The world evolves, needs change as time goes by... For example, people no longer want to buy films, they want a platform that allows them to see a multitude of them in a few clicks, like Netflix.
We can also take as an example music streaming platforms like Deezer, Spotify or even Apple Music, which allow us to listen to all the music in the world by paying a monthly subscription, rather than directly purchasing the albums we want to consume. These methods reflect the needs of our current society, and video games are also concerned.
What is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming is quite simply another way of seeing video games. In fact, thanks to “game on demand”, you can play anywhere and anytime ! Remote servers take care of the calculation and transmit the image to the player's screen, whether on a smartphone, a computer or a television. So, an internet connection, a screen and presto you can start playing!
This system is simply incredible, because it allows you to play more or less powerful games via any medium, quite simply, because the servers take care of everything!
Good to know: To fully enjoy your favorite cloud gaming games, consider playing on a 21/9 PC screen
The best cloud gaming!
Obviously, there are different cloud gaming platforms, and today we would like to offer you on TT-hardware a comparison of the best of them. Let's go!
AMAZON LUNA
Amazon is always on the lookout for innovations. It is true that the company is trying to diversify into all areas and areas of interest, and the purchase of the Twitch platform demonstrates this perfectly.
When Amazon is around, it very often crushes its competition... Indeed, Amazon has launched into cloud gaming with its platform called LUNA.
So what else does this platform have?
Based on Windows , Amazon Luna has built its own server structure. As soon as it was released, the platform offered a large catalog including 100 games . You can also find many successful games there like Control or Resident Evil 7.
Price
And what about the prices? Well as usual, Amazon is slashing prices and offering a monthly subscription at $5.99 per month .
Partnerships
Besides this, Jeff Bezos' company announced a partnership with Ubisoft, the famous game publisher. On this channel, you will be able to play new games like Assassins Creed Valhalla or Far Cry 6 as soon as they are released.
Controllers
Regarding controllers, you can buy a Luna Blutetooth for $49.99. Obviously, this will be compatible with all PCs, Macs, or smartphones!
Stream
And finally, everything is connected! Yes, as the Twitch streaming platform belongs to Amazon, it will be integrated so that users can broadcast their gaming sessions! It's a very good idea on their part to do a merger.
So there is no doubt that all gamers will enjoy this platform which offers a large and solid catalog. As usual, Amazon is there!
SFR GAMES
Let's continue with the operator SFR, which offers its own Cloud Gaming platform. As we can see, the French operator is constantly trying to diversify, whether with TV, music and now with video games.
Indeed SFR games offers a catalog of more than 300 games among which we can find Tomb raider, Epic Mickey 2, Lego games, Sonic or
Batman again. As they say on the website, with SFR games, go from adventure to reflection, from racing to combat, from sport to platforming in a fraction of a second and experience great moments with friends or family. The platform is indeed very user-friendly and focuses more on games with which several people can have fun!
Parenthood
SFR games offers a truly secure environment. There are parental controls, as well as parent accounts and child accounts. With this tool, parents can be fearless and let their children play peacefully.
The Cloud
Don't worry, nothing will be stored on your BOXTV but of course there will be online backups. Indeed, everything will be stored on a cloud. It's very interesting to be able to store your games on a cloud!
The price
Unlike other cloud gaming services, there are no in-app purchases at SFR Jeux. You just have to pay a subscription of €14.99 per month without obligation. Obviously, SFR guarantees that there will be no price increase! In addition, the first month is free so that you can test the service.
The remote
SFR suggests that you purchase La Manette Plus for an optimized experience. Indeed, this controller allows you to have more connection (wired, Wifi and Bluetooth) and more vibration, while being compatible with all SFR boxes.
How to subscribe?
You can subscribe to SFR Jeux via the SFR website (even if you are not a customer). All you have to do is click on the Offer and Mobile , then on Add options to finally choose the Games option.
We were therefore able to see that SFR offered a more family-friendly Cloud Gaming service, which is consistent with their target customer. There are several advantages to subscribing to their offer, such as the fact that there is a secure environment, with parental controls or the fact that the player can store his games in a cloud. So if you are the type who wants to play with family or friends for maximum fun, SFR Games is for you.
VIDEO GAMES PASS (ORANGE TV)
Let's continue with another mobile operator which also offers Cloud Gaming. Indeed, Orange is also getting started! The French operator offers the Video Games Pass , in which you will have unlimited access to a catalog of more than 200 premium games.
You will be able to find games such as Jumanji, Tomb Raider, LEGO the Great Adventure or even Just Cause 2. It is therefore a very nice catalog that Orange offers us through its Cloud Gaming service.
Advantages
In fact, the Video Games Pass allows you to not have to download anything and to be able to play without a console! As with SFR, there will be no in-app purchases, which is reassuring!
Profiles
There is a feature that we find really very interesting without the Video Games Pass which is the possibility of having your personal space. In fact, Orange gives you up to 5 profiles including 1 Kids spaces. It's a bit reminiscent of Netflix which does the same thing, which makes things simpler and more organized. So if there are several of you at home but you don't all like the same games, these profiles may suit you well!
The remote
Regarding the controller, Orange suggests you opt for the Nacon Cloud Gaming bluetooth. This controller is very playable thanks to the progressive triggers and the grip for a good grip. This controller is wireless with a rechargeable battery, and it has a USB receiver to be connected to a TV decoder or to a PC. Finally, thanks to its support, you will be able to play on your smartphone.
Parenthood
As with SFR Games, the Video Games Pass offers parental control so that parents can manage their children's online experience.
Price
The price remains the same as at SFR, that is to say €14.99 per month without commitment with 1 month free .
So we saw that Orange offers the equivalent of SFR, except the controller changes. Maybe you will subscribe to the one whose catalog you like the most!
Google STADIA
Like Amazon, Google is always one step ahead, and that's why Google Stadia was born. Google's Cloud Gaming platform offers a wide range of games. You can also find games such as Avengers, NBA 2K21, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Final Fantasy XV or even Doom.
Good to know: Google Stadia is compatible with PS4 and XBOX controllers !
Price
Yes, that's the problem with Google Stadia ... Indeed, to access Stadia pro, you have to pay €9.99 per month ... But that's not all, because you also have to pay for the games including you want to enjoy. The price of these games may vary depending on their release date or otherwise.
This is a real disadvantage which may push gamers to turn to another service…
The remote
Unlike other services, with Google Stadia you can use a controller that you already have. Yes, no need to buy a specific controller.
What's new
At Google Stadia, new games are available every month and you can enjoy them instantly. In addition, the service offers many exclusive discounts that will please many!
So despite the small disadvantages that Google Stadia presents compared to the other services that we have seen previously, will you choose it? Maybe not having to buy an additional controller will tip the scales in Stadia's favor? Or maybe not having access to games for free is too disadvantageous? It's up to you to decide what's best for you.
PLAYSTATION NOW
The leader in video games is Playstation. The giant has always released new and new consoles, but it should not lose the thread and stop innovating. Playstation, to stay in tune with the times and to have a share of this new market, has also launched into Cloud Gaming.
Playstation Now offers hundreds of games on demand. Their catalog is impressive and offers more than 700 PS4, PS3, PS2 or PC games under windows . Plus every month new games are added! You can also find games like Resident Evil Biohazard, WEE 2K19, Final Fantasy XV, Street Fighter V, Hitman 2 and Days Gone.
Advantages
PS NOW offers unlimited play time where you can save your location and then continue playing on another device.
Multiplayer mode
As explained on the site, subscribing to PS NOW will allow you to have full access to all online multiplayer modes. If that’s not beautiful! Indeed, it is a real advantage to be able to play online in Cloud Gaming.
The Controllers
Playstation Now offers several controllers compatible with the service. Firstly, you can get the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers available for €59.99, but the DUALSHOCK 3 are also supported on PC when used with a PS3 game. You can also find a tutorial on their website for connecting your DUALSHOCK controller to your PC.
Price
As it says on their website, play whatever you want for around €4.99 per month . So in fact to pay the €4.99 per month, you have to make a payment of €59.99 every year. But there are other options: You can pay €24.99 every 3 months (which amounts to €8.33 per month), or pay €9.99 for 1 month. It's up to you to decide which formula you prefer!
So will you choose Playstation NOW? Will the multiplayer mode and the 700 games available convince you?
GEOFORCE NOW
Now let's take a look at Nvidia's Geoforce Now Cloud Gaming service! In 2015 we knew Geoforce Now under the name Nvidia Grid, and after 6 years of beta testing, they are officially launching their cloud gaming!
So Geoforce now works differently from other Cloud Gaming. Indeed, you will not be able to buy games and there are none integrated into the basic formula. The concept is completely different, it simply involves playing games that you already own via Uplay, Steam or Epic Game Store. The downside is that some games are not supported by Geoforce Now, which can make it difficult for the gamer...
Advantages
Despite the small flaws that we talked about in the previous sentences, let us tell you about their quality. Indeed, Geoforce Now emphasizes image quality and offers one of the highest streaming speeds.
The controllers
It is recommended by Nvidia to purchase a Bluetooth controller. They offer the Razer kishi controller for Android which you can get for €89.99. Another controller offered is the Steelseries Stratus Duo available at €79.99. And finally, the last controller to be offered is none other than the Glap.Play.P/1, available for €100.
Price
The good thing is that you can access Geoforce Now for free with standard access and a session duration of 1 hour.
But to go further, you can choose the FOUNDER plan which costs €5.49 per month with priority access, extended session duration and RTX ON!
So if you want to play games like Fortnite on all your devices, don't hesitate to opt for Geoforce Now, which offers another facet of Cloud Gaming. You can play the games you already own and have a blast! Will you opt for Nvidia's Geoforce Now?
BLACKNUT
“Video games for everyone” is the catchphrase of Blacknut, cloud gaming. With Blacknut you can play without a console, without a game to buy and without any game to install.
The service is strong by offering more than 400 video games for the whole family. Their catalog is made up of a multitude of games for all ages, including Ryse: son of Rome, Anima, Splasher, Farming Simulator, and Sherlock Holmes: The devil's daughter. We can therefore see that blacknut offers a very solid catalog.
Advantages
Unlike other Cloud Gaming, Blacknut offers no in-app purchases or advertising, adds new games every week, the possibility of playing on one device then switching to another, and finally promises to respect your personal data.
Parenthood
They also offer it. At Blacknut, you can create up to 5 independent accounts for each member of your family and activate accounts reserved for children.
The controllers
Blacknut is actually compatible with XBOX ONE bluetooth controllers available at €64.99. But it is also said on their site that other models may be compatible on certain devices such as for example GameSir G3s controllers, Microsoft XBOX 360, Nintendo Switch Pro, Emtec GEM Pad BT F500, Logitech Gamepad F310, Nacon PC Gaming Controller PCGC 100, Logitech Gamepad F710 wireless…
The price
Blacknut offers a first month at €7.49 then sets the price at 14.99 per month without commitment.
So will Blacknut seduce you? Its strength is with a solid catalog, and the fact of not having any purchases or integrated advertising. The only flaw would perhaps be that there is no trial period to test the product.
Blade Shadow
So Blade Shadow, what is it? Well quite simply a Cloud Gaming where you can play all the games you already own. Indeed, Blade Shadow does not offer free games but focuses everything on the quality of their service. At the time of writing this comparison, the service is not yet available to the general public but it will be from April 2021!
Advantages
Blade Shadow promises very high-end streaming quality with breathtaking graphics on your games: up to 4K 60 FPS or 144 FPS in Full HD. Also, it ensures imperceptible latency.
The controllers
Blade shadow does not require any specific controller. In fact, you can play with your controllers, your mouse, your keyboard that you already have. And that’s a real advantage!
Price
Blade Shadow cloud gaming is available for €12.99 per month if you commit annually. Otherwise, the price is set at €14.99 for a monthly subscription.
If you fell in love with Blade Shadow, we invite you to pre-order their service via their website today!
XBOX GAME PASS
According to their website, Xbox Game Pass is Cloud Gaming that gives you access to a catalog of over 100 great games, with titles being added all the time. In addition, the service offers you the opportunity to benefit from all the advantages of EA Play from this end of the year, at no additional cost. The service offers you a wide range of games such as DOOM: eternal, Drake Hollow, DESTINY 2, Wasteland 3, Resident Evil 7, Minecraft Dungeons and Halo.
Advantages
One thing that benefits this service is the XBOX Game Pass . In fact, you will be able to earn Microsoft Rewards points by playing games from the Xbox Game Pass catalog. These points will be exchangeable for Xbox gift cards, with which you can obtain accessories, applications, games or even devices.
Then, you will be able to have access to Xbox Game Studio titles the same day they are released.
In addition, Xbox Game Pass members will be able to have access to exclusive discounts…
Controllers
Concerning the controllers, you can take all the bluetooth controllers manufactured by Microsoft.
Price
Xbox Game Pass offers you to pay €1 for the first month , then €12.99 per month.
Maybe you're a fan of Microsoft as well as Xbox, and want to continue that with their Cloud Gaming. If so, don't hesitate to take a look at their website to register.
What are the limits of cloud gaming.
Obviously, there are limits to cloud gaming. Indeed, the user must have a very good internet connection to be able to play correctly. Unlike movie-on-demand services, video games cannot afford to lower the image quality if the connection is not good. Due to lack of connection, the sending of data will be very slow and will therefore produce a fairly unpleasant latency phenomenon for the player.
So without a good internet connection, it will be very difficult for the player to play correctly!
Conclusion
To conclude, we saw that Cloud gaming was a revolutionary way to play video games. Obviously, there are always limits to innovation, but we must still admit that this concept is very interesting for gamers. You have therefore noticed that there are a lot of Cloud Gaming platforms, including Amazon Luna, SFR games, Orange TV Video Games Pass, Playstation Now, Geoforce Now, Blacknut, Blade Shadow, Google Stadia and Xbox pass range.
Among all these platforms, which one made you want to subscribe the most? Some focus everything on their price and others on the quality of their service. Each of these services brings added value and we hope that our comparison has nevertheless guided you.
