Cloud Gaming
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Cloud Gaming.
Video game hardware is dead and there’s only one alternative - Reader's FeatureA reader expresses concern over the rising costs of gaming hardware, citing the Steam Deck's significant price increase and the anticipated expense of next-generation consoles. The author suggests cloud gaming, particularly pushed by Microsoft, as the likely alternative despite its drawbacks like reliance on stable internet and lack of game ownership.
Game Pass success story: It turns out that when you make things cheaper, more people will buy themXbox CEO Asha Sharma indicated that reducing the price of Game Pass has led to improved subscriber acquisition and retention, reversing a trend of slowing growth and accelerated subscriber loss following a significant price hike in October 2025. While the price reduction is seen as a positive first step, Sharma acknowledged that restoring durable growth will require ongoing effort, with potential future strategies including an ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
The RAMageddon hits homeValve has significantly increased the price of its Steam Deck handheld due to ongoing global shortages and price hikes in RAM and SSDs. This move highlights the broader crisis in consumer hardware pricing, impacting not only handhelds but also PCs, consoles, and other digital devices. The situation may also drive further adoption of cloud gaming as a more affordable alternative.
Forget the Predator, the second handheld Acer is taking to Computex could be far more interestingAcer has revealed the Nitro Blaze Link, a new device designed to stream games from specific Acer gaming laptops, similar to the PlayStation Portal for PCs. This device is expected to launch in late 2026 and aims to offer a more budget-friendly portable play option amidst industry component shortages and rising prices.- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsXbox Game Pass has seen success following a price reduction, according to the CEO. The article also touches upon broader industry trends including subscriptions, cloud gaming, and game streaming.
- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsNVIDIA announced that '007: First Light' is now available on GeForce NOW. This addition highlights the ongoing expansion of cloud gaming services and their growing libraries.
The Name’s Gaming … Cloud Gaming: ‘007 First Light’ Launches on GeForce NOWNvidia's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service has launched 007 First Light, allowing players to stream James Bond's origin story on various devices. The service also features the Resident Evil Requiem demo and World of Tanks: HEAT. New games are added weekly, with 007 First Light available as a limited-time offer with a 12-month Ultimate membership.- Kingdom Hearts Cloud Version Demos Removed From Switch eShop (US)The free cloud version demos for Kingdom Hearts on the Nintendo Switch have been removed from the US eShop. While the demos are no longer available for download, players can still purchase the full cloud versions of the games.
Kingdom Hearts Cloud Version Switch Demos Removed From eShop (US)The free demos for the cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts games have been removed from the Nintendo Switch eShop in the US, though the full games remain available for purchase. Demos are still accessible in other regions like the UK and Japan. Square Enix has not provided an official reason for the removal.
Kingdom Hearts Cloud Version demos have now been removed from eShopDemos for the cloud versions of Kingdom Hearts games have been removed from the Nintendo Switch eShop in the US and Japan. The reason for this removal is unclear, though some fans speculate it could be a precursor to native versions of the games being released for a future Nintendo console.- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsThe PlayStation Plus Game Catalog offers a selection of must-play open-world games accessible through the subscription service. This curated list highlights titles available for players to enjoy, covering various open-world experiences.
- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsTake-Two Interactive's recent earnings call has sparked speculation about the potential introduction of subscription services for Grand Theft Auto 6. The discussion also touched upon the broader trends of cloud gaming and streaming within the industry.
- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsNVIDIA announced that '007: First Light' is now available through the GeForce NOW Ultimate Bundle. The update highlights NVIDIA's ongoing efforts in cloud gaming and subscription services.
License to Stream: ‘007 First Light’ Coming to GeForce NOW With an Ultimate BundleNVIDIA GeForce NOW is adding eight new games, including the "007 First Light Ultimate Membership Bundle" and "Forza Horizon 6." The "007 First Light" bundle is available with a 12-month Ultimate membership, offering a new take on James Bond's origin story. "Forza Horizon 6" brings its open-world racing to the cloud service, with both titles ready to stream instantly across devices.
GeForce NOW Offers Day-One Lifetime Access To 007: First Light And Brings Eight New Games To The CloudNVIDIA's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service is adding eight new games this week, including the exclusive day-one lifetime access offer for 007: First Light to members who purchase a 12-month Ultimate membership before June 10. The service also now includes the recently released Forza Horizon 6, along with other titles like Splitgate Arena Reloaded and Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core.
How Online Gaming Habits Have Changed in 2026Online gaming in 2026 has evolved into a more mature, accessible, and socially connected pastime, with shorter, more flexible gaming sessions across multiple devices. Key trends include increased VPN usage, AI integration for smarter experiences, broader demographic accessibility, the rise of esports and streaming, multi-platform and cross-device play, a greater emphasis on social and community gaming, and the dominance of subscription and live-service models over traditional one-time purchases.- Subscriptions, Clouds, and StreamsXbox Game Pass will be adding Forza Horizon 6, Escape Simulator, and Jurassic World Evolution 3 to its library. The article also touches on broader industry trends like cloud gaming and subscription models.
Here's our next batch of Xbox Game Pass titles for MayMicrosoft has announced new titles coming to Xbox Game Pass in May, including Forza Horizon 6, Remnant 2, and Jurassic World Evolution 3. Several other games like My Friend Peppa Pig and The Outer Worlds: Spacer's Choice Edition will also be available on cloud, console, and PC.- Xbox Game Pass May 2026 Wave 2 Adds Forza Horizon 6, Final Fantasy VI, and MoreMicrosoft has announced the second wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in May 2026, including Forza Horizon 6, Remnant II, and Final Fantasy VI. Several titles will also be leaving the service on May 31, 2026, with a discount for Game Pass subscribers.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Forza Horizon 6, Escape Simulator, Jurassic World Evolution 3, and MoreXbox Game Pass is adding several new titles throughout May and early June, including Forza Horizon 6, Escape Simulator, and Jurassic World Evolution 3. The service will also see the day-one release of Luna Abyss, Echo Generation 2, Crashout Crew, and Kabuto Park. Several games are also scheduled to leave the Game Pass library on May 31.