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Cloud game. What used to be a buzzword has now entered the mainstream. Gaming isn’t limited to PCs and consoles, you can stream the latest on everything these days, from Linux devices to Chromebooks, and the latest Android tablets and with smartphones. You can play some of the best games with a good internet connection.
Google Stadia, one of the most important cloud streaming services, is well known with its 4K support and a monthly subscription plan at $9.99. That said, many games required an entry price of full retail price, which hurt the service’s effectiveness right out of the gate. Therefore, it is not surprising that Google Stadia will die as the exit will come on January 18, 2023.
But don’t give up on your favorite game. There are competing options out there, from popular services like Amazon’s Luna and Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming to cloud streaming services like Shadow, which is why we’ve rounded up the best alternatives to Google Stadia.
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If you’re looking for an alternative to Google Stadia with a game changer, look no further than Amazon Luna. For starters, Prime members can access an ever-changing selection of games for free. Jump into a subscription at $9.99 per month; Luna+ offers access to more sought-after titles like Resident Evil 2 and Medium. Now, players of classic games, such as Castlevania, Metal Slug, and Street Fighter 2 can enjoy streaming for as little as $4.99 per month for the Retro plan.
The Family and Jackbox subscriptions are $5.99 and $4.99, respectively, and cater to those looking for family-friendly games and board games. Finally, if you are willing to pay $18.99 per month for Ubisoft +, you can access the latest Ubisoft titles, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Far Cry 6.
There are many reasons to try Amazon Luna, including flexible subscription plans and extensive admin support. Like Google’s Stadia, Luna offers its own low-cost controller for sale, but you can use a PlayStation or Xbox console as well. Plus, Luna runs on most devices, including PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks. Currently, streaming is best at 1080p 60 FPS, but that’s more than enough when playing on a portable device.
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Nvidia GeForce Now
Discovered in 2015, Nvidia GeForce Now is one of the streaming platforms in existence. Unlike other cloud streaming services, Nvidia GeForce Now doesn’t give you direct access to games. Instead, it gives you access to a remote gaming rig.
Full use of the service is $9.99 per month, giving you first access to 6-hour game sessions with performance up to 1080p at 60 FPS. For $19.99, you get exclusive access to RTX 3080 gaming, and 8-hour realtime in 4K up to 120 FPS. Surprisingly, Nvidia offers a free subscription plan, although with a big measure: 1-hour hours and long waiting times in the queue. But it is a “try before you buy” option.
When you sign up, Nvidia GeForce Now downloads games from game libraries like Epic Games and Steam and lets you play them over the cloud. It’s a great service for those who don’t have a powerful gaming PC or just want to play their games remotely, on a phone, or laptop.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Over the past five years, Microsoft has built a strong presence with its selection of gaming services. Xbox Cloud Gaming is included with an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. In other words, you can access hundreds of Xbox and PC games and cloud streaming for just $14.99 per month.
With Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard’s acquisition, it could be even sweeter. Imagine playing games like Doom, Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, or even Call of Duty, on release day, through whatever you want.
Xbox Cloud Gaming works across a variety of devices, including Android and iOS phones, Steam Decks, and Samsung TVs. The service supports a list of original and third-party drivers from Microsoft, Razer, and PowerA.
Unfortunately, not all games are currently available for cloud streaming, so think before you buy.
PlayStation Plus
Previously known as PlayStation Now, the streaming service was added to PlayStation Plus in 2022. Simply put, PlayStation Plus is Sony’s answer to Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass. PlayStation Plus comes in three different packages: Essential, Extra, and Premium.
Benefits range from access to online multiplayer and exclusive membership fees to cloud storage and monthly games that you can keep as long as you subscribe. That said, if you want access to cloud streaming, you’ll need to splurge on the Premium plan, which starts at $17.99 per month.
PlayStation Plus comes with an important advantage over its competitors: PlayStation exclusives. If you want to play games like Horizon and God of War, Sony’s monthly subscription is the best way to go. However, PlayStation Plus only supports games from the PS4 era and earlier, with no current support for PS5 games.
Alternatively, you can use the PS Remote Play app to stream content from your PS5 or PS4 to a smartphone or PC.
but
With the spread of remote work, not being tied to a place or anything becomes important. Shadow is not a gaming service for everyone, but you can use it as one. Like Nvidia’s GeForce Now, Shadow gives you access to a powerful Windows PC with all the integrations that go with it. The platform supports a variety of devices and peripherals, such as keyboards and mice. All you need is proof of support.
Sounds good, right? But the convenience comes at a monthly price of $29.99. Plus, for $14.99 more, you can access a more powerful remote PC with performance up to 4K resolutions and super-fast Ray Tracing for gaming.
Steam Link
Steam Link is probably the newest streaming solution on this list. It was released in 2015 as an upgrade service to Valve’s Steam Machines. Essentially, it connects to your PC to stream your Steam files to an external device, such as a monitor or phone. The app supports a variety of devices, from Android phones and Android TV devices, as well as Linux and Mac.
On the hardware side, the Steam Link supports USB and HDMI connections, as well as popular controllers, including Xbox and PlayStation. Unfortunately, the hardware part of the Steam Link was discontinued in 2018 due to poor sales of Steam Machines. That said, if you can get your hands on the device, it’s interesting since there’s so much technology you can use today.
Which cloud service is best for you?
That depends. The beauty of the current lineup is that each service offers something different. If you’re switching from Google Stadia, then Amazon Luna offers a convenient and easy way to cloud gaming.
Xbox Cloud Gaming comes at a higher price as part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, but offers the convenience of playing games, not to mention all the exclusive features that come with it. . And if you have a large Steam library of games, then Nvidia GeForce Now or Steam Link is for you.
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