What is the best cloud gaming service? Comparison 2023, guide and comparison of the best cloud gaming / pc cloud services

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Guide and comparison of the best cloud gaming services

It is interesting to note that Amazon wishes to offer offers on his platform, allying for example with Ubisoft. The goal is to enrich the service catalog with the games of the French publisher by paying a little more.

What is the best cloud gaming service ? Comparison 2023

In recent years, the Cloud Gaming seems to take more and more importance from the players, despite its obvious constraints and limitations. The increasingly efficient internet connections of ordinary users and improving cloud services over the years make the practice much more relevant than a decade ago. However, the solutions of the genre are still limited, and not all of them are equal in the exhaustiveness of their offer or their performance. So what is the best cloud gaming service in 2023 ?

Catalogs provided in various games
Xbox games games playable playable studios day one !
The cloud gaming that changes the situation

2160p at 120 fps on PC/Mac
HDR finally available on PC/Mac
Improved latency thanks to Reflex

The most versatile

Coherent performance
A real PC in the cloud
Multi-support

What is the cloud gaming ?
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Nvidia GeForce Now Ultimate
Shadow Power Option
PlayStation Plus
The Amazon Luna case
Eccs and Cloud Gaming constraints
Cloud Gaming: answers to all your questions

What is the cloud gaming ?

Also called game streaming, cloud gaming is a practice that consists of playing video games without physical support, entirely online. To do this, the player goes through a server placed in a data center. The idea is simple: allow players to access the latest games without having to benefit from a more efficient machine. Finally, the Cloud Gaming takes up the principle of music and movies/series streaming services: with the sole counterpart to a subscription to a service and a good internet connection, a player can thus access a large game catalog from his smartphone or his computer.

If this technology, which appeared at the end of the 2000s, seemed to be the logical future of the video game industry, it nevertheless encounters some problems to compete with physical support, unlike the music industry or cinema. Indeed, despite the possibility of being able to play anywhere and on any machine (provided you have a good connection), the constraints are numerous: the cloud gaming sometimes implies input lag (the fact of finding A certain delay between the moment when you press a button on a controller and action on the screen), servers problems (which can make the experience jerky) and a video compression which makes the graphics less pleasant than ‘A game that would natively run.

Cloud Gaming is currently in the midst of a transition, but some services nevertheless manage to capture the interest of Internet users, with growing popularity over the years. We come back here to the most famous of them.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

Catalogs provided in various games
Xbox games games playable playable studios day one !
The cloud gaming that changes the situation

Installed in the home of millions of players and players for several years, the Xbox Game Pass has become an essential figure in video games. The diversity of its catalog, its always practical applications and ideally integrated cloud gaming confirm this feeling. Difficult service to equal and almost impossible to outclass.

Completeness and quality of service

The ultimate version of the Game Pass allows access to the Xbox Cloud Gaming. Thus, in addition to having the game catalog available in free access via the Game Pass, the members taking advantage of this subscription can play from all the devices of their choice through the Cloud (Xbox, Android or iOS smartphone, Windows PC )). It is therefore a two-in-one offer, allowing to enjoy cloud of more than 100 games in a catalog constantly updated by Microsoft. The big positive point of the Game Pass is that it allows you to enjoy many Xbox exclusives without additional cost from the day of their marketing. This is for example the case of Starfield, the next game of the creators of Skyrim, which will be playable day for all its members. Technical side, a minimum bandwidth of 10 Mb/second is recommended. In terms of resolution, the ultimate game pass allows you to play games in 1080p and 60 fps, which is widely considered as a good average to enjoy a comfortable game session.

Pricing

Microsoft’s Cloud Gaming service joined the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offer in 2020. Since then, it is thus possible to take advantage of the XCloud via the Game Pass Ultimate, against a subscription of 12.99 euros per month. However, in July 2023, Microsoft was able to announce an increase in this rate, effective from August 1, 2023. Thus, to take advantage of the Game Pass Ultimate, it is now necessary to count on 14.99 euros per month. Microsoft’s service is among the most interesting price offers on the market, because in addition to offering access to the cloud gaming, it allows you to enjoy hundreds of games without additional cost.

Guide and comparison of the best cloud gaming services

There are currently many cloud gaming services. However, in terms of performance and credibility, all these services are not equal. Find out what criteria to be taken into account to choose a cloud gaming service, as well as a comparison of the best platforms available today.

What are the criteria to be taken into account in the choice of a cloud gaming ?

There are several types of cloud gaming services. Some are Directly accessible to individuals, such as Nvidia GeForce Now, Shadow or Liquidsky. Others choose to establish partnerships with hardware manufacturers, in order to integrate their platform into devices. This is the case of Gamefly, leader of the Cloud Gaming on Connected TV.

In all cases, Six main criteria must be taken into account: image quality, FPS number, latency, game catalog, compatible devices, and the price of the service.

There image quality is defined by the maximum resolution proposed by the service provider. As a rule, the resolution is linked to the graphics card on board the cloud servers. Currently, the best services offer a resolution of 1080p.

THE Number of FPS is also linked to the processor and graphics card for cloud servers. This is the number of images per second displayed during the game. The best cloud services are currently offering a 60 fps display.

There latency is the time that separates the input from a command by the user, and its display on the screen. In the past, high latency was the main weak point of cloud gaming services. For good reason, it takes time for orders to be transmitted to the cloud server, then so that the actions are broadcast in streaming to the user in video games. Fortunately, now, industry leaders have found solutions to this problem. Cloud gaming latency can descend under 20 milliseconds.

THE game catalog offered by a cloud service is also an essential criterion. Some services only offer a limited list of video games. The best cloud gaming platforms simply access all video games available on PC.

In terms of compatible devices, not all Cloud Gaming services are equal. Some offer to play in streaming on any PC, Mac, Tablet or Laptop. Others restrict themselves to a single connected television model. Make sure the list of compatible devices before subscribing to a subscription.

THE last criterion to take into account in the choice of a cloud gaming service is of course the price. On average, count 20 € per month for a very high quality service.

Comparison of the best cloud gaming services

Cloud Gaming Nvidia GeForce Now

Launched by Nvidia on October 1, 2015, GeForce Now has so far only been available for users of devices from the SHIELD range (SHIELD Portable, Shield Tablet, and Shield Android TV). For $ 7.99 per month, users could access a cloud game catalog in cloud gaming.

Since January 4, 2017, This service is now extended to all Windows and Mac PCs, on the sole condition to benefit from an internet connection greater than 25 Mb/s. By registering for GeForce Now, users can enjoy a powerful virtual computer, accessible from the cloud, and capable of running the most recent games in maximum quality.

On this virtual computer, The user can install any game from Steam, Origin, Uplay, Gog platforms, and Battle.net. All the features of these platforms, such as lists of friends, messaging systems, success to unlock or multiplayer modes are supported. Free games like World of Tanks are also compatible.

Nvidia Also guarantees the update of all games with the latest patches and drivers. Thirty seconds are enough to launch a game. Thus, users can be content to play without worrying about the installation or update processes.

THE GeForce NOW prices are 25 dollars for 20 hours of play on a GTX 1060 configuration, or 10 hours of play on a virtual PC GTX 1080. Unfortunately, for the time being, the service is only available in the United States.

Cloud Gaming Liquidsky

Liquidsky Allows users to access a virtual computer Skycomput from a PC, Mac or Android device to play any computer game in Cloud Gaming.

There firm guarantees minimum latency thanks to an owner compression algorithm, and impressive graphics performance thanks to IBM servers distributed worldwide, latest CRI processors and latest generation Nvidia graphics cards. The download speed is 1GB per second in Dowload and Upload.

Just download the application, and choose a Windows game to install. In a few seconds, the game is accessible and ready to be used. Regarding graphic performance, Liquidsky guarantees a 1080p resolution at 60 fps.

In terms of price, three formulas are offered. L’Free subscription allows you to play 3 hours a day without paying the slightest penny, but advertisements are imposed. The user benefits from 100GB of skystorage storage space. Unused credits are preserved.

There “Pay-as-you-go” formula allows you to play punctually without advertising for 4.99 dollars. The user benefits from 100 GB, and a priority support. Finally, the monthly subscription is priced at $ 9.99 per month. The user benefits from 1GB of skystorage, a priority medium, and can play at will without advertising. Unused skycredits are kept from one month to the next. New prices will be offered from March 2017. Liquidsky is currently accessible in beta version.

Cloud Gaming Shadow

Shadow is a French company offering for sale a small, overpowered PC based on Cloud Gaming technologies. This machine makes it possible to use the power of hundreds of servers equipped with the latest graphics cards via the cloud, in order to enjoy the games with the best display quality at more than 100 FPS, with a latency less than 16 milliseconds.

This PC connected to the cloud works under Windows, and allows you to use all the software and video games of a traditional PC. Very compact, completely silent and always cold in all circumstances, this device is also based on the cloud to allow energy savings. The design is also fully customizable.

By investing in a Shadow PC, The user grants 6 threads dedicated from an Intel Xeon server processor coupled with 12 GB of RAM and 256GB SSD storage. The graphics card is an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070. The firm guarantees the same fluidity as with a high -end local PC. The technical characteristics will be updated over time.

Cloud obliges, It is possible to access the interface of this PC from any Windows or Android device. Subsequently, the firm intends to extend compatibility to iOS, macOS and TVOS in the first quarter of 2017.

L’Shadow subscription is offered at € 29.95 per month for an annual commitment, € 34.95 per month for a quarterly commitment, and € 44.95 per month without. For this price, the user receives his Shadow case and can access the Cloud service unlimitedly.

Cloud Gaming Parsec

Newcomer in the field of cloud gaming, Parsec is a company founded by two people who offers its cloud gaming service since September 2016. This service is based on Amazon Web Services.

There Platform allows you to play in streaming on any Mac or PC, in 1080p resolution, at 60 fps, with minimum latency. Particularly focused on, Parsec invites you to watch the game as a spectator or participate as a player.

For now, This cloud gaming service is still in beta, and prices are not yet determined by the firm.

Cloud Gaming PlayStation Now

PlayStation Now is A cloud gaming service developed by Sony following the acquisition of Gaikai and Onlive. It allows you to play hundreds of PS3 games streaming on PC or PS4. More than 450 games are already available, and new titles are added each month. The opportunity to discover, or rediscover, the great classics of the PlayStation 3.

In terms of prices, Sony offers a 7 -day free trial formula. Subsequently, users can choose between a monthly subscription at € 16.99 per month or an annual subscription at € 99.99 per year.

Cloud Gamefly

In order to stand out on the Cloud Gaming market, Gamefly has chosen to link partnerships with the main connected television manufacturers: Samsung, LG, Philips and Emtec. The application is preinstalled on all recent Smart TVS models of these manufacturers.

THE Service allows access to a large catalog of streaming games on a connected television, on the sole condition of having a compatible controller and an internet connection greater than 5 Mb/s.

On its official website, Gamefly does not extend to the technical characteristics of its service. The firm specifies, however, that latency is minimized through proprietary technology.

L’Gamefly streaming service subscription is priced at $ 10 per month, but it is possible to try games for free.

Cloud Gaming Utomik

Currently available in open beta, Utomik does not offer to play in streaming, but to download a small part of a game on your hard drive to access it quickly without having to do the full installation. To take advantage of this platform, just have a Windows 7 or higher computer and an internet connection.

THE Service is offered for € 5.99 per month, instead of € 9.99 per month for the duration of the open beta. It is also possible to try Utomik for free for 14 days.

For this price, Users can access a catalog currently comprising 435 games. Several dozen titles are added each month. The price is enticing, but unfortunately, the catalog of Utomik games does not have any recent cult game for the moment.

Cloud Gaming Gamestream

THE Gamestream service allows you to play in streaming by connecting to a data center via the cloud. The remote servers are equipped with an Intel Xeon E3-1585 V5 processor with Intel Iris Pro Graphics P580 Integrated Graphics Card P580.

There Platform is compatible with Windows, MacOS, IPTV, Android, but also with many connected televisions from Philips, LG, or Samsung brands. The firm guarantees a Full HD 1080p resolution display.

In order to Proposing solutions at the cutting edge of the latest technologies, Gamestream is based on prestigious partnerships with hardware giants such as Philips, Intel, HP, Asus, or LG.

Thanks to Cloud Gaming services, it is now possible to play streaming video games, without having to invest in a powerful computer, or even download a game or update it. Here is everything you need to know about the Cloud Gaming, a phenomenon in the process of revolutionizing the video game industry !

Cloud gaming is a service based on cloud technologies, allowing you to play video games on PC without the need for a powerful graphics card. Concretely, This service allows you to use the graphic power of a powerful server via the cloud to play streaming games on your computer through simple customer software.

Cloud gaming has many points in common with streaming videos. The server launches the game chosen by the user, and retransmits the video of the game in real time on the user screen. This last Control the game using its mouse and keyboard or controller, just as if it launched the game directly on its PC. Input orders are transmitted to the Cloud Gaming server through the Internet.

THE Technical performance is provided by the server, while the user’s computer is content to receive the video and audio streaming, and send commands by Internet. In fact, the Cloud Gaming is getting closer to a video streaming service, with the sole difference an interactive character.

The advantages of Cloud Gaming

In theory, Cloud Gaming avoids having to invest in expensive equipment or putting your PC or level console. Rather than having to buy high -end game equipment, this cloud service allows you to play the most recent games on any computer. It is also possible to opt for a cheap streaming box to connect to a television screen.

The Cloud Gaming also allows you to play on any operating system or device. For the most part, recent games are only compatible with Windows PCs or living room consoles such as PS4 or Xbox One. Thanks to Cloud Gaming, It is possible to play any game on a Mac, a Linux computer, an Android, iOS or Chrome bone tablet.

It is also possible to integrate gaming into televisions and other devices of the same kind thanks to the cloud gaming. THE television manufacturers can integrate cloud gaming support into their connected televisions. TV does not need a powerful processor or graphics card. A simple software implementation allows you to transform the device into a game console.

The other advantage of the cloud gaming is to allow you to play instantly. Some games require the download of a 10 GB or 20 GB or more file. On the contrary, The Cloud Gaming allows you to launch the games immediately, since they are already installed on the server.

THE Cloud Gaming also facilitates streaming games, a very precious functionality for the field of esports and professional game. Spectators wishing to attend a game do not need to install the game, since video streaming can be easily duplicated.

Finally, the cloud gaming guarantees safety. THE launching the games on a remote server prevents any hacking attempt. This precious asset has something to seduce video game publishers. On the other hand, the community of players may not appreciate this specificity.

Disadvantages of Cloud Gaming

Despite its many advantages, the cloud gaming also has several disadvantages. Thus, just like the videos available on YouTube or Netflix, Gameplay video from the Cloud Gaming service is compressed to consume less stripping. In fact, the image will not be as beautiful and detailed as on a high -end gaming PC. Despite everything, the compressed video should be of better quality than a game displayed in low resolution on a physical PC.

A cloud gaming service also consumes a large amount of strip-through. If your use of a strip-through is limited by your Internet supplier, this drawback can quickly become problematic.

THE Cloud Gaming also poses a latency problem. Games react faster when launched on a local computer, and the mouse communicates directly with the PC. In the case of cloud gaming, the mouse must contact the server through the Internet, then the image must be compressed to finally return to the user.

Consequently, Cloud Gaming services display a larger latency than a local PC. However, New Cloud Gaming suppliers like Liquidsky or Shadow tend to mitigate these problems of latency, compression and bandwatching use. Thanks to software innovations and the progress of the hardware components used by servers, these problems could soon be completely resolved.

Many players would nevertheless find themselves disadvantaged by the democratization of Cloud Gaming. In the same way that it is impossible, in some countries, to play games like Diablo 3 requiring a permanent internet connection, Cloud gaming is disabling for regions deploring poor internet coverage.

The story of the cloud gaming

There First demonstration of Cloud Gaming technology dates back to E3 in 2000. It was the G-Cluster firm that presented for the first time a gaming cloud service for portable devices via wifi.

In 2005, Crytek began the development of a cloud gaming system for its game Crysis, But pause efforts in 2007 to wait for Internet access providers and infrastructure to be able to take care of such technology.

In 2010, Onlive officially entered service, at the same time as the marketing of the firm’s microconsole. Until 2012, Onlive was the best -known cloud gaming supplier. However, even during peak hours, this service only federated 1800 users. At the time, the service was surprisingly well given the technical challenges it was to face. The latency and compression of the image were both obvious, but far from being as disturbing as one might imagine.

THE Main competitor of Onlive was Gaikai, launched in February 2011. The latter was based on technology to play game demos directly from a web browser without download. A very practical way to try the games before deciding to buy them.

In July 2012, Gaikai was bought by Sony for $ 380 million, and its demos streaming service is currently unavailable. The Japanese also bought onlive and 140 of its patents in 2015. Afterwards, Sony has launched its own PlayStation Now Cloud Gaming Service, allowing PS3 games to stream on a PC screen.

In April 2013, The first open source platform for cloud gaming, GamanganyWhere, was inaugurated. It is so far the only open source platform on the market. In November 2015, the French operator SFR launched its own cloud gaming service on IPTV, based on G-Cluster technology.

Since 2015, NIVIDA also offers a service titled GeForce NOW, allowing you to play in streaming via the Cloud by taking advantage of the powerful configuration of a remote server equipped with the latest graphics cards. Until now, this service has only been compatible with the Shield, the Shield Tablet and the Android Shield TV box.

As part of the recent CES 2017, Nvidia has announced the compatibility of its cloud gaming service to all Mac and PC, and no longer just to its SHIELD tablet and its Android TV box TV box. This GeForce Now service seems particularly relevant for Mac and PC users taking on an integrated graphics card, because these machines do not allow a priori to play recent games. GeForce Now opens access to all Steam, Origin, Gog, Battle games.net or uplay.

In 2016, The Liquidsky company has embarked on the Cloud Gaming market with the ambition to solve the problems inherent in this technology such as latency or the consumption of strip-passante. Likewise, the French startup Blade launched its Shadow service, allowing to stream full access to a PC without the slightest latency.

CLOSE GAMING in the dawn of the year 2017 and predictions for the future of the market

Currently, there are now many cloud gaming services. The offers have multiplied. From Main services, we count Gamenow, Gamefly Streaming, Liquidsky, PlayStation Now, GeForce Now and Shadow.

The main market leaders are Nvidia, Playgiga, Sony and Ubisoft. Among Influential market players, there are also Amazon, Ciinow, Crytek, GamingCloud, Google, Happy Cloud, International Business Machines, Microsoft, Nintendo, Playcast Media Systems, Samsung Electronics, Transgaming, and Ubitus.

According to Technavio analysts, the Cloud Gaming market could experience annual growth of more than 29% between 2017 and 2020. Market growth would mainly be directed by reducing access time to games and the cost of possession of games. In addition, Cloud Gaming services now have the potential to attract occasional players on mobile or social networks. Thus, the growth of the market for smartphones and tablets draws the cloud gaming market.

In 2015, The Cloud Gaming market was dominated by the United States with more than 54% market share, especially thanks to the high penetration of tablets and smartphones in this region. This trend should continue until 2020, especially thanks to the important time dedicated by American individuals to leisure such as gaming.

Strong competition on the market, rapid advances in terms of technology, and frequent changes in consumer preferences are the main risks to take into account for service providers. THE sellers must be distinguished by offering different products, a User-friendly interface, a large catalog of games, and interesting rates. The competition should further intensify until 2020 with the arrival of new players.

Is Cloud Gaming the future of video games ?

Until recently, the cloud gaming had not really managed to convince consumers. Nevertheless, The giants of the video game industry have retained their enthusiasm for this technology. The acquisition of Gaikai and onlive by Sony, or the launch of GeForce Now by Nvidia, when the Cloud Gaming was not really the wind in its sails, are proof of this.

If Sony and Nvidia bet on the cloud gaming, in the same way as many startups, others on the other hand are much less convinced by this technology. THE Director of Valve, creator of Steam and HTC Vive, expressed his skepticism on the subject.

According to him, Even if consoles and PCs had never been invented, and the game industry has always rested on the cloud gaming, an alternative solution would have been found to save network resources and take advantage of the many advantages of the local gaming.

It is difficult to predict the future of the cloud gaming. THE investments of large high-tech companies could allow the market to take off thanks to innovations. However, little chance that the cloud gaming replaces the local game. It seems more likely that the two coexist and complement each other.

Virtual reality democratized thanks to cloud gaming ?

In 2016, Several high -end virtual reality headsets such as Oculus Rift, HTC Vive or PlayStation VR have been marketed. Despite a high price, these aircraft meet a strong demand from players and enthusiasts. The Oculus Rift is out of stock until June 2017.

To operate, these helmets also require a powerful PC. VR Ready computers generally cost more than € 1000. Therefore, To take advantage of virtual reality on PC, it is currently necessary to spend a minimum of 1,700 euros. Such an investment is not possible for most consumers. In fact, the VR revolution is still far from being initiated.

So that virtual reality is democratized, It is necessary that the prices of the equipment gradually decrease. However, it is also possible to reduce these costs through the cloud gaming.

Indeed, Cloud gaming services can stream video games from a powerful server directly on the screen of a VR headset, in the same way as on a computer screen. Therefore, it is possible to use a virtual reality headset without investing in a state -of -the -art PC. This solution can reduce costs by three, and therefore attract many more users.

Even better, The Cloud Gaming avoids having to update your computer each year with the latest technological components to enjoy the latest VR games. Cloud servers are updated by the service provider and guarantee optimal compatibility with new virtual reality games.

In addition to saving the cost of a PC, the Cloud Gaming reduces the price of VR headsets which can work as simple clients of Cloud servers. In addition to a cost reduction, Cloud gaming can improve the ergonomics or autonomy of the next generations of helmets.

Several leaders in the virtual reality industry already have the necessary expertise to offer cloud services. Sony, the creator of the PlayStation VR, offers for example its cloud gaming PlayStation NOW service. The Japanese also bought two pioneers from the Cloud Gaming: Gaikai in 2012, and onlive in 2015.

Likewise, Oculus is able to get into the gaming cloud. His CEO Brendan Iribe, his Chief Software Architect Michael Antonov, and his VP of Product Nate Mitchell all worked for Gaikai.

As part of CES 2017, The Firm Gameface Labs also revealed its ambition to create a wireless virtual reality headset capable of working without PC. According to CEO Edward Mason, this helmet can work without any latency through the cloud gaming. The device, which has an Nvidia Tegra processor, would twice the power of an Xbox 360 and would be marketed next year.

There Marketing of wireless, light, independent VR headsets, operating thanks to the cloud gaming could really accelerate the massive adoption of virtual reality. Such devices would be accessible to the greatest number.

Fact, Cloud gaming could allow the democratization of virtual reality, and virtual reality could offer Cloud Gaming a real reason for being. These two technologies therefore seem intimately linked.

Cloud Gaming 2023: What is the best streaming game service ?

Stadia, Shadow, GeForce Now, Luna, PlayStation Plus, Xbox Cloud Gaming… The supply of streaming game platforms has been strengthened in recent years, to the point that these services represent a real alternative to games on PC and living room consoles. In this comparison, we go around the strengths and weaknesses of each of these services.

xcloud

Stadia, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Shadow, GeForce Now… so many names that are probably not foreign to you. All offer features of cloud gaming, that is to say game on demand. But in front of this increasingly substantial offer, it becomes difficult to share things and to know which platform best corresponds to its needs. So what a cloud gaming offer to choose in 2023 ? We tell you everything here.

�� What is the cloud gaming ?
What are the best cloud gaming services in 2023 ?
NVIDIA GeForce NOW
Shadow
PlayStation Plus Premium
Xbox Cloud Gaming (XCloud)
Luna
And Google Stadia ?
Comments

�� What is the cloud gaming ?

Let’s start with the basics in order to be of course that we all talk about the same thing. THE cloud gaming, it’s a little video game streaming. Imagine Netflix, but instead of watching a series, you play a game. It’s very similar. The cloud gaming allows Play recent video games, in very good quality and on a light customer, such as a Mac or a Smartphone, for example. How ? Simply because The games are executed on powerful servers, remotely, in data centers that refer video to players to players. The latter then interact with the games via the Internet, in real time.

Streaming technology, average speed and latency of Internet connections allow such fluid transmission that you have to pinch to believe that the games in question are not launched on a muscular device that you have at home. The interest is that it thus becomes possible, subject to having an effective internet connection, to play the latest games of the moment without having to buy a racing beast. Another advantage, there is No need to download, install and update a game yourself. You click, you play. This is a time saving and a considerable appeal at a time when the games weigh several tens of Go (some even cross the symbolic bar of the 100 GB).

What are the best cloud gaming services in 2023 ?

NVIDIA GeForce NOW

After years of beta, the Gaming GeForce NOW cloud service was finally launched in public version for all users at the start of 2020. As with any platform of the genre, GeForce Now allows you to play titles on screens that normally have the ability to run them.

Compatibility

NVIDIA SHIELD TV

For the moment, the NVIDIA streaming solution is compatible with laptop and desktop PC (Windows 7 minimum), Mac (MacOS 10 minimum), Shield TV or Android mobile device (Smartphone or tablet, Android 5.0 minimum). It is also possible to play on Chromebook as well as on Safari from an iOS device.

Game catalog

One of the main advantages of Nvidia GeForce Now is that it allows you to stream games that we already have in its PC play libraries. The platform is compatible with Steam, Epic Games Store, Gog, Origin, Uplay and Battle.net. There are still a few big names in the sector, such as Activision-Blizzard in particular.

Note that to date, more than 1000 games are available. And, every Thursday, new games are added to the GeForce Now library. Some of these games are free-to-play like Fortnite, Warframe, Apex Legends, Paladins or World of Tanks. With the free formula, you can therefore play in good conditions without paying anything.

Fortnite Chapter 2

Attention, The catalog is not fixed in marble. Blizzard decided to remove its games only a few days after the launch of GeForce Now. Ditto on the side of Bethesda which removed its titles from the service. Alone Wolfenstein: Youngblood there remains available. Another element to take into account: Some games are sometimes available on GeForce Now only on a single customer, Like Steam for example. Depending on where you bought your game, you can therefore be deprived of the service.

Recommended flow

Regarding the requirement strip required to be able to use the device, Nvidia advises 15 Mb/s for a 720p display quality and 25 Mb/s for 1080p. Below these thresholds, you will have to abandon the 60 FPS to benefit from these definitions.

Theoretically, you should therefore get out of it with a VDSL2 connection, even if a fiber connection is largely recommended. You can forget with ADSL. 5G, or even 4G as a function of your network allow you to play in mobility with a good definition, a correct refresh frequency as well as a low latency. But beware of data consumption: in Full HD and 60 FPS, count 10 GB per hour.

Subscription offers

GeForce Now subscriptions

Now let’s move on to GeForce Now’s economic model, which has three separate subscriptions.

There First formula is completely free and apart from the absence of RTX, does not imply any technical restriction for the experience at stake. The sessions are however limited to 1 hour. After 60 minutes, you must therefore relaunch a session (their number is unlimited even in free), and potentially integrate a queue if the servers are too busy.
The first paying subscription, called “priority”, is proposed to € 9.99 per month for 1 month or € 49.99 for 6 months a choice. Right now, you can even benefit from a promotional offer at 29.99 euros for 6 months, or 40% reduction. At this price, you benefit from real-time ray-tracing for the management of light and reflections in particular. A technology that is gradually won, with more and more compatible games and its integration on Next Gen consoles. This package also allows you to take advantage of game sessions up to 6 hours, as well as priority access to servers if they are full.
A final offer called “Ultimate” allows you to benefit from maximum performance in play with servers with the flagship graphics card of Nvidia, the RTX 3080. Your game sessions run until 8 am, up to 4K at 120 fps. This subscription is offered to € 19.99 for 1 month or € 99.99 over 6 months.

To sum up

Strengths of Nvidia GeForce Now

Access to its own game libraries, no need to buy them
Generous free formula despite some limitations
Compatible with a large number of supports
Ray-tracing with the paid offer

NVIDIA GeForce NOW weak points

Little ergonomic interface
Mouvant catalog (publishers can remove their games overnight) and blur (some games are available on one platform but not on another)

Shadow

Shadow Ghost

Here we are dealing with a particular case with the Shadow platform. This is actually about cloud computing, that is, having access to your files and software on a device on which they are not saved, but stored on remote servers. Streaming technology also comes into play here. It is therefore a technology very close to the cloud gaming, but which Allows you to meet more needs than video games : use video editing software for example. To put it simply, it’s like having a virtual computer. And of course, it is possible to perform gaming cloud. Created in 2016 by the French company Blade, Shadow was taken over in 2021 by Octave Klaba, the founder of OVHCLOUD.