Getting Started with Cloud Gaming 

What cloud gaming platforms are out there in 2020? We compare prices of the best services, how each of them work, and what equipment you need to get started.

• Jump to Price Comparison
• Jump to Minimum Requirements

What is Cloud Gaming?

Cloud gaming, or game streaming, refers to playing video games over the internet streamed to your device without the use of a traditional gaming console. Game streaming more broadly refers to both running games on remote servers, or decentralized networks, and streaming games from personal PCs or consoles to other devices.

We here at CloudGameReview offer information with a primary focus on cloud-first gaming for consumers without an existing gaming PC or console. This phenomenon is frequently referred to as “the Netflix of gaming” and marks the beginning of a new paradigm in the video game sphere.

Many consider cloud gaming to be the next big thing to hit the video game industry and an inevitability for how consumers will purchase and play games. The game streaming ecosystem is rapidly evolving with fierce competition mounting from many major players in the video game industry alongside some promising newcomers to the arena.

Finding up-to-date information about the myriad of product options, pricing models, evolving game libraries, and more can be quite difficult. There is added complexity from a hardware perspective as all of our devices become full-powered gaming machines.

There are a number of options on the market today for cloud gaming services. The major players we compare here are Stadia by Google, GeForce Now by Nvidia, Shadow PC by Blade, Playstation Now for PC by Sony, Project xCloud by Microsoft, Vortex, and Playkey. The comparison between these game streaming platforms here primarily focuses on gaming without an existing gaming PC or console.

Each cloud gaming provider has its own pricing structure, game access policies, and supported devices. The best choice for each gamer is likely different from the next. Use this page to compare the best of the best game streaming services and jump into your favorite games instantly.

Google Stadia

Google Stadia is a console in the cloud.

Users can access the Stadia platform for free, but games must be purchased in the Stadia store. There is also a paid subscription plan that gives you a rotating library of free games, enhanced quality, and exclusive sales. Games you already own on other platforms cannot be played on Stadia without purchasing in the Stadia store. Newcomers can begin using Stadia today.

Getting Started with Google Stadia

Nvidia GeForce Now

Nvidia GeForce Now is a platform in the cloud.

Users can access the GeForce Now platform for free, but games must be purchased through online marketplaces to be played on the platform. There is also a paid subscription plan for increased play session time and priority server access in the queue. Gamefs are not released to GeForce Now like they are for physical consoles or Google Stadia. Games must have compatibility with GeForce Now to be played. Many games from your Steam library and other marketplaces are playable by newcomers to GFN today.

Getting Started with Nvidia GeForce Now

Shadow PC by Blade

Shadow PC is a PC-as-a-service system.

Users access Shadow PC through a paid subscription for a powerful Windows PC in the cloud. Nearly any game can be played on Shadow PC, as users rent a virtual high-powered Windows PC, to which games can be installed and streamed to their devices. Pricing tiers are based on the power of the PC that the user chooses to use. Newcomers can only pre-order Shadow PC access.

Getting Started with Shadow PC

Sony PlayStation Now for PC

Sony PlayStation Now for PC is a console in the cloud.

Users access PlayStation Now through a paid subscription that gives users access to a large library of games from the PS4, PS3, and PS2 catalogs. Games on the PS Now platform are free to play while they are in the PS Now library. Games can be downloaded to PS4 consoles, but only streamed to PCs. Newcomers can begin using PlayStation Now for PC today.

Getting Started with PlayStation Now for PC

Microsoft Project xCloud

Microsoft Project xCloud is a console in the cloud.

Users access Project xCloud game streaming through their Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Users are able to access a defined library of games, a subset of the games currently available with Game Pass. Games can be downloaded to Xbox One consoles and PCs through Game Pass, but only streamed to Android devices with the xCloud offering. The Project xCloud streaming experience can be accessed through Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions today.

Getting Started with Microsoft Project xCloud

Vortex

Vortex is a platform in the cloud.

Users access Vortex through a paid subscription. Vortex subscriptions include access to some of the games in its library, but many games require an additional license through an online marketplace to be played. Vortex’s price tiers vary in their monthly hour limits of play-time and the size of the accessible game library. Newcomers can begin using Vortex today.

Getting Started with Vortex

Playkey

Playkey is a decentralized platform.

Users access Playkey through purchased play time on the platform. Playkey purchased time includes access to some of the games in its library, but many games require an additional license through an online marketplace to be played. Playkey is a blockchain platform that will rely on a decentralized system of miners where individuals will be compensated for offering their personal hardware to the network. Newcomers can begin using Playkey today.

Getting Started with Playkey

Amazon Luna

Amazon Luna is a console in the cloud.

Users access Amazon Luna through a paid subscription. The platform is in Early Access by invitation only. The base Luna+ subscription service offers unlimited play time and access to a library of games at launch. Amazon Luna will also offer “game channels,” the first of which will be offered by Ubisoft, which is coming soon. Newcomers can request an invitation to use the platform today.

Amazon Luna Early Access Release

How Much Does it Cost to Start Gaming in the Cloud?

Given the various models offered by the game streaming contenders, the prices vary widely. Some have tiers driven by stream quality, some have tiers driven by server access time, and others bundle their cloud gaming offering with existing subscriptions.

This guide can be used to determine how these offerings compare with one another to help consumers wrap their heads around the different options and tailor their ideal cloud gaming setup. As always, we here at CloudGameReview offer information with a primary focus on gaming without an existing gaming PC or console.

For any necessary hardware, our comparison only mentions specific hardware requirements when they are required to start with on of the platforms.

Price Comparison for Cloud Gaming Services

Due to the wide variety of tiers available for each game streaming service, this table focuses on:

• The lowest-tier monthly cost available for getting started on the streaming platform
• The highest-tier monthly cost possible for the most advanced experience

Each of these services offer a different method for buying games or subscribing to game libraries. Read more about game library approaches here.

Google Stadia

Subscription Tiers

• Free
  • 1080p up to 60 FPS
• Pro – $9.99/month
  • 4K at 60 FPS, HDR
  • 5.1 Surround Sound
  • Rotating offering of free games
  • Claimed games remain in library indefinitely while a Pro subscriber
  • Exclusive sales

Games

Game Library

• ~120 games in Stadia store
• ~25 games included with Pro subscription

How do I get games on Google Stadia?

• Purchased Game Library from Stadia store
• Claim games included in rotating Pro Subscription Library in the Stadia Store

Nvidia GeForce Now

Subscription Tiers

• Free
  • Standard access to queue
    • Session access based on availability of servers
  • 1-hour session length
    • Users can re-enter queue after limit is reached
    • No limit on the number of times you can re-enter the queue
• Premium (Founders Membership) – $4.99/month
  • Priority access to queue
    • Session access based on availability of servers
  • 6-hour session length
    • Users can re-enter queue after limit is reached
    • No limit on the number of times you can re-enter the queue with priority access
  • RTX On

Games

Game Library

• ~2000 games currently supported
• Purchase games through marketplaces such as Steam, Uplay, Battle.net, etc.

How do I get games on Nvidia GeForce Now?

• Some games are Instant access
  • Cloud-loaded, ready to play
• Some games are single session install
  • Downloaded when you begin session
  • Caching mechanism speeds up downloads greatly

Shadow PC by Blade

Subscription Tiers

• Boost – $11.99/month
  • 1080p
  • GTX 1080 (equivalent or better)
  • 3.6 GHz – 4 Cores (or equivalent)
  • 12 GB RAM
  • 256 GB Storage (upgradeable)
  • Windows 10 PC
• Ultra – $24.99/month
  • Up to 4K with Ray Tracing
  • RTX 2080 (equivalent)
  • 4 GHZ – 4 cores
  • 16 GB RAM
  • 512 GB Storage (upgradeable)
  • Windows 10 PC
• Infinite – $39.99/month
  • Up to 4K with Ray Tracing
  • Titan RTX (equivalent)
  • 4 Ghz – 6 Cores
  • 32 GB RAM
  • 1 TB Storage (upgradeable)
  • Windows 10 PC

Games

Game Library

Shadow PC can run nearly any game that is available on PC, sans a few titles that are not compatible with Shadow PC’s hardware configuration.

How do I get games on Shadow PC?

Games must be purchased and downloaded to your Shadow cloud PC in the standard way you purchase and install games for any local Windows PC.

Sony PlayStation Now for PC

Subscription Tiers

• $4.99/month – $59.99 for 12-month subscription
• $8.33/month – $24.99 for 3-month subscription
• $9.99/month – $9.99 for 1-month subscription

Games

Game Library

• ~800 games
• Includes games from PS4, PS3, and PS2

How do I get games on Sony PlayStation Now?

• Full game library available to subscribers
  • No additional purchase required
• Games can be downloaded to PS4 console
• Games cannot be downloaded to PC
  • Streaming only

Microsoft Project xCloud

Subscription Tiers

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – $14.99/month

Games

Game Library

• The majority of the ~100 games currently available through Xbox Game Pass are available to stream with the Game Pass Ultimate subscription

How do I get games on Microsoft Project xCloud?

• The majority of Xbox Game Pass’s full game library are available for Ultimate subscribers for game streaming without any additional game purchase.
• Xbox Game Pass for PC supports game downloading to PCs. Game Pass currently allows game downloading to Xbox consoles. Cloud game streaming will be available only to Android devices.

Vortex

Subscription Tiers

• Basic – $9.99/month
  • 720p
  • 50 hours per month
  • 66 games
• Pro – $19.99/month
  • 1080p coming soon
  • 80 hours per month
  • 162 games
• Ultra – $29.99/month
  • 1080p coming soon
  • 140 hours per month
  • 162 games

Games

Game Library

• 66-162 depending on tier
• Some games must be purchased separately

How do I get games on Vortex?

• Many games in the Vortex game library are available with the platform’s subscription tiers and are ready to stream.
• Some games in the Vortex library require an additional purchase through an existing marketplace and its license added to the platform.

Playkey

Subscription Tiers

• Not a subscription model
• Purchase play time on the Playkey network
  • $2 for one hour
    • $4.50 for three hours
    • $6.50 for five hours
    • $9.00 for eight hours
    • $11.00 for ten hours
    • $16.00 for fifteen hours
    • $20.00 for twenty hours
  • $1 per hour for 20+ hour packages
• Purchased time last for 2-months from last session

Games

Game Library

• ~250 games
• Some games require additional purchase

How do I get games on Playkey?

• Large selection of ready-to-stream games included
• Some games require additional purchase
  • Add license to Playkey for games purchased through an existing marketplace

Amazon Luna

Subscription Tiers

• Luna+ – $5.99/month
  • Early Access by invitation only
  • Once request is approved, users allowed to purchase Luna controller

Games

Game Library

• ~100 games
• Game channels coming soon. Ubisoft game channel coming soon.

What Tech Do I Need to Start Gaming in the Cloud?

Streaming games to your devices requires two things: good internet speed and basic hardware on which to play games. The minimum internet requirements are similar across services, while available devices vary widely.

Most game streaming platforms recommend an ethernet wired connection or 5 GHz WiFi connection.

Google Stadia

Internet Speed

• Minimum Recommendation: 10 Mbps or greater
• Estimated Data Usage:
  • Up to 4K: Up to 20 GB/hr
  • Up to 1080p: Up to 12.6 GB/hr
  • Up to 720p: Up to 4.5 GB/hr
• Additional recommendations:
  • 4K streaming, minimum recommendation: 35 Mbps

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• Windows
• macOS
• Android devices (specific devices)
  • See list of current supported Android devices here: Stadia-compatible gamepads and screens (Stadia)
• Any computer than runs Chrome (or a Chromium browser) should be able to run Google Stadia; additional hardware specifications are not otherwise available
• Streaming 4K
  • A Windows computer or Chromebook that supports VP9 hardware decoding

Playing Google Stadia on Your TV

• Chromecast Ultra with Google Stadia Controller

Nvidia GeForce Now

Internet Speed

• Minimum recommendation: 15 Mbps or greater
• Estimated data usage (minimum):
  • ~7 GB per hour
• Additional recommendations:
  • 25 Mbps for 1080p at 60 FPS
  • System Requirements for GeForce Now Cloud Gaming (GeForce Now)

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• Windows
  • Dual core x86-64 CPU with 2.0GHz or faster
  • 4 GB of system memory
  • GPU that at least supports DirectX 11
    • NVIDIA GeForce 600 series or newer
    • AMD Radeon HD 3000 series or newer
    • Intel HD Graphics 2000 series or newer
• macOS
  • macOS 10.10 or better
• Android
  • Android phone with 2 GB with Android 5.0 (L) or later, and OpenGL ES3.2 support or higher
  • A gamepad is required for play on GeForce Now. There is no on-screen gamepad offered by Nvidia

Playing Nvidia GeForce Now on Your TV

• Nvidia Shield TV
  • Mouse, Keyboards, and Gamepads:
    • Most built-in or USB keyboards work fine with Nvidia GeForce Now
    • SHIELD controller
    • Microsoft Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers (USB wired)
    • Sony DualShock 4 controllers (USB wired)

Shadow PC by Blade

Internet Speed

• Minimum recommendation: 15 Mbps or greater
• Estimated data usage (minimum):
  • ~7 GB per hour
• Additional recommendations:
  • Minimum recommended upload speed: 5 Mbps for mouse, keyboard. 50 Mbps upload for bandwidth-heavy devices like webcams, microphones, racing wheels, and gamepads
  • Minimum connection latency: 30ms ping or less
  • Check your connection with Shadow PC here: How to Test Your Connection to Shadow (Shadow PC)
  • Speed Test Requirements (Shadow PC)

Minimum Hardware Requiremenets

• Windows
  • CPU
    • Intel (Sandy Bridge range (2011))
    • AMD (AM2+ range (2008))
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Operating System & Software
    • Windows 8.1/10
    • DirectX 9c or higher
  • Note:
    • Above are the minimum requirements, not the recommended requirements
    • Recommended requirements can be found here: Windows Recommended Requirement (Shadow PC)
• macOS
  • CPU: x86-64 (Intel Core 2 Duo processor, Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, or Xeon)
  • Firmware System: EFI 64-bit
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Disk Space: 8 GB available
  • Operating System: OS X 10.10 Yosemite or greater
  • macOS Recommended Requirements (Shadow PC)
• Linux
  • CPU
    • Intel (Sandy Bridge range (2011))
    • AMD (AM2+ range (2008))
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Operating System
    • Bionic Beaver (18.04)
    • Eoan Ermine (19.10)
  • Note:
    • Above are the minimum requirements, not the recommended requirements
    • Recommended requirements can be found here: Linux Recommended Requirements (Shadow PC)
• Android
  • Operating System
    • Android 5.0 or higher
  • Note:
    • Android 8.0 Oreo/Android 9.0 Pie adds better mouse support and better bandwidth management and is highly recommended by Shadow PC
    • From Shadow PC: What is the required configuration for the Android client? (Shadow PC)

Sony PlayStation Now for PC

Internet Speed

• Minimum recommendation: 5 Mbps or greater
• Estimated data usage (minimum):
  • ~2-3 GB per hour
• Getting Started with PS Now (PlayStation Now)

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• Windows
  • Windows 7 (SP 1), 8.1, or 10
  • Core i3 2.0 GHz
  • 300 MB of available storage
  • 2 GB of RAM
  • Sound card; USB port
• Note:
  • Above are the minimum requirements, not the recommended requirements
  • Recommended requirements can be found here: PS Now on PC (PlayStation Now)

Microsoft Project xCloud

Internet Speed

• Minimum recommendation: 10 Mbps or greater
• Estimated data usage (minimum):
  • ~4-5 GB per hour
• Project xCloud Preview (Microsoft)

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• Android 6.0 or greater, Bluetooth version 4.0 or greater

Vortex

Internet Speed

• Minimum recommendation: 10 Mbps or greater
• Estimated data usage (minimum):
  • ~4-5 GB per hour
• Additional recommendations:
  • Check your ping with Vortex here: Ping test (Vortex)
• Documentation: Vortex Cloud Gaming for Windows, macOS, or Android (Vortex)

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• Windows: Windows 10
• macOS: macOS 10.13 or later
• Android: Android 5.0 or later
• Android TV

Playkey

Internet Speed

• Minimum recommendation: 4 Mbps or greater
• Estimated data usage (minimum):
  • ~2 GB per hour
• Additional recommendations
  • 720p, minimum recommendation: 10 Mbps
  • 1080p, minimum recommendation: 25 Mbps
  • Allowable data packet loss: up to 1%
  • Source: Requirements for Internet Connection (Playkey)

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• Windows
  • Windows XP
    • CPU 2.6 GHz or greater
    • DirectX 9.0c
  • Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10
    • CPU 1.5 GHz or greater for video card with hardware support for H.264 decoding standard
    • CPU 2.6 GHz or greater for video card without hardware support for H.264 decoding standard
    • DirectX 9.0c
• macOS
  • OS X 10.7 or greater
  • CPU 1.5 GHz or greater for video card with hardware support for H.264 decoding standard
  • CPU 2.6 GHz or greater for video card without hardware support for H.264 decoding standard
• System Requirements (Playkey)

Amazon Luna

Internet Speed

• 10 Mbps (35 Mbps required to play in 4K, which is coming soon)

Minimum Hardware Requirements

• PC (requires Windows 10 with support for DirectX 11)
• Mac (OSX 10.13+)
• FireTV devices (Fire TV Stick – 2nd gen, Fire TV Stick 4K, or Fire TV Cube – 2nd gen). Identify your FireTV device here

Web browsers requirements:

• Chrome web browser (version 83+) for PC and Mac
• Safari web browser (iOS14) for iPhone and iPad

Questions?

If you have any other questions about getting started with cloud gaming, please let us know in the comments!