Future Gaming Preferences: Explore Three Cloud Gaming Services Worth Trying Today, as 62% of Gamers Embrace This Technology Shift
Revamped Version:
Hey there! Is the increasing cost of gaming hardware gotcha despairing? Well, it's pushing plenty of PC gamers towards cloud gaming, and it might be time for you to give it a shot too.
In a recent survey by Liquid Web, an astonishing 62% of gamers declared they'd ditch desktop gaming entirely if latency issues were a thing of the past. The main reason behind this rising interest in cloud gaming? — Cash flow issues. Around 57% of gamers confessed they couldn't buy a new GPU due to price hikes and resellers, and almost half (43%) even had to delay or cancel purchases due to everyday expenses like rent and bills.
Most respondents (81%) prefer to hang on to their GPUs for 3-5 years, and they dig Nvidia GPUs since they feel they provide better value. But here's the kicker, most (69%) can only shell out less than $700. Considering that, it's no wonder more and more gamers are gravitating towards cloud gaming. If you're one of them, let's check out the top cloud gaming services to try!
The Top 3 Cloud Gaming Services You Must Try
Cloud gaming might be less expensive than splurging on a better GPU or an affordable gaming laptop for some users. For instance, the Nvidia GeForce Now Ultimate Plan, which sets you back $200 annually, is a lot cheaper than shelling out $1,200 for a gaming laptop or a pricier desktop GPU.
Unfortunately, latency still poses an issue. Since you're streaming games from a server that could be far away, you'll deal with higher latency compared to gaming on your own device. But don't worry, I've got a solution for ya!
I'd recommend trying a day pass or a single-month trial to test out the performance of a cloud gaming service tailored to your needs, budget, and subscription level. After all, performance can differ from one user to another. So, let's dive into the top services I think you'll love:
- Nvidia GeForce Now: A fantastic starting point for cloud gaming thanks to affordable day passes. Plus, you can hook up third-party accounts like Steam, Epic, GOG, Xbox, and more to play compatible games you already own. I've had a blast with GeForce Now, and it's delivered impressive performance like running Cyberpunk 2077 at 76 fps on a Chromebook!
- Xbox Cloud Gaming: This service boasts pros and cons, but it's a great option for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. However, take note that you can't play games from Steam through this service, which might be a deal-breaker. I've had a pretty good experience on Xbox Cloud Gaming, but noticed more lag than Nvidia GeForce Now.
- Boosteroid: Best for European users, although it's available in the US too. Like GeForce Now, Boosteroid allows you to connect third-party accounts, like Steam or Epic, to play games you already own. Its Ultra plan doesn't have a session limit, unlike GeForce Now, which caps sessions at 8 hours even on their priciest plan.
If you're new to cloud gaming, it'd make sense to test out all three services. For most U.S. users, Nvidia GeForce Now is likely your best bet right now, but check out Xbox Cloud Gaming and Boosteroid too. After all, all three are cheaper than a new GPU!
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[1] Google Cloud Gaming - $10/month[2] Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - $15/month[3] Upgrading your laptop on the cheap: The best hardware deals[4] Amazon Luna's Ubisoft Plus bundle: $5.99/month[5] Best gaming laptop deals in June 2025[6] If you have $29, every laptop is a gaming laptop[7] Budget gaming laptops are now entering the next gen with the Nvidia RTX 5060
- Upon considering budget constraints, cloud gaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Boosteroid might be more cost-effective alternatives to purchasing a new GPU or laptop.
- The Nvidia GeForce Now Ultimate Plan, which costs $200 annually, is significantly cheaper than buying a gaming laptop or a high-end GPU, which could cost upwards of $1,200.
- Despite latency still being an issue in cloud gaming due to streaming from distant servers, trying a day pass or a single-month trial can help assess the performance of a service tailored to individual needs, budget, and subscription level.
- Nvidia GeForce Now offers an affordable starting point for cloud gaming with day passes, allowing users to connect third-party accounts like Steam, Epic, GOG, Xbox, and more to play compatible games they already own.
- In comparison to Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming has its pros and cons, making it a good option for Xbox Game Pass subscribers, but users cannot play games from Steam through this service.
- For European users, Boosteroid is a viable alternative to Nvidia GeForce Now, as it allows connection to third-party accounts like Steam or Epic, and doesn't have session limits like GeForce Now.
- If you're new to cloud gaming, testing out all three services, Nvidia GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Boosteroid, can help you decide which service suits your requirements best, as each has unique features and performance levels.
