With console shortages fading and high-speed internet spreading, streaming services continue to grow in popularity, offering gamers a flexible, hardware-free path to top-tier titles. This guide gives you a clear, no-nonsense overview of the most prominent platforms: GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Boosteroid.
What You Need to Play
Getting started with cloud gaming is refreshingly simple. A stable internet connection – deally 20–25 Mbps for Full HD and around 40 Mbps for 4K – is your main requirement. A device like a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or smart TV is usually enough. You can play directly in a browser or use dedicated apps for smoother performance.
Controllers are optional but recommended for most games. Xbox controllers work well across platforms, and many services support PlayStation pads or third-party Bluetooth options. Most setups take less than five minutes from login to gameplay.
GeForce NOW
GeForce NOW is NVIDIA’s flagship cloud gaming service tailored for players who already own games through platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect. Once those libraries are connected, supported games can be streamed directly through the cloud. This model gives users a high degree of flexibility in playing their favorite titles without needing powerful local hardware.
The platform operates across a broad range of devices including Windows and macOS PCs, Android and iOS smartphones, ChromeOS, browsers, and select Smart TVs. It supports resolutions up to 4K with RTX ray tracing and 120 FPS on its top tier, offering some of the best visuals in cloud gaming.
GeForce NOW is available in three membership levels:
- Free – basic access with queues and standard performance
- Priority – $9.99/month for 1080p at 60 FPS and reduced queue times
- Ultimate – $21.99/month for 4K streaming and RTX 4080-class performance
The service is engineered for users who seek high-quality streaming and are comfortable managing their own game libraries. NVIDIA’s infrastructure, combined with advanced video technologies, provides consistently responsive gameplay across genres.
Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming is part of Microsoft’s Game Pass Ultimate, combining a curated library of games with seamless integration across devices. The subscription includes access to hundreds of Xbox titles from developers like Bethesda, EA, and Xbox Game Studios, all available to stream instantly without downloading.
Game saves, achievements, and progress sync automatically across Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, browsers, tablets, and supported Smart TVs. This ecosystem allows for consistent gaming across environments. Whether starting a game on a console and continuing on a phone, or beginning a new title in a browser window, everything remains connected.
The monthly Game Pass Ultimate subscription costs $16.99 and covers access to both local and cloud-based gaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming focuses on delivering a streamlined experience with high-quality content and full controller support. The variety of games spans casual hits to AAA blockbusters, making it an accessible choice for both new players and experienced gamers.
Boosteroid
Boosteroid is the world’s largest independent cloud gaming platform, operating globally without the backing of a major tech corporation. It supports more than 1,200 games from Steam, Epic Games Store, Battle.net, and various game launchers, offering an expansive range of titles across genres and publishers.
Users can stream directly through web browsers or dedicated apps on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Smart TVs. The platform’s simplicity makes onboarding quick and intuitive. Once logged in, players can launch games from their libraries without installation or manual updates.
Boosteroid utilizes AV1 video encoding to deliver high-quality visuals with efficient bandwidth usage. This is especially valuable in regions with inconsistent internet speeds. The service currently spans 27 data center locations across Europe, North and South America, and beyond – optimizing performance and reducing latency for a wide geographic user base.
Plans begin at around €7.49/month with discounted annual pricing. The platform does not impose session length restrictions, giving users more flexibility during long play sessions. Boosteroid appeals to players seeking a broad game catalog, ease of access, and reliable performance without platform lock-in.
Also Worth Mentioning
- Amazon Luna: A channel-based service great for casual and family gaming. Luna+ and Ubisoft+ offer themed libraries, though visuals top out at Full HD.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: Lets you stream Sony exclusives and classics on PlayStation consoles or PC, but availability varies by region and titles are locked to the PlayStation ecosystem.
The Big Picture
Cloud gaming in 2025 brings real options to players of every style. Whether you’re looking to leverage your personal game library, dive into a massive subscription catalog, or just want the easiest setup possible, there’s a platform that fits your needs.
GeForce NOW offers high-end performance for those with existing PC libraries. Xbox Cloud Gaming delivers unmatched convenience and a deep content catalog for Game Pass subscribers. Boosteroid stands out with global coverage, wide compatibility, and affordable plans that put the gamer in control.
The entry barrier has never been lower, and the experience has never been better. Cloud gaming gives you the freedom to play your way – across your favorite games, on the devices you already own.
