Tech
PS Now, xCloud, Geforce Now and Stadia in a spec comparison
Sony, Google, Nvidia, Microsoft and Amazon want to open up new markets with game streaming. Gamers no longer need a Playstation, Xbox or a powerful gaming PC for PS Now, Stadia, Geforce Now, xCloud or Amazon Luna to get access to the latest games: that’s the plan.
A high-performance and, above all, stable broadband connection is a prerequisite. Of course, you also need an online-enabled client that can be connected to a TV or monitor, depending on the service, in order to receive the game content and be able to pass on commands. Depending on the provider, a dedicated controller may be necessary or the smartphone is sufficient.
If all this is given or accepted, you will receive an overview with the most important information here. What are the prices, what is the resolution and performance and how big is the range of games?
start dates
- PS Now: January 28, 2014 / April 15, 2015 (Europe)
- Google Stadia: November 19, 2019
- Geforce Now: February 4, 2020
- xCloud (via Game Pass Ultimate): September 15, 2020
- Amazon Luna: Beta, US only for now
PS Now is a pioneer, but was not really relevant here for a long time in the beta stage and cloud gaming. Also, PS Now focuses on Sony games. In mid-2022, PS Now will also be merged with PS Plus. Initially without additional costs.
From the end of 2019 until today, things have happened in quick succession. For prices starting at EUR 9.99 per month, the providers compete with various selections from the multi-platform games catalogue. A short, free trial period is usually available with each service. Simply jump to the providers via the pages linked above.
Prices:
- PS Now: EUR 9.99 per month, EUR 24.99 for three months or EUR 59.99 per year
- after PS Plus merger and transition phase: 16.99 euros per month / 49.99 euros for three months / 119.99 euros annually
- Google Stadia: free (Base), 9.99 euros per month. (Per)
- Geforce Now: 9.99 euros per month, currently 5.49 euros / New: “Geforce Now RTX 3080” for 99.99 euros for six months
- xCloud: EUR 12.99 per month for Game Pass Ultimate
- Amazon Luna: $5.99 per month (entry price)
In terms of price, all available services usually start at around 10 euros per month. xCloud can be purchased with Game Pass Ultimate. For PS Now users, PS Plus will become “mandatory”. Only Google Stadia has permanent free base access. Of course, it is technically limited compared to the Pro version.
With the “Geforce Now RTX 3080” tariff, Nvidia has been offering an upgrade since December 2021. For 99.99 euros for half a year, you can get the best image quality and performance there.
Resolution, sound and performance
- PS Now: 720p, 30fps and stereo (streams); up to 4K, HDR, 60fps and 5.1 (download to console)
- Google Stadia: 1080p, 60 fps and stereo (base); 4K, HDR, 60fps and 5.1 (Pro)
- Geforce Now: 1080p, 60 fps, RTX/DLSS and Stereo / 1440p, 120 fps, RTX/DLSS with “Geforce Now RTX 3080” (4K/60 + HDR on Nvidia Shield, PC and Mac)
- xCloud: 1080p, 60 fps and stereo
- Amazon Luna: 1080p, 60 fps, probably stereo, later 4K
Technically, Google was best with Stadia on paper, but experience reports sometimes suggest poorer image quality than on the old-generation console upgrades (PS4 Pro, Xbox One X). From December 2021 you will get the best performance for a corresponding surcharge with Geforce Now. Since May 2022, 4K and 60 fps have also been possible on PC and Mac in addition to Nvidia Shield.
Sony is disappointing with 720p resolution and sometimes only 30fps. In this case, Sony can at least make up for it with optional downloads – although this requires a Playstation: which, in turn, the common cloud gaming user does not really want to buy. Microsoft xCloud “avoided” this with a focus on mobile Android devices, 1080p has also been available since June after a server upgrade, later Xbox One devices will suffice for next-gen titles.
Depending on the situation, artifacts and noticeable delays can also occur: this affects every service.
Friends of good multi-channel sound will only be happy with a (purchased) Playstation or Stadia. However, the relatively small selection of games or expensive new games could thwart that.
games
When it comes to games, PS Now has disadvantages in terms of size and Stadia in terms of price. Although Sony offers several hundred Playstation titles, there are also many older games. With Stadia, as a Pro user, you regularly get full versions, but we’re still waiting for real highlights. You pay the full price for new blockbusters with up to 80 euros.
Geforce Now and xCloud give users direct access to a large selection. With Geforce Now you can link existing libraries – i.e. already purchased PC games – with Geforce Now. The xCloud service benefits from the Game Pass and the connection to your own Microsoft account.
Amazon has introduced channels with, among others, Ubisoft as a partner. It remains to be seen what is to come and what the portfolio will look like. Above we have linked overviews where you can get an idea of the current range of games. The respective selections at virtually the same prices, together with information on the technology, should give you a good overview of which service is right for you. Important: Crossplay is only possible in exceptional cases when combining classic and cloud-based games.
