and Boosteroid
rent you a remote PC. You must first buy your games on a regular PC store such as Steam, Epic Games, or Ubisoft Connect. Once you connect your account, you can launch and play those games through the cloud. 
rents you a remote Xbox console. It requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which gives you free access to hundreds of games while subscribed. You can also stream Xbox games you already own. 
streams compatible PlayStation games with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. Included games cost nothing extra while subscribed; other supported titles require the compatible digital version from PlayStation Store. 
streams games from its included catalog. The required subscription depends on the game: Amazon Prime or Luna Premium. 
gives you a complete remote Windows PC rather than an included game catalog. You must own and install the PC game yourself from your preferred store. Some anti-cheat or DRM systems may prevent a game from launching. 
Buy a key from one of these sites.
Be careful to select the correct region, or use Global / Rest of World.
How to Use Cloud Gaming: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical path from zero to playing: choose a service, get games correctly, connect accounts, and optimize your setup.
How to Use Cloud Gaming: A Step-by-Step Guide
New to cloud gaming and not sure how it works? Start with the three essential requirements, then choose a game with our selector to see which cloud gaming services support it. Follow the detailed steps to launch the game and optimize your experience.
What is cloud gaming?
Cloud gaming is a way to play video games without buying an expensive gaming computer or console. Instead of running on your own machine, the game runs on a remote server, and your device just streams the video and sends your inputs. It is like Netflix, but you control the action. All you need is a decent internet connection.
→ GeForce NOW and Boosteroid rent you a remote PC. You must first buy your games on a regular PC store such as Steam, Epic Games, or Ubisoft Connect. Once you connect your account, you can launch and play those games through the cloud.
→ Xbox Cloud Gaming rents you a remote Xbox console. It requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which gives you free access to hundreds of games while subscribed. You can also stream Xbox games you already own.
→ PlayStation Cloud Gaming streams compatible PlayStation games with a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. Included games cost nothing extra while subscribed; other supported titles require the compatible digital version from PlayStation Store.
→ Amazon Luna streams games from its included catalog. The required subscription depends on the game: Amazon Prime or Luna Premium.
→ Shadow PC gives you a complete remote Windows PC rather than an included game catalog. You must own and install the PC game yourself from your preferred store. Some anti-cheat or DRM systems may prevent a game from launching.
1Device
Even a weak device can run AAA titles with cloud gaming. Now imagine how extraordinary your experience would be with the right gear.
Handheld Console
Dedicated gaming hardware built for play on the go
PC / Mac
No big GPU needed, any potato PC or Mac can do the job
Laptop / MacBook
Enjoy silence and saves battery on any laptop or MacBook while playing AAA games
Android / iPhone
Turn your phone into a console by adding a controller
Tablet / iPad
A bigger screen for a more immersive experience
VR Headset
Step inside the game with full immersive cloud gaming
2Internet
You need a good and stable connection to stream games.
Speed
You need a fast, stable connection. Aim for at least 25 Mbps stable. 40 Mbps or higher is even better.
Ethernet
Connect with Ethernet when possible. Powerline is also a good wired option if your router is too far away.
Wi-Fi
Connect over stable 5 GHz Wi-Fi (not 2.4 GHz). Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 devices can provide a better experience.
3Location
Choose a service with servers near you. A shorter distance means faster controls and less input delay.
- Stable connection Nearby server Smooth gameplay
- Stable connection Distant server Noticeable input delay
- Unstable connection Distant server Poor gameplay experience
What game do you want to play?
Choose a cloud gaming service
Do you already own the game?
Do you own the game on a store supported by a cloud service?
Redeem the key on the correct store.
Sign up to a cloud gaming service
Start the cloud service with the dedicated app or directly from your browser.
Search for your game and launch it.
You may be prompted to sign in to [game platform list].
Do you already own the game on Microsoft Store / Xbox?
If it's in Game Pass Ultimate you can play it while subscribed. Otherwise you'll need to buy it.
Buy an Xbox / Microsoft Store key.
Pick a key for Microsoft Store / Xbox (not Steam).
Redeem the key on the Microsoft Store or Xbox app.
Then confirm the game appears in your Xbox library.
Are you subscribed to Game Pass Ultimate?
Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Sign in with your Microsoft account on xbox.com/play or the Xbox app.
Launch the game directly from your Xbox Cloud Gaming library.
Do you own the digital PlayStation version of the game?
Yes: you only need Premium to stream it. No: first check whether the game is included with Premium.
Is this game included with PlayStation Plus Premium?
Select a game above to check whether it is included with Premium or must be owned digitally.
Supported digital PlayStation game
You must own the compatible digital PlayStation version.
Are you subscribed to PlayStation Plus Premium?
If not, subscribe to PlayStation Plus Premium.
Sign in to the PlayStation account linked to your subscription and game library.
Open PlayStation Cloud Gaming and launch the game.
Asobi is not affiliated with Sony. It runs on macOS, iOS, iPad, Apple TV, Vision Pro, Android, Steam Deck / SteamOS, and Windows through the Steam playtest (beta).
The PlayStation Plus app for Windows only streams PS4 titles from the catalog. Asobi reaches more games: PS5 titles too, including the ones you already own.
Do you already own the PC version of the game?
Shadow PC installs your own games: the licence stays yours.
Select a game to check its launch risk.
Buy it on a PC store
Any PC store works: it is a full Windows machine.
Open your full remote Windows PC.
Install the game on your Shadow machine, like on any Windows PC.
Launch the installed game on Shadow PC.
Is your game available on Amazon Luna?
Choose a game above to check availability and the required subscription.
Check the subscription for this game
Amazon Prime / Luna Premium
Depending on the game, you need Amazon Prime or Luna Premium. The game is included with the applicable subscription.
Open Amazon LunaSign in with your Amazon account
Use the account with the applicable subscription. If you already have it, continue directly to the game.
Open Luna and launch the game
Open the game page in Luna using a supported browser or app, connect your controller if needed, then select Play. No game installation is required.
Open Amazon LunaPlay!
Is the gameplay running smoothly?
Enjoy!
Tune for smooth play
1) Connection quality Ethernet > Wi-Fi. Stability matters more than peak speed.
2) Wi-Fi position and band If you play on Wi-Fi, move closer to the router and make sure you are on stable 5 GHz Wi-Fi (not 2.4 GHz).
3) Stop downloads during play Pause downloads, updates, cloud sync, streaming apps, and VPN while gaming.
4) Server distance Nearest region usually means lower latency and fewer spikes. Check the server map
5) Stream settings If the stream stutters, lower resolution first, then bitrate, and only then FPS, where these settings are available. Options depend on the service and app.
- GeForce NOW: Cmd+G (macOS) / Ctrl+G (Windows) for overlay and network stats.
- Boosteroid: in-session menu (often Ctrl+F2 on desktop) for quick adjustments.
- PlayStation Cloud Gaming: in Asobi, use the stream quality and bitrate settings; on PS Portal, use Quick Menu > Max Resolution. Options differ in the official PC app.
- Amazon Luna: open Settings > Audio & Video Quality and choose a lower resolution to reduce data usage.
- Shadow PC: adjust allocated bandwidth in the app settings, and resolution and refresh rate in the Quick Menu.
6) Wi-Fi adapter If your USB or built-in adapter is more than 4–5 years old, it likely lacks Wi-Fi 5/6 support. A cheap modern adapter can noticeably improve stability.
7) ISP router / box Many ISPs offer a free swap for their latest model (Wi-Fi 6, better QoS, more stable). A quick call to customer support is often all it takes.
8) Device age Devices older than 5 years may struggle with hardware video decoding. A more recent device improves perceived quality and reduces stutters on your end.
9) Powerline adapter Can’t run Ethernet? A powerline adapter sends a wired-like signal through your electrical wiring, far more stable than Wi-Fi.
10) Fiber optic Fiber provides the stability and low latency cloud gaming needs most. If it is available in your area but not yet installed, contact your ISP; installation is often free or low cost.
11) Avoid Wi-Fi repeaters A Wi-Fi repeater or extender adds latency and reduces stability. Run an Ethernet cable instead if possible.