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Google Stadia vs Microsoft xCloud vs Consoles

Shantanu Godase
Admit it or not, streaming is the future of gaming. With Stadia being launched recently, and xCloud on the verge of its arrival, you know the future is here. It will be interesting to see which amongst the two will serve the gamer inside you better. And, how well do they stack up against consoles like PS4 and Xbox will be a thought-provoking dimension.

What is Game Streaming?

The term is also known as Cloud Gaming. The game is processed on remote servers or cloud and streamed directly to user’s device via internet, eliminating the need of any console to play.

Stadia vs xCloud – Hardware

Stadia’s hardware is said to be more powerful than PS4 and Xbox One combined, consisting of custom Intel processor, AMD GPU with SSD storage and 16 GB RAM. xCloud on the other hand, uses similar specifications to that of Xbox One X.

Stadia vs xCloud – Features

xCloud lets you stream Xbox games on mobile phones. All you need is an Xbox Controller and stable internet connection with more than 10 Mbps speed.

Stadia works on any device having Google Chrome browser. It will also support Chromecast in the future for streaming on TV. Stadia comes with a dedicated Controller.

Stadia vs xCloud – Game Development

Developing games for xCloud will be easier due to similar hardware as that of Xbox One X. But, it's not the same case with Stadia.

Google assures that Stadia‘s data centers can be used as development platform. Thus, there won’t be any hardware limitations like consoles and PC.

Stadia vs xCloud – Games Library

xCloud is hands down the best option for this one! More than 50 Xbox games will be available for purchase. Games which you already own on your Xbox will not require repurchase.

On the contrary, Stadia's library falls short (22 Games at launch) and lacks exclusives.

Stadia & xCloud – The Advantages Over Consoles

  • You can switch your gameplay from TV to phone and play whenever and wherever you want.
  • No need to download and update games. Thus, saving the effort of managing disk space.
  • Graphics-intensive games can be played on low-end devices as well.
  • The cost of consoles is high compared to subscription cost of Stadia or xCloud.

Consoles - The Advantages Over Stadia and xCloud

  • Don’t require high-speed internet to play games, a huge advantage in locations with lesser developed infrastructure.
  • Hundreds of games are available to play on consoles, unlike Stadia or xCloud.

Cloud vs Console Gaming – Who Wins?

Game Streaming is still far from perfect as it requires very high speed internet. And that, is still not available in most parts of the world.
With xCloud still in beta and Stadia’s rough launch, it is yet to see how they will stand the test-of-time. Adding to that, the next generation Playstation and Xbox will launch in 2020. Another reason not to say adieu to consoles just yet!