Video games necessitate a lot of computing power, which is not cheap. Gaming PCs can easily cost several thousand dollars, while new consoles start at $300. However, there is a less expensive option that is gaining traction.
Game streaming services allow you to play as if you were sitting in front of a gaming PC or console, but they’re actually in a server rack someplace else in the country. For a monthly price, you may get access to a lot of gaming capability; all you need is a basic PC or mobile device to play. We’re here to explain how these services function, how much they cost, and which ones we’ve found to be the best so far.
What is a Game Streaming Service?
Game streaming allows you to access hardware on the service’s servers from a distance. You log onto a powerful PC over the internet with a client, and the games you play are run on that PC rather than your hardware. The client simply sends all of your inputs to the server to be translated into gaming commands, and it gives a live feed of the visuals and audio coming from the server hardware. In essence, you’re manipulating a computer that isn’t in front of you while simultaneously viewing everything it displays.
How do you Stream Games?
As you might expect, many services require a fast network connection to be useful. If your internet is slow or unreliable, the inputs you send will not be received correctly, resulting in latency and problems in the gameplay. A game can become unplayable if there is more than a fraction of a second between your commands and the system reacting.
You’ll need an internet connection with rates of at least 5Mbps to 20Mbps, depending on the game streaming service. A cable connection isn’t required, but it helps, as does 5GHz Wi-Fi. For these services, you don’t want to skimp on your router, and if fibre is available in your area, you should consider it.
Gaming can feel instantaneous with a fast and steady connection, with an input lag of milliseconds. Most games are fully playable as a result, while competitive gameplay may still be too slow. When you’re operating a multiplayer shooter or fighting game, every frame counts, so you probably don’t want to rely on a streaming provider.
What is the Best Game Streaming Platform?
Most providers include Windows 10 clients, allowing you to turn even a low-cost work laptop into a powerful gaming machine. PC clients have the added benefit of supporting both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections.
Every publicly known game streaming service is available on Windows 10 in some form, either as a standalone app (GeForce Now, PlayStation Now, Shadow) or as a web browser extension (GeForce Now, PlayStation Now, Shadow) (Stadia, Amazon Luna).
The cloud gaming function of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate does not yet have a Windows 10 client (it will be available in the Xbox app later this year), but you can try it out in a web browser.
Most streaming services allow you to play games on your smartphone. Except for PlayStation Now, every service has an Android app; however, the iOS game streaming ecosystem is a lot shakier, with some debates over which services may function on iPhones and iPads. Just keep in mind that you’ll be playing console and PC games on a smaller smartphone or tablet screen, which may be uncomfortable.
Several of the providers also offer direct-to-TV options that require additional hardware. Google Stadia, for example, has a Stadia controller that you can use with a Chromecast Ultra to access Stadia on your TV (the service isn’t yet compatible with Chromecast with Google TV, but it will be added later this month). PlayStation Now is compatible with any PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console. Amazon Luna is compatible with Amazon Fire TV.
What else do you need?
A gamepad is almost probably required. The Google Stadia Controller is the best controller for Stadia, although it’s also compatible with the Xbox Wireless Controller, Sony DualShock 4, and other Bluetooth controllers. Some Bluetooth gamepads work with Amazon Luna; however, the Luna Controller is the best method to use the service.
You may use any XInput-compatible wireless controller with GeForce Now; however, it works best with an Xbox Wireless Controller. DualShock 4, DualSense, and Xbox controllers are all compatible with PlayStation Now.
Shadow, on the other hand, works with any gamepad that is Windows 10 compatible, but you will also need a keyboard and mouse. Because you are directly accessing a Windows 10 PC, the ability to move a cursor and type is useful. If you are using the Shadow Android app, you may utilize a touch screen and on-screen keyboard, but if you want to get the most out of a Windows PC, you will need a mouse and keyboard.