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- Cloud gaming is much cheaper in the long term compared to traditional gaming consoles.
- You can play high-end games on various devices without needing powerful hardware.
- Traditional consoles will never become obsolete but will coexist with cloud gaming.
As I sit down with my controller, I’m no longer tied to a bulky console, thanks to cloud gaming. It’s 2024, and cloud gaming has changed the way we play. Whenever a new technology arrives in the market, questions are asked, and the increasing trend of cloud gaming also raises a critical question: Is the era of traditional gaming consoles ending? Well, let’s find out.
Understanding Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is a service that allows you to play video games over the Internet without the need for powerful hardware. The games run on remote servers in data centers, and the video and audio are streamed to your device in real-time.
The Dawn of a New Era: The Rise of Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming isn’t just a normal trend anymore, and it’s safe to say that it is slowly and steadily creating a new market in the field of gaming. If we go back 10 years, who would have thought of playing high-end games on their television or mobile phone without needing good external hardware? Cloud gaming services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW and Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming have matured, offering a level of convenience and accessibility that was once unimaginable. PlayStation also recently announced its entrance into the cloud gaming scene.
Some of you might ask me, well, hold on. Didn’t Google close its cloud gaming service, Google Stadia, just recently? And why would they end a service that is gaining so much popularity? I believe Google made a mistake by doing so. They should have waited for more technological maturity because many gamers are now moving towards cloud gaming, and most countries now offer 5G internet services. I would not go into much detail on this as this is not the point of our discussion.
Additionally, I personally find it extremely convenient to play intensive games anywhere on my laptop, television, or even my mobile phone without needing an expensive console. You can enjoy 1800+ high-end games on GeForce NOW on any device just by subscribing to them.
The Financial Edge
Buying a new console or upgrading a PC every few years is costly. On the other hand, subscribing to a cloud gaming service is much more affordable. With people nowadays paying subscription fees in the form of Netflix, Spotify, and other subscriptions, avid gamers like me find no difficulty paying subscription fees for a seamless gaming experience with the cloud.
A PC along with a console, might cost anywhere from $1500 to $2000+ for a beefy rig. Upgrades and occasional maintenance costs also have to be considered later.
- Initial setup: $1500 – $2,000
- Upgrades: $100 – $300 every few years
- Costs over 5 years: up to almost $3,500 at max
In the case of cloud gaming, you just have to pay your monthly subscription fee, and you will be able to play console games on your PC with just one click.
- Yearly subscription fee: $60 – $250 (considering cost variations for different companies and regions)
- Costs over 5 years: up to $1500 at max
So, over the span of five years, you would have to spend more than double on your traditional gaming setup compared to cloud gaming. In addition, there are no hassles with hardware upgrades, repairs, or compatibility issues.
Connectivity Challenges in Cloud Gaming
Despite its many advantages, cloud gaming isn’t without challenges. Internet dependency is a major concern. Cloud gaming isn’t for you if you do not have a stable and good internet connection. In regions with poor connectivity, traditional consoles still reign supreme.
Some people also don’t like the hassle of paying monthly subscription fees. They prefer to spend once on their gaming setup and then be at ease.
The Future of Traditional Consoles
So, does this mean the death of the console? Not at all. Traditional consoles will hold their place as they are. Cloud gaming will have its market alongside console generation. The nostalgia of playing and the unique offerings of exclusive titles on consoles can’t be overlooked.
Interestingly, the future might lie in a hybrid model. Major players in the console market, like Xbox, are already integrating cloud services.
I see a scenario where consoles act as local play hubs but offer seamless cloud integration. This hybrid approach could cater to both hardcore and casual gamers.
Final Thoughts
Whether through the cloud or a console, the essence of gaming remains the same for me. For a normal gamer, cloud gaming is a big yes, as it offers a seamless gaming experience without having to spend a lot of money on external hardware.
Hardcore gamers who love to tweak their rigs and experience the feel of traditional PC gaming might still prefer console gaming. But don’t discount cloud gaming entirely – it’s growing rapidly.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.
Get In Touch: shehryar@tech4gamers.com
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