With the video game services streaming On the rise, there are many platforms that have offered their users deals to access thousands of online games. However, there are several factors that must be considered when choosing a gaming streaming service; since not all of them offer the same thing.
For this reason, we have decided to analyze the 6 most famous brands of video game streaming services and tell you about their most notable strengths and weaknesses.
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1. Xbox Game Pass
While many of the services rely directly on streaming technology to deliver or present video games; Xbox Game Pass works differently. Not only does it offer one of the most complete services on the list, but it also offers the possibility of downloading and storing any of the games available on the platform on your Xbox.
Something clearly advantageous, since you do not have to worry about having a slow or unstable connection, since you will be able to continue your games without any problem.
Also, Xbox Game has one of the best free games libraries among the top services. Not to mention that you'll have access to the most popular Xbox One games, an extra selection of titles from previous versions for Xbox 360; and full compatibility with computers that run Windows.
To this we can add that since 2021, any member of Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate For PC, you will have access to free of charge EA Play for PC.
This is how this platform allows its users to share between different platforms (Xbox/PC) while providing the possibility of keeping games synchronized between both, even through streaming. Not to mention that It is the only one that offers titles by age range.
The best of Xbox Game Pass
- The ability to access any of the Xbox Games; all will be included by default and new titles will be added on the day of their release.
- If you pay the corresponding fee for Xbox Live Gold, you will receive free games every month.
The worst of Xbox Game Pass
- Its price, since it is one of the most expensive services on the list.
Platforms available on Xbox Game Pass
Xbox One, Xbox series X, Xbox series S and PC
Xbox Game Pass Catalog
To date the platform handles a Catalog with more than 400 games available; which leaves us with approximately 70 to 80 games per age classification PEGI. See full catalogue.
Xbox Game Pass Price
- The price of Xbox Game Pass for consoles and PC is €9.99 per month. And offers the possibility of paying only €1 to enjoy a month's trial.
- Its most comprehensive plan, known as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, costs €12.99 per month and includes Xbox Live Gold.
2. PS Now from PlayStation
Released in 2014, Sony PS Now It has one of the largest libraries on the market; it has More than 600 titles available to play; and it has become the only alternative to have PlayStation video games on your PC or computer.
That's right! You can enjoy any PS4, PS3 and PS2 game on any desktop or laptop computer with a Windows operating system via streaming; of course, your connection must be at least 5 Mbps. Adding the option of being able to download any of the games to your PS4 to play them whenever you want without having to connect to the internet.
An interesting attraction of this service is the option to opt for resolutions up to 4K in the case of PS4 Pro or experience incredible 5.1 surround sound.
Now, to play on PC you must purchase a wireless DualShock 4 controller or a mini USB cable, as well as an access account. PlayStation Network. While PS4 players subscribed to PlayStation Now will have full multiplayer support.
The best of PlayStation Now
- What makes this service stand out is its extensive library of games, as it is one of the most extensive and offers the best value for money.
- You can try it for free for 7 days.
The worst of PS Now
- All PS2 and PS3 games are streaming-only and will not be available if you do not have an internet connection.
- There is no catalog of exclusive games like on other platforms.
- PS Plus is not included.
Platforms available on PS Now
PS5, PS4, PC (Streaming only).
PS Now Catalog
The Ps Now library is one of the most extensive out there, as it has more than 800 games available. See the entire catalog.
PS Now Price
- The price of PS Now is €9.99 for a monthly membership, €24.99 per quarter and €59.99 for one year.
3. Nvidia GeForce Now
If you have a low-end PC or Mac and you can't play the most popular triple-A games on the market, GeForce Now is all you need. And now that it has left its beta phase, it has quickly proven that it is worthwhile thanks to its innovative multiplatform aspect.
Which is why it differs from other servers that offer us a default library; With GeForce Now we can stream the games that we already have or that belong to recognized digital stores such as Steam, Blizzard's Battle.net or Uplay.
Once you install the application on your PC, GeForce cloud processors will be in charge of run next-gen games on basically any device, and as we mentioned before, it won't matter what your specifications are.
However, you will need to have a minimum of MacOS 10 or a 64-bit Windows 7 operating system. In addition, this service requires a download speed of 25 Mbps, although 50 Mbps is recommended for optimal performance.
The best of GeForce Now
- It certainly highlights the possibility of being able to play any latest generation game without the need for a high-end computer.
- Enables instant streaming to Mac, PC, or Nvidia Shield TV.
- For quick connections there is the mode Ultra Streaming, which increases fps from 60 to 120.
- You can try it for a month for free.
The worst of GeForce Now
- Despite being compatible with a wide variety of games, you must purchase them in advance to be able to enjoy them with the service.
- Currently, sessions have a time limit of 4 hours per player before a new session begins. This way, the servers will always be available for other players.
Platforms available on GeForce Now
PC, Mac, Nvidia Shield.
GeForce Now Catalog
Its library includes more than 200 titles that have been pre-installed on Nvidia's server. See full catalogue.
Price of Geforce Now
- The cost for Nvidia's GeForce Now service is 27.45€ for a subscription six months.
4. Shadow Cloud
Shadow has been recognized as one of the most ambitious streaming services on a technical level. It has been designed by the Blade company and like Nvidia GeForce Now has searched Give your devices the power of a high-end gaming PC or computer.
With Shadow there is no need to buy any game, as it allows you to import any title you have purchased in the stores. Origin, Steam, Epic Games either Battle.net on any PC, TV, tablet, phone or Mac.
The infrastructure behind Shadow is simply astonishing; allowing for 1080p game play at 144Hz or even 4K at 60Hz. How does it do this? Using the same graphics performance as an Nvidia GTX 1080, 12GB of DDR4 RAM, a peak speed of 1Gbps, and up to 256GB of storage; which will undoubtedly allow you to keep multiple games installed simultaneously.
In addition, its accessory Shadow Ghost, turns your TV into a Shadow TV; giving it access to Bluetooth to connect devices like keyboards or controllers. Not to mention you have the option to switch to other screens while running your favorite games while continuing to run the game on the previous monitor or screen.
The best of Shadow
- For a comfortable fee, you will acquire the power of a gaming computer that tends to exceed €1000.
- You can download terabyte-sized titles in just minutes.
- Adaptable to basically any device including Ubuntu.
- 4G LTE support so you can play even on the move.
The worst of Shadow
- It has a high cost compared to other gaming streaming services.
- You are required to download and update your games unlike other services like Google Stadia For example.
Platforms available in Shadow
PC, Mac, Tablets, Phones, TV's.
Shadow Catalog
Being allied to multiple game servers, its library is quite extensive (Although it will depend on the number of games you buy or have installed).
Shadow Price
- The monthly price of Shadow is €14.99 per month; however, by choosing the annual membership the amount will be €12.99 per month (However, this membership cannot be cancelled until 12 months have passed).
5. Nintendo Switch Online
One of the three major video game companies in the world could not be missing, and although it is not technically a service created for streaming, it has a functionality quite similar to that of PS Now and Xbox Game Pass. Also, it turns out to be the most economical service between the three of them.
By subscribing to Nintendo Switch On-line You'll get full access to online games on Switch and Xbox Live, plus a vast catalog of NES and Super Nintendo games that were popular in the 80s and 90s and are reborn as updated classics.
The best of Nintendo Switch Online
- It is a very economical service and offers the opportunity to subscribe several members of a family group.
- An incredible option for those nostalgic for the company's 8 and 16-bit classics.
The worst of Nintendo Switch Online
- Apart from the few titles, it can be too much “retro” for an audience that loves current games.
Platforms available on Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch.
Nintendo Switch Online Catalog
So far this platform offers us more than 70 games approximately.
Nintendo Switch Online Prices
- The monthly subscription has a cost of €3.99.
- The quarterly subscription has a cost of €7.99.
- The annual subscription has a cost of €19.99, while the family subscription of 8 accounts is valued at €34.99.
6. Google Stadia Pro
Released in late 2019 Google Stadia has caused a big stir in the world of streaming; and it is something that is not surprising if we consider a quite extensive catalogue with 4k and 60 Fps resolutions.
All this from a Chrome browser and available for Android phones, tablets, laptops, Chromecast Ultra TVs and of course any Mac, PC or Chromebook platform.
On the other hand, Google Stadia Pro is directly linked to YouTube, so the special buttons on its controller will give you the option to go from a video game trailer to the game itself in just a few seconds. Other interesting options include direct access to the Google Assistant, to get tips or secrets related to the game you are playing.
Said command is provided by the service when you subscribe to the Stadia Premiere Edition, which is complemented by a Chromecast Ultra device; ideal for connecting to almost any Smart TV and enjoying a complete, high-quality gaming experience.
The best of Google Stadia Pro
- All the Updates to this service are made directly from the server, so you never have to wait before playing.
- Its wide capacity to adapt to almost any device or PC.
- It does not present any hardware problems, since it is hosted in the cloud.
- You can receive up to 6 games as a gift each month.
The worst of Google Stadia Pro
- His Free games library is quite limited, so you have to pay for the best games.
- You need a good connection.
Platforms available on Google Stadia Pro
Mac, Mobile Phones, PC (All via streaming).
Google Stadia Pro Catalog
Its current catalogue consists of approximately 90 games, although it will receive new exclusive titles that will raise this number to several hundred. See full catalogue.
Google Stadia Pro Price
- The price for one Google Stadia monthly subscription is €9.99.