What is cloud gaming and how does it work
Cloud gaming means the game runs on a powerful server in a data center, not on your own device. Your screen shows a live video feed of the gameplay, while your inputs are sent back to the server in real time. It works like Netflix – but instead of watching a movie, you’re controlling the action.
All you need is a stable internet connection and a basic device. Even an older laptop, smartphone, or smart TV will do. For Full HD gameplay, most platforms recommend 20–25 Mbps. If you want 4K resolution, a connection of 40 Mbps or more is ideal.
Top 3 cloud gaming platforms in 2025
GeForce Now is NVIDIA’s answer for gamers who already own games on platforms like Steam, Epic Games, or Ubisoft Connect. It supports top-tier features like RTX ray tracing and 4K resolution for users on the Ultimate tier. It works across a wide range of devices and offers both free and paid plans. The trade-off? Even paid tiers have session time caps and limits on game launches. Still, it’s one of the best platforms for those who want high performance and don’t mind connecting their own libraries.
Xbox Cloud Gaming comes bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and grants access to a growing catalog of games from Xbox, Bethesda, EA, and more. It integrates deeply with the Xbox ecosystem, syncing saves and achievements across devices. You can play on Windows, Android, iOS, Xbox consoles, and supported smart TVs. Just note: you can only stream games that are part of the Game Pass catalog—you can’t use it to stream titles bought on Steam or Epic.
Boosteroid is currently the largest independent cloud gaming platform and offers a massive game library – over 1,200 titles, including many not available on other services. While not owned by a tech giant, the service competes head-to-head with them in both scale and capability. It’s also one of the most affordable, with subscriptions starting at around $9.89 per month and discounts for annual plans. You can launch games from Steam, Epic Games Store and more without installations. Boosteroid works in your browser or via apps on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Smart TVs. Session lengths are unlimited, and the platform now supports AV1 video encoding, improving streaming quality at lower bitrates.
Also available
Amazon Luna is a user-friendly service focused on casual and family-friendly games. It uses a channel system for themed collections and supports Full HD streaming.
PlayStation Plus Premium includes cloud access to a range of PS4, PS5, and classic titles, making it a solid choice for PlayStation fans, especially those who want to play on PC.
A quick look from the other side
Cloud gaming isn’t flawless yet. It’s not ideal for high-stakes competitive play where latency must be near zero. But for casual and mainstream gaming, the experience is now impressively smooth. Most platforms deliver responsive gameplay as long as you have a reliable internet connection.
Conclusion
Cloud gaming is redefining how people access games. You no longer need a powerful PC or console to enjoy AAA titles. Whether you’re drawn to Boosteroid’s massive library, GeForce Now’s premium quality, or Xbox Cloud Gaming’s all-in-one subscription, there’s a top-tier service for every type of player. For casual use, Amazon Luna and PlayStation Plus offer additional options. All you need is a screen, a controller, and a decent connection—and you’re in the game.
