplay.
The Amazon Luna also comes with its own controller that holds a separate connection with your Wi-Fi to decrease input lag. The monthly subscription is also more affordable though if you want some of the bigger titles from Ubisoft, the price becomes more expensive than the usual monthly charge for cloud gaming services (around $15).
- Browser based gameplay
- There’s a Luna controller for minimal latency
- Direct support and broadcast to Twitch
- No need to buy games
Maximum Settings
Maximum Settings is a Canadian-based company whose cloud gaming service offers an independent virtual machine as well, similar to airgpu and Shadow. However, they’re more affordable since their focus is on gaming.
Likewise, it does not include free games in its plans, which are monthly payments based on the specs of its cloud gaming PC. Higher spec-devices are naturally more expensive. Restrictions also apply here but crypto-mining is not allowed here yet again, obviously.
- Independent virtual machine
- Monthly subscription
- Compatible with Linux systems
- You need to buy the games
Blacknut
Blacknut’s strength as a cloud gaming service comes from its family-friendliness. It has a lot of multiplayer games and some handy features such as profile switching for when there are multiple people under one subscription and parental control.
That makes it more affordable already, especially if you plan on sharing the subscription with other family members. Currently, there are around 500 games in its library though some of the more popular ones are limited. This one functions similarly to Amazon Luna where you can play on any device since it utilizes cloud streaming and its own compatible controllers.
- Lots of nifty features for multiple people sharing a subscription
- Affordable if you share it with other people
- Has its own controller
- No need to buy games
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