Cloud gaming allows you to play the latest games as long as you have an internet connection, even if you don’t have a high-spec gaming PC or a dedicated home game console. In recent years, this technology has made remarkable progress and is finally entering a period of full-scale widespread use. This time, we will introduce the current state of cloud gaming services and how to choose the service that suits you.
The biggest advantage of cloud gaming is the low initial investment and ease of use. All game processing is done on the server side, so you can enjoy the game with high-quality graphics on your old laptop, smartphone, or even your smart TV. Input delay (lag) was a major issue until a few years ago, but with the spread of 5G and fiber optic networks and improvements in server-side technology, it is now possible to play games with almost no lag, unless it is a severe genre such as FPS or fighting games.
Currently, major services include “Xbox Cloud Gaming” and “GeForce NOW.” “Xbox Cloud Gaming” comes with the flat-rate service (subscription) Game Pass, and its biggest appeal is that you can play hundreds of games as much as you like. Recommended for people who want to sample a variety of games. On the other hand, “GeForce NOW” is a system that allows you to play PC games you have already purchased (titles you own on Steam, Epic Games, etc.) on the cloud. Great as a sub-environment for PC gamers who already have their favorite games.
The key points to consider when choosing are whether the game you want to play is supported and the stability of the communication environment. Many services have a free trial period, so the safest way to choose one is to try it out and see how well it works in your environment.