Cloud gaming has revolutionized the way we play games, offering flexibility and accessibility without the need for high-end hardware. With a variety of services available, it’s essential to find the one that best suits your gaming preferences and budget. Let’s break down the key players in the cloud gaming space, their strengths, and their drawbacks.

Non-Starters in Cloud Gaming

Some services are best avoided due to high costs, poor performance, or lack of transparency. Sora Stream, for instance, is expensive, lacks upfront information about its game library, and suffers from high latency. Similarly, Nware, Vortex, and Stadia are defunct platforms, so investing time or money in them is pointless. Loudplay, a pay-as-you-go service, becomes prohibitively expensive for regular gamers, making it a less attractive option compared to others.

PC Cloud Gaming Options

For PC gamers, cloud gaming services fall into two main categories: Bring Your Own Games (BYOG) and Inclusive Libraries.

1. Shadow PC

Shadow PC stands out by offering a full cloud-based PC experience. It’s not limited to gaming; you can use it for any PC-related task. This makes it ideal for those with aging hardware, as it breathes new life into older devices. Shadow supports all PC storefronts, including Steam, Epic Games, and GOG, and even allows for PC VR gaming. However, its pricing can be confusing, with tiers ranging from £9.99 to £76.99 per month. The minimum viable tier for gaming is £29.99 per month, which might be steep for some users.

2. Utomik

Utomik takes a different approach by offering an inclusive library of over 1,400 games for a subscription fee. While only 347 of these games are available via cloud streaming, the service is affordable, with plans starting at £5.99 per month. It’s a great option for casual gamers or those looking for indie titles, but it may not appeal to those seeking the latest AAA games.

3. Boosteroid

Boosteroid is a BYOG service that provides a cloud PC build for playing your own games. It supports 1080p gaming at 60fps and costs €9.99 per month. However, its game compatibility is limited, and not all titles from platforms like Steam or the Microsoft Store are supported. Despite this, it’s a budget-friendly option for those with compatible games.

4. GeForce Now

GeForce Now is another BYOG service, offering three tiers of access: Free, Priority, and Ultimate. The Ultimate tier provides 4K resolution, 240fps, and ray tracing, making it a premium choice for high-end gaming. However, its compatibility is limited to around 1,500 games, and its business practices, such as restricting monthly subscriptions during peak periods, have drawn criticism. Despite these issues, it remains one of the most popular cloud gaming services.

Console Cloud Gaming Options

Console-focused cloud gaming services offer a different experience, often with curated libraries and seamless integration into their ecosystems.

1. Nintendo Switch

Nintendo’s cloud gaming is unique in that it doesn’t require a subscription. Instead, games are purchased individually and streamed directly to the Switch. This approach is user-friendly but limited to the Switch hardware and Wi-Fi connectivity. Titles like Resident Evil Village and Control Ultimate Edition are available, but access is restricted to supported regions.

2. Xbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox Cloud Gaming is part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription (£13 per month). It offers access to over 400 games, including first-party titles on launch day. The service is available on multiple devices, making it a versatile option. However, the lack of a cloud-only subscription means you’re paying for features you might not use.

3. PlayStation Plus Premium

PlayStation’s cloud gaming service requires a PS Plus Premium subscription (£13.99 per month or £119.99 annually). It offers access to over 800 games, including PlayStation exclusives like Ghost of Tsushima and Spider-Man. The service is limited to PlayStation consoles and Windows PCs, which may restrict its appeal.

Niche Cloud Gaming Services

For those looking for something different, Amazon Luna and Blacknut offer unique approaches.

1. Amazon Luna

Luna is a subscription-based service with a rotating library of around 120 games. It’s available in select countries and integrates with Amazon Prime for additional perks. However, its library is small, and its rollout has been slow, limiting its appeal.

2. Blacknut

Blacknut is a family-friendly service offering 500 games for £12.99 per month. It supports multiple profiles and parental controls, making it ideal for households with children. However, its library lacks heavy hitters, focusing instead on casual and indie titles.

Performance Considerations

Cloud gaming performance varies based on your internet connection and location. While some users may experience seamless gameplay, others may face latency or visual issues. Most services offer free trials, so it’s worth testing them to see how they perform for you.

Conclusion

The best cloud gaming service depends on your needs. For PC gamers, Shadow PC and GeForce Now offer powerful options, while console players may prefer Xbox Cloud Gaming or PlayStation Plus Premium. Casual gamers or families might find Utomik or Blacknut more appealing. With free trials available, you can explore these services risk-free before committing.

Cloud gaming continues to grow, offering more options and better performance each year. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a casual player, there’s a cloud gaming service out there for you.