Subscription online game service

Each service works a bit differently than the next, but in essence, these services allow users to stream video games to their screen in a manner similar to Netflix or Hulu. Anyone looking for a relatively affordable way to access hundreds of games without upgrading their hardware will find much to love with these services. Although the technology is new, the marketplace is already becoming crowded with companies looking to create the next big thing.

Here are the best game streaming services currently available. Kicking off the list is arguably the best example of a streaming service, Xbox Game Pass. And the games — the games. Xbox Game Pass has perhaps the best library of free games of any service on our list.

From Rise of the Tomb Raider to Gears of War 4 , nearly every notable Xbox One game you can think of is included through the program, and a selection of Xbox games also is available through backward compatibility. All first-party Xbox games going forward are included with an Xbox Game Pass subscription at no extra charge on launch day. Your save files will be compatible with both PC and PS4. The service added a feature included with Xbox Game Pass: The ability to download games and play them directly on your system.

More than PlayStation 4 games are eligible for download and support DLC and other features you would get in the standard digital versions.

New games are added every month, and the full catalog includes more than titles. PlayStation Now also looks to be getting a potential upgrade , thanks to a partnership made between parent company Sony and Microsoft. As we approach the next generation of consoles, Sony also is planning to allow players to use PlayStation Now on more devices, including mobile platforms.

Content quality will, according to Sony, reach p and beyond, putting it in line with services such as Nvidia GeForce Now, but trailing the capability of Google Stadia and Project xCloud. The latest player to enter into the subscription game is Apple with its new service, Apple Arcade. Additionally, Sony added the ability to download PS4 and PS2 games last year for offline play, however, this feature is only available for PSN subscribers.

Wondering what you should play? Check out our helpful index that lets you sort the entire PS Now catalog by review score, release date, and more. Additionally Stadia Pro subscribers will also get special discounts on games not offered to Stadia Base free users. The service is split into two tiers - Basic and Premier. So, assuming you wanted to have it all, what would it cost you? There are also tons of indie games available to try out. With both the Basic and Premium memberships, you get discounts up to 10 percent off Origin purchases.

But for the Star Wars crowd, there is no better service. If you already have every Star Wars game, Origins Access also has the Wing Commander series that stars Mark Hamill in the third and fourth installments and would make a great addition to your collection. Along with a rotating catalog of free games every month, you get access to over PS4, PS3, and even PS2 titles to download and stream. The PS Now service allows for cross-device play and saving, so you can start out decimating zombies on your PS4 and then continue the fun on your PC later.

If you have little ones, the PS Now library has tons of kid- and family-friendly games like Little Big Planet 3, Lego Batman, and Rocket League so you know that everyone can join in on the fun. You'll get to try out the latest releases and future titles before anyone else for ultimate bragging rights. You also get access to Ubisoft's extensive library of current- and next-gen titles like the Assassin's Creed and Rainbow Six franchises as well as classic hits like Beyond Good and Evil, the Prince of Persia franchise, and Rayman.

If you buy a game, the cloud save capabilities ensure that your games carry over from the service should you cancel or suspend your membership. North America. In the early months of the coronavirus pandemic , US video game sales saw a massive increase as people tried to stay in and stay entertained.

As temperatures began to drop again, it's likely video games will see another surge as outdoor activities become less accessible. While you're waiting to get back outside, subscribing to a game streaming service can potentially give you more bang for your buck.

The best game streaming services offer options that can enhance your console experience, such as exclusive content, early access to anticipated game releases, and creative indie titles. If you aren't sure you want to shell out for an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5 later this year and you're getting tired of your Xbox One or PS4 , these services give you access to new and interesting games and features to keep you entertained.

Read on for information and advice on how to choose the best game streaming service for you, including which ones have free trial offers. One note: The services included here are those that let you download and play games locally, not in the cloud -- so you won't find Google Stadia or Amazon's newly announced cloud gaming service Luna on the list. Read more: Apple Arcade vs. The new services are the same as before. It's just a name change, according to EA's website.

You can either download games to your console, or stream them. There are also online multiplayer games, sports games and family-friendly options available too. The game collections are updated monthly. The games are sorted into categories so you can easily find the right one for you, whether it's family-friendly, action or games that are expiring soon from the platform. From there, just download the game to start playing. With this package, you get those benefits on the console and PC.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now also supports mobile and tablet gaming from the cloud, though it's still in beta.