There are many differences between cloud gaming and remote streaming, but all you need to be concerned about are the similarities between the two. All you need is a fast internet connection, and you can do so much. The days of building an expensive and huge gaming rig that is also quite heavy are slowly fading, crazystreamers.com understands that. Cloud gaming and remote streaming seem to be the future.

If you want to get technical about it, cloud gaming comes under the umbrella of remote streaming. Many remote streaming applications like ParSec and Steam Remote Play connect you to a PC from anywhere in the world. However, there are still specific requirements that you must follow.

Now, the big difference between the two is that remote streaming depends upon you having your PC. On the other hand, cloud gaming connects you to a PC that is part of a data center. Cloud gaming certainly seems more attractive as it saves you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.

But which one should you choose to carry you for the long-term? Are the differences really that broad? And are gaming PC becoming irrelevant?

Cloud Gaming Vs Remote Streaming – An Overview

●     Requirements

As mentioned, remote streaming relies on an already available machine for you to use. So, if you intend to go down the remote streaming path, you need to have a gaming PC or a next-gen console available.

You also have to ensure that the PC or console is always on, even if you are gone for an extended time. This will affect your electricity bills, so you must be ready for that.  You also need a good internet connection, whether you choose remote streaming or cloud gaming. For remote streaming, you must have a connection of at least 15 Mbps, which is the bare minimum.

On the other hand, if you go towards cloud gaming, things are a bit less complicated. Since the entire gaming experience is cloud-based, you don’t necessarily need to have a gaming PC or console at home. But you do need a fast internet connection.

In the case of remote streaming, 15 Mbps is decent enough, but for cloud gaming, we recommend an internet connection that is at least 50 Mbps, which is the bare minimum. Below that and you will have trouble accessing the cloud properly to have a seamless gaming experience.

Best Option: Cloud Gaming

●     Price

The great thing about remote streaming in this scenario is that since you have access to a next-gen gaming console or a gaming PC, both these platforms come with proprietary or dedicated gaming-oriented software that you can use for free to begin a remote streaming experience.

The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X offer remote clients, and Steam Remote Play and ParSec already exist for PC.

In contrast, cloud gaming is a bit more nascent, so the experience varies. The best option on the market is the GeForce Now service, which offers multiple package tiers. But the caveat is that to play a game, you would have to own it. On the other hand, you could simply pay for access to cloud gaming libraries, like Playstation Now and Xbox Cloud Gaming, which cost a little under $20 a month.

The subscription part might seem like a hassle, but it’d be months, even a couple of years, before you get to the point where you have spent the amount equivalent to a half-decent gaming PC.

Best Option: Draw

●     Performance

Now, we come to the part that matters most considering you are investing money into this venture, no matter how much it may be. Again, remote streaming seems to have an edge in this, as the sky’s the limit. You’re only going to get a performance as good as your gaming PC is.

So, if you have a top-of-the-line gaming PC capable of 4K 60 FPS and raytracing and a decent internet connection, that is what you will get. You will be able to play the games at the exact quality that you would play them in person. You can even use ParSec and Steam Remote Play for multiple displays and online gaming respectively.

Cloud gaming, on the other hand, might sound exciting, but for now, its functionality is limited. In terms of gaming, you can expect limitations on the kind of games you can play. GeForce Now only gives you access to its own gaming library.

Of course, with Xbox Cloud Gaming and PlayStation Now, you might get access to exclusive titles. Performance varies, though if your internet connection and package are good enough, then 1080p 60FPS is quite a realistic goal. You can even go for 4K 60FPS if you subscribe to GeForce Now’s most premium package, as it gives you access to machines with the RTX 3080.

All in all, cloud gaming technology still has ways to go with reliability and consistency.

Best Option: Remote Streaming (for now)

Conclusion

Both approaches have their pros and cons. If you already have a gaming PC or console and aren’t away from home for that long but still want to get your fix of gaming, then remote streaming is the right approach for you.

On the other hand, if you don’t have the funds to buy a gaming PC/console outright, are away from home for extended amounts of time, and want to keep things limited, then cloud gaming services might be the way to go for you.