The world is evolving, needs are changing as time goes by… For example, people no longer want to buy movies, they want a platform that allows them to watch a multitude of them in a few clicks, like Netflix.
We can also take as an example music streaming platforms like Deezer, Spotify, or Apple Music, which offer us the opportunity to listen to all the music in the world by paying a monthly subscription, rather than directly purchasing the albums we want to listen to. These methods reflect the needs of our current society, and video games are no exception.
What is Cloud Gaming?
Cloud gaming is simply a new way to experience video games. Thanks to "on-demand gaming," you can play anywhere, anytime ! Remote servers handle the processing and stream the image to the player's screen, whether it's a smartphone, computer, or television. So, all you need is an internet connection and a screen, and you're good to go!
This system is simply incredible, because it allows you to play games of varying power levels on any device, 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 monitor.
The best cloud gaming!
Of course, there are different cloud gaming platforms, and today we'd like to offer you a comparison of the best ones TT-hardware
AMAZON LUNA
Amazon is always on the lookout for innovations. It's true that the company is trying to diversify into all areas and areas of interest, and the acquisition of the Twitch platform is a perfect example of this.
When Amazon is around, it very often crushes its competition… Indeed, Amazon has launched into cloud gaming with its platform called LUNA.
So what does this platform have that others don't?
Based on Windows , Amazon Luna built its own server infrastructure. From its launch, the platform offered a large catalog of 100 games , including many hit titles such as Control and Resident Evil 7.
Price
And what about the prices? Well, as usual, Amazon is slashing prices and offering a monthly subscription for $5.99 per month .
Partnerships
Alongside this, Jeff Bezos's company announced a partnership with Ubisoft, the renowned game publisher. On this channel, you'll be able to play new games like Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Far Cry 6 as soon as they're released.
Controllers
Regarding controllers, you can purchase a Luna Bluetooth controller for $49.99. Naturally, it will be compatible with all PCs, Macs, and smartphones!
Stream
And finally, everything is connected! Yes, since the Twitch streaming platform belongs to Amazon, it will be integrated so users can broadcast their gameplay! It's a very good idea on their part to do a merger.
So there's no doubt that all gamers will be thrilled with this platform, which offers a large and robust catalog. As usual, Amazon is on board!
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 video games.
Indeed, SFR Games offers a catalog of over 300 games, including Tomb Raider, Epic Mickey 2, Lego games, Sonic, and more.
Batman again. As they say on the website, with SFR Games, switch from adventure to puzzles, from racing to fighting, from sports to platforming in a fraction of a second and experience exciting moments with friends or family. The platform is indeed very user-friendly and focuses more on games that can be enjoyed by multiple players!
Parenthood
SFR Games offers a truly secure environment. It includes parental controls, as well as parent and child accounts. With this tool, parents can rest assured and let their children play safely.
The Cloud
Don't worry, nothing will be stored on your TV box, but of course there will be online backups. Everything will be stored in the cloud. It's really great to be able to store your game saves in the cloud!
The price
Unlike other cloud gaming services, SFR Games doesn't have any in-app purchases. You simply pay a subscription fee of €14.99 per month with no commitment. And of course, SFR guarantees there will be no price increases! Plus, your first month is free so you can try the service out.
The controller
SFR offers you the Plus Controller for an enhanced gaming experience. This controller provides more connectivity options (wired, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth) and enhanced vibration, while remaining compatible with all SFR boxes.
How do I subscribe?
You can subscribe to SFR Games through the SFR website (even if you're not a customer). Simply click on the "Offers and Mobile" , then on "Add options," and finally select the " Games" option.
We were able to see that SFR offers a more family-oriented cloud gaming service, which aligns with their target customer. There are several advantages to subscribing to their offer, such as a secure environment with parental controls and the ability for players to store their game saves in the cloud. So, if you're the type who likes to play with family or friends for maximum fun, SFR Games is for you.
VIDEO GAME PASS (ORANGE TV)
Let's continue with another mobile operator that also offers cloud gaming. Indeed, Orange is getting in on the action too! The French operator offers the Video Game Pass , which gives you unlimited access to a catalog of over 200 premium games.
You'll find games such as Jumanji, Tomb Raider, LEGO The Great Adventure, and Just Cause 2. Orange offers a very nice catalog through its Cloud Gaming service.
The advantages
Indeed, the Video Game Pass allows you to play without downloading anything and without a console! Just like with SFR, there will be no in-app purchases, which is reassuring!
The profiles
There's one feature we find really interesting without the Video Game Pass: the ability to have your own personal space. Orange gives you up to 5 profiles, including one Kids space. It's a bit like Netflix, which does the same thing, making 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 can be very useful!
The controller
Regarding the controller, Orange suggests the Nacon Cloud Gaming Bluetooth controller. This controller is very comfortable to play thanks to its progressive triggers and grip for a good hold. This wireless controller has a rechargeable battery and a USB receiver for connecting to a TV decoder or PC. Finally, its stand allows you to play on your smartphone.
Parenthood
As with SFR Games, the Video Games Pass offers parental controls so that parents can manage their children's online experience.
Price
The price remains the same as at SFR, i.e. €14.99 per month with no commitment and 1 month free .
So we've seen that Orange offers the equivalent of SFR, except for the controller. Perhaps you'll subscribe to the one whose catalog appeals to you most!
Google Stadia
Like Amazon, Google is always one step ahead, and that's why Google Stadia was created. Google's cloud gaming platform offers a wide range of games. You can find titles such as Avengers, NBA 2K21, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Final Fantasy XV, and 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 you want to play. The price of these games can vary depending on their release date and other factors.
This is a real disadvantage that may push gamers to turn to another service…
The controller
Unlike other services, with Google Stadia you can use a controller you already own. Yes, no need to buy a specific controller.
New products
With Google Stadia, new games are available every month and you can enjoy them instantly. Plus, the service offers many exclusive discounts that are sure to please many!
So, despite the minor drawbacks Google Stadia has compared to the other services we've discussed, will you choose it? Perhaps not having to buy an extra controller will tip the scales in Stadia's favor? Or perhaps not having free access to games is too much of a disadvantage? It's entirely 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 consoles, but it mustn't lose its edge and stop innovating. To stay relevant and capture a share of this new market, PlayStation has also ventured into cloud gaming.
PlayStation Now offers hundreds of games on demand. Their catalog is impressive, featuring over 700 PS4, PS3, PS2, and PC games running on windows . Plus, new games are added every month! You can find titles like Resident Evil Biohazard, WEE 2K19, Final Fantasy XV, Street Fighter V, Hitman 2, and Days Gone.
The advantages
PS NOW offers unlimited playtime, allowing you to save your position and then continue playing on another device.
Multiplayer mode
As explained on the website, a PS NOW subscription will give you full access to all online multiplayer modes. Isn't that great? Being able to play online via cloud gaming is a real advantage.
The Controllers
PlayStation Now offers several controllers compatible with the service. First, you can purchase the DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllers, available for €59.99, but DUALSHOCK 3 controllers 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 stated on their website, you can play all the games you want for around €4.99 per month . To pay the €4.99 monthly fee, you would need to make a one-time payment of €59.99 annually. However, there are other options: you can pay €24.99 every three months (which works out to €8.33 per month), or €9.99 for one month. The choice is yours!
So, will you choose Playstation NOW? Will the multiplayer mode and the 700 available games have convinced you?
GEOFORCE NOW
Let's now take a look at Nvidia's Geoforce Now cloud gaming service! Back in 2015, we knew Geoforce Now as Nvidia Grid, and after 6 years of beta testing, they're officially launching their cloud gaming service!
Geoforce Now works differently from other cloud gaming services. You can't buy games, and none are included in the basic plan. The concept is quite different: you simply play games you already own through Uplay, Steam, or the Epic Games Store. The downside is that some games aren't supported by Geoforce Now, which can make things difficult for gamers.
The advantages
Despite the minor flaws we mentioned earlier, let us focus on its strengths. Geoforce Now prioritizes image quality and offers one of the highest streaming speeds.
The controllers
Nvidia recommends purchasing a Bluetooth controller. For Android, they offer the Razer Kishi controller, available for €89.99. Another option is the SteelSeries Stratus Duo, priced at €79.99. Finally, the Glap.Play.P/1 controller is available for €100.
Price
The good thing is that you can access Geoforce Now for free with standard access and a 1-hour session duration.
But to go further, you can choose the FOUNDER package 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 choose Geoforce Now, which offers a different side of cloud gaming. You can play the games you already own and have a blast! Will you choose Nvidia's Geoforce Now?
BLACKNUT
"Video games for everyone" is the tagline of Blacknut, the cloud gaming service. With Blacknut, you can play without a console, without buying games, and without installing any games.
The service makes a strong impression by offering over 400 video games for the whole family. Their catalog includes a multitude of games for all ages, among them Ryse: Son of Rome, Anima, Splasher, Farming Simulator, and Sherlock Holmes: The Devil's Daughter. It's clear that Blacknut offers a very solid catalog.
The advantages
Unlike other Cloud Gaming services, Blacknut offers no in-app purchases or advertising, adds new games every week, allows you to play on one device and then switch to another, and promises to respect your personal data.
Parenthood
They offer this too. At Blacknut, you can create up to 5 independent accounts for each member of your family and activate accounts specifically for children.
The controllers
Blacknut is indeed compatible with the Xbox One Bluetooth controllers available for €64.99. However, their website also states that other models may be compatible with certain devices, such as the GameSir G3s controller, Microsoft Xbox 360 controller, Nintendo Switch Pro controller, Emtec GEM Pad BT F500 controller, Logitech Gamepad F310 controller, Nacon PC Gaming Controller PCGC 100 controller, and Logitech Gamepad F710 wireless controller
The price
Blacknut offers a first month at €7.49 then sets the price at €14.99 per month with no commitment.
So, will Blacknut win you over? Its strengths lie in its solid product catalog and the fact that it has no in-app purchases or ads. Its only drawback might be the lack of a trial period to test the product.
Blade Shadow
So, what exactly is Blade Shadow? Quite simply, it's a cloud gaming service where you can play all the games you already own. Blade Shadow doesn't offer free games, but focuses entirely on the quality of its service. At the time of writing, the service isn't yet available to the general public, but it will be in April 2021!
The advantages
Blade Shadow promises top-of-the-line streaming quality with breathtaking graphics for your games: up to 4K 60 FPS or 144 FPS in Full HD. It also ensures imperceptible latency.
The controllers
Blade Shadow doesn't require any specific controllers. In fact, you can play with the controllers, mouse, and keyboard you already own. And that's a real advantage!
Price
Blade Shadow's cloud gaming service is available for €12.99 per month with an annual subscription. Otherwise, the price is €14.99 for a monthly subscription.
If you've fallen 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 a cloud gaming service that gives you access to a catalog of over 100 exceptional games, with new titles constantly being added. Furthermore, the service offers all the benefits of EA Play starting this holiday season, at no extra cost. The service features a wide range of games such as DOOM Eternal, Drake Hollow, DESTINY 2, Wasteland 3, Resident Evil 7, Minecraft Dungeons, and Halo.
The advantages
One advantage of this service is the Xbox Game Pass . You can earn Microsoft Rewards points by playing games from the Xbox Game Pass catalog. These points can then be redeemed for Xbox gift cards, which you can use to get accessories, apps, games, or even devices.
Then, you will be able to access Xbox Game Studio titles on the same day they are released.
In addition, Xbox Game Pass members will have access to exclusive discounts…
Controllers
Regarding controllers, you can use any Bluetooth controller manufactured by Microsoft.
Price
Xbox Game Pass offers you the option to pay €1 for the first month , then €12.99 per month.
Perhaps you're a Microsoft and Xbox fan, and you want to continue along that path with their Cloud Gaming service. If so, feel free to visit their website to sign up.
What are the limitations of cloud gaming?.
Of course, there are limitations to cloud gaming. Users need a very good internet connection to play properly. Unlike on-demand movie services, video games can't afford to lower image quality if the connection isn't good. A poor connection will result in very slow data transmission, producing a rather unpleasant latency for the player.
So without a good internet connection, it will be very difficult for the player to play properly!
Conclusion
In conclusion, we've seen that cloud gaming is a revolutionary way to play video games. Of course, there are always limits to innovation, but it must be said that this concept is very interesting for gamers. As you've seen, there are many cloud gaming platforms, including Amazon Luna, SFR Games, Orange TV's Video Game Pass, PlayStation Now, Geoforce Now, Blacknut, Blade Shadow, Google Stadia, and Xbox Game Pass.
Of all these platforms, which one made you most want to subscribe? Some focus on price, while others prioritize service quality. Each offers added value, and we hope our comparison has helped guide you.
