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What is Cloud Gaming

February 25, 2023  •  5 min read

Cloud gaming is a new concept that's gaining traction in the gaming world. Cloud gaming is like Disney+ for video games. And like Disney+, cloud gaming services give you access to an evolving content library.

Streaming games from Cloud services lets you play games without needing to download them. No installation is needed and, in most cases, no new console or PC is required. Instead of downloading or buying a physical copy of a game, you can simply stream it from the cloud. All you need is a steady high-speed internet connection.

In this article, we’ll discuss what cloud gaming is, why it's worth using, and which service is right for you.


What are the benefits of Cloud Gaming?

Cost Savings

One of the biggest advantages of using a cloud-based platform for gaming is saving money. Cloud gaming ends the need to keep up with expensive new gaming consoles or gaming PCs to play the newest titles.

Many streaming services also provide access to a revolving library of game titles. Today’s current gen games can cost up to $70, whereas streaming services cost about $14.99 a month. And if you do want to own a game, cloud gaming subscriptions often include discounts on titles.

Portability

Another benefit of using a cloud-based platform for gaming is portability. You can access these services from anywhere with an internet connection. Even if you’re away from home or traveling abroad, you can still enjoy your favorite games without having to lug around extra hardware or worry about compatibility issues with devices.

And since most services offer cross-platform support (i.e., they work across platforms such as PC, Mac, iOS and Android phones), it's easier for gamers who use many devices (such as smartphones and tablets) to keep playing your favorite titles no matter where they're located.

Convenience

Finally, one of the most appealing aspects of using a cloud-based platform for gaming is convenience. With most services offering quick setup times (often minutes), you can start playing almost immediately after signing up for an account with no downloads required. Most services even handle updates when new content becomes available (such as patches or expansions.)


Which Cloud Gaming service is best for you?

With Google Stadia shut down and Amazon Luna being the new kid on the block, there are two primary gaming streaming services in the market; Xbox Cloud Gaming and NVIDIA GeForce NOW. Both function similarly, but there are key differences between these game platforms that may make one a better fit for you.

An image depicting a mobile phone with a Backbone One controller attached and a tablet next to an Xbox Series X controller. Both the mobile phone and tablet showcase a screenshot from the Sea of Thieves game played via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox Cloud Gaming is the most widely known streaming service, initially known as Project xCloud. And while Microsoft still markets this as in Beta on mobile, there's no reason to not try it out. All you need is a Microsoft account and you can stream free-to-play games like Fortnite.

For $14.99 a month (and as low as $1 for your first month,) you get access to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library of hundreds of games. And with Xbox developing or publishing so many games, new titles are added every month (some are even available for sale at a discount.) The library includes everything from Halo: Infinite to Forza Horizon 5 to Fallout 4 and Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Xbox Cloud Gaming is a great option for console gamers who want access to a substantial collection of high quality content, including major recent releases like Hi-Fi Rush and Atomic Heart.

An image depicting various electronic devices including a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, and a television that are compatible with the NVIDIA GeForce Now cloud streaming service for video games.

NVIDIA GeForce NOW

NVIDIA's GeForce NOW service was introduced a few months after Xbox Cloud Gaming. A big difference from other streaming services is that a GeForce NOW only provides access to streaming. While free-to-play games are available, like Warframe and Destiny 2, there is no existing library.

Any other games are accessed by linking your Steam, Epic, Ubisoft, EA, or GOG account. Once that's done, you can choose from any of GeForce NOW's 1500+ supported titles. And with the recent addition of Xbox's PC library - expect that number to grow.

Unlike Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce NOW offers a free tier (although you may have to queue up if it's busy.) So this is a great option for PC owners who already own games and want to try out streaming. Upgraded tiers at $9.99 and $19.99 a month are available that let you skip the line and bump the visual resolution up to 4K 120 FPS.

For gamers looking for the highest resolution or those who own PC games, NVIDIA GeForce NOW may be your preferred option.


Cloud gaming is revolutionizing how people play video games without requiring pricey hardware. Now all you need is an internet connection and access to one of these great services! We hope this article has shed some light on what exactly “cloud gaming” entails, along with its benefits.

Get the most out of your cloud gaming experience with Backbone. Our award-winning gaming controller turns your iOS or Android phone into a full-fledged console and lets you game from anywhere with familiar controls and responsiveness.