Game streaming services such as NVIDIA GeForce Now, Microsoft xCloud (via Xbox Game Pass), PlayStation Now, and even Steam's Remote Play mode already afford people the capability to play the games they want without having to own an actual gaming console or PC.
The only way to get the lowest latency is to play on a gaming system that is physically in the same room as yourself. That way, you can react much faster to almost anything that happens on-screen, especially in a fast-paced game like a first-person shooter.
Playing on a game streaming service like PlayStation Now, on the other hand, doesn't give you the same privilege. No matter how fast your internet might be, it will still take more time for your button presses to register onto your screen.
Popular tech YouTuber Linus Sebastian of Linus Tech Tips put the latency of several popular game streaming services to the test in this video, which mentions some very interesting points:
Specific services like NVIDIA GeForce Now stood out in the test regarding latency, though the delay from the controller input to the onscreen movement was still noticeable. It's also fair to point out that the Linus Tech Tips office had pretty fast internet, making the video an example of a best-case scenario. However, anybody who doesn't have a fast-enough connection will be left behind in terms of the overall experience.
CNET also tested out a handful of game streaming services and basically had the same experience. Specific games (often first-person and third-person shooters) like "Control" or "Borderlands 3" played well and seemed to be optimized for the stream, but other slower-paced games chugged along, which could take anyone out of the immersion.
What's Next?
Game streaming is still more or less in its earliest stages. Native gaming will still be the absolute best choice for a true, satisfying gaming experience. But who knows? Maybe within the next five to ten years, game streaming will take off and become a major market. Until then, this option is reserved for casual players and not hardcore fans.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by RJ Pierce
