The 5 Best Cloud Gaming Services in 2022

What to Look for in a Cloud Gaming Service in 2022

While game streaming doesn't need as much data as you might think, with faster internet connections and the widespread availability of 5G cellular networks, cloud gaming has quickly become a popular way to access to today's most popular titles.

Streaming Netflix is ​​one thing, but having to both stream gameplay and relay input from your gamepad requires speeds that simply weren't available just a few years ago. Today, however, most households can easily (and successfully) game via the cloud.

Cloud gaming may be the future, but there are many factors to consider before subscribing to one or more of these services. For one thing, you'll need to make sure you have a reliable connection wherever you plan to play. Whether it's a high-speed internet connection at home or an unlimited 5G plan for your phone, you'll need a robust network to succeed with any of the services listed below.

Once you've determined that your network is up to the task, you'll need to figure out which games you want to play. Would you like to have access to a catalog that grows every month for a fixed price? Or would you rather have remote access to an entire PC that lets you play everything you currently own? Cloud gaming is more diverse than ever – whether you're looking to replace a gaming PC or play Xbox games on your smartphone, there's an option with your name on it.

Pricing is always a factor with monthly services, and cloud games run the gamut from completely free to ridiculously expensive. Determining if a service is worth it depends on how much content it provides and how often you use it. Some of our favorite platforms are a bit pricey, but they pack a lot of features for the right user.

Since cloud streaming is finally making sense, there's been a lot of competition in the market. Google Stadia, for example, saw a release slowdown in the summer of 2022, and while there are still a few bigger releases on the horizon, it's unclear what the future holds for the platform. . Other services can easily follow the same path, so it's important to be flexible about which services to sign up for.

This also serves as a reminder to check how often new titles come out for any service you're interested in. A platform with few updates over the past few months is a clear red flag.

If you're having trouble narrowing down the options, we've listed the five best cloud gaming services below. 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 do the trick.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has long been hailed as one of the best gaming deals. For just $15/month, you'll get access to a catalog of downloadable console and PC games, as well as cloud streaming support for PC, console, and mobile through a feature known as Xbox Cloud Gaming.

If you're playing on PC or mobile, you'll be able to use your standard controller or mouse and keyboard to control the action. If you're on mobile, you'll also have access to touch controls on select titles. Mouse and keyboard controls should also be added to Xbox Cloud Gaming in the future

Microsoft is all about mobile cloud gaming, going so far as to create a line of official Otterbox gear to help gamers get started on the road.

Even better, the Game Pass catalog continues to grow every month. With titles like Infinite halo et Forza Horizon 5 Playable via the cloud, you'll have instant access to some of the most popular games as part of your subscription.

The biggest downside is that you can only stream certain games from the Game Pass Ultimate catalog. There's also no option to just buy Xbox Cloud Gaming – it's only offered as part of a $15/month Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

It's a small complaint, however, as just about everyone is bound to find lots of value on the popular platform.

NVIDIA's version of cloud gaming is quite different from the competition. Instead of giving you a catalog of games, you're free to play (many) the games you already own through GeForce NOW.

This makes it a great option for established gamers with an overflowing hard drive. Steam, Epic Games Store, Ubisoft Connect and many more are all supported, although not all games in their catalogs are compatible with GeForce NOW. The company is committed to growing its library of supported software, with new content announced weekly. It also offers a convenient way to search its list for specific games.

One of the best parts of GeForce NOW is the availability of a free membership tier. You're limited to one-hour sessions, but it's a great way to test the waters before opting for a paid membership.

The most expensive tier is called the RTX 3080, which costs $20/month and gives you remote access to an RTX 3080 along with eight-hour sessions, 4K resolutions, and up to 120 fps. The mid-tier (dubbed Priority) costs $10/month and offers RTX support, six-hour sessions, and up to 1080p and 60fps.

Price is GeForce NOW's biggest downside, with the top tier sitting well above the others on this list. You also don't get games for free, like most other services out there. But the ability to buy games from your favorite storefront makes GeForce NOW a great option for those looking for a real alternative to a gaming PC.

Best cloud gaming service for classic titles: PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus underwent a massive overhaul in the spring of 2022. The platform merged with PS Now, giving subscribers a way to both play multiplayer games online and access a massive roster of titles via the cloud .

Unfortunately, the only way to access cloud streaming is to upgrade to the Premium tier, which costs $18/month. Get started, though, and you'll be able to stream various classic games from across PlayStation history.

Sony's cloud streaming service is currently only available on PS4, PS5 and PC, although Sony may bring the service to mobile devices at a later date. The massive redesign just went live, and the company might want to iron out any issues before introducing it to a new audience. But for now, if you're considering cloud gaming for its mobile capabilities, you'll have to look elsewhere.

Despite some limitations, there's a lot to like about the cloud gaming platform. Availability varies by region, but players can access iconic titles such as the devil may cry 4, Fallout: New Vegas, god of war hd, infamous 2, Ninja Gaiden 3, and more. So if you don't mind sticking to a few restrictions, PlayStation Plus Premium could be a great option for your streaming needs.

Best cloud gaming service for power users: Shadow

Shadow has gone through several iterations over the years, but it's still one of the most unique cloud gaming services out there. In fact, it is not limited to games. A Shadow subscription gives you remote access to an entire PC, letting you play games, surf the web, or browse an Excel spreadsheet as you see fit.

This versatility comes at a price. A basic subscription costs $30/month, and the Power Pack (adding 4K support and hardware-accelerated ray tracing) goes up another $15/month. However, it gives you access to a real PC no matter where you are or what screen you're looking at.

Although expensive, Shadow is a great option for some players. Anyone who doesn't want to worry about maintaining a gaming rig or doesn't want to drop over $1 on a pre-built system will love the power Shadow offers.

The ability to use it as a bona fide computer means you can essentially hook up a cheap laptop to a big monitor and game like you're using the latest hardware. It also means you can multitask, using it as a powerful tool for work during the day and play at night. And the ability to check in on your smartphone makes it more appealing.

Best Cloud Gaming Service for Prime Members: Amazon Luna

Although it only went public in 2021, Amazon Luna already has a lot to offer. Not only do Amazon Prime members get free rotation of games (such as Far Cry 4, Lumines: remasteredet Move), but there's an affordable Luna+ plan that costs just $10/month and provides access to some of today's biggest games, including Saints Row: The Third Remastered, The devil can cry 5, Dirt 5et Yakuza 0.

If none of these games catch your eye, other packs are available. Whether you're looking for family games, retro classics, or some of Ubisoft's latest games, there's likely a bundle to suit your needs. Luna has a robust roster, but its games are spread across different packages. This means that you will have to search for several packages to discover all that it offers.

Despite the limitations of bundling, Amazon Luna is still a surprisingly good service. You can access the platform on PC, Mac, Fire TV, Fire tablets, Chromebook, iOS, and Android. There's also a specific Luna controller that helps reduce input lag, though it works well with Xbox and PlayStation controllers as well as a mouse and keyboard.

The biggest sticking point with Luna is longevity. As a relatively new service, no one is quite sure what to make of it. But Amazon Prime members should at least give it a try. If it ticks all the right boxes, choosing a premium plan can be a good decision.