Cloud gaming services allow users to play high-quality video games on a wide range of devices without needing an expensive gaming PC or console. Two of the top contenders in this growing space are Xbox Game Pass from Microsoft and GeForce Now from Nvidia. But with different game libraries, pricing models, and performance considerations in play, choosing the right service can get complicated.
This comprehensive guide compares every aspect of Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now to help you decide which cloud gaming solution best fits your needs and budget as a gamer.
A Brief History
Microsoft launched Xbox Game Pass on June 1, 2017 as a Netflix-style subscription service giving Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S owners access to over 100 downloadable games for a monthly fee.
Nvidia‘s GeForce Now likewise debuted in beta in 2017, but took until February 2020 to officially launch. The service streams games from Nvidia‘s high-performance data centers, allowing underpowered local devices like laptops and phones to play cutting-edge PC games.
Both platforms continue expanding their libraries and availability across devices. Xbox Game Pass now boasts over 300 cloud-playable games, while GeForce Now‘s catalog tops 1,200 titles across major PC gaming storefronts.
Xbox Game Pass vs. GeForce Now: At a Glance
| Xbox Game Pass | GeForce Now | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Microsoft | Nvidia |
| Launch Date | June 1, 2017 | February 4, 2020 |
| Platforms | Xbox, Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS | Windows, Nvidia Shield, MacOS, Android, iOS |
| Price | $9.99-$14.99/month | Free tier; $9.99 Priority; $19.99 Ultimate per month |
| Game Library | 300+ cloud games; 464 console titles; 442 PC games | 1,200+ games from Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft Store, EA Origin |
| Performance | Up to 1080p/60fps streaming depending on game and connection speed. Hardware upgrades over time. | Up to 4K/120fps streaming depending on subscription tier. RTX 3080 GPUs, with RTX 4080 upgrade option. |
| Mobile Experience | Official Xbox Game Pass app with touch controls | Play via Nvidia GeForce Now app or Android app. iOS requires browser. No official touch control support. |
Comparing Game Libraries
The highlight of any cloud gaming platform is the games you can play. Both Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now enable streaming hot new releases as well as classics across genres. But the source of those games differs greatly.
Xbox Game Pass Games
Xbox Game Pass provides unlimited access to a Netflix-style catalog of over 300 cloud-compatible games at any one time. The library spans acclaimed console and PC releases old and new, from Microsoft-owned franchises like Halo and Gears of War to major third-party titles.
Highlights across platforms include:
- MLB The Show, Rainbow Six Siege, Hitman World of Assassination
- 50+ games with EA Play subscription
- Day-one launches of select games like Atomic Heart
- Hundreds of games optimized for touch controls on mobile
The catch is that Xbox Game Pass‘s offerings change month-to-month depending on licenses and deals with outside publishers. So that brand new release you were hoping to play could disappear from the service.
GeForce Now Games
Rather than offer a standalone game catalog, GeForce Now grants access to stream games already owned across leading PC gaming marketplaces. That means:
- 1,200+ games from Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, EA Origin, Ubisoft Store
- Xbox PC titles now supported
- Ability to play many existing game libraries from the cloud
- Publishers can still pull specific games from GeForce Now
This BYOG (bring your own games) approach gives GeForce Now an exponentially larger pool to draw from. If you have an existing PC game library, no need to re-purchase titles. But the available games may still shift.
Performance and Streaming Quality
Both Game Pass and GeForce Now rely on data centers packed with high-end gaming hardware to enable smooth streaming to devices lacking local graphics power. But there are some key differences in streaming quality:
Resolution/Framerate
- Xbox Game Pass streams up to 1080p resolution at 60 FPS
- GeForce Now goes up to 4K at 120 FPS (RTX 3080 rig)
Latency
- Xbox Game Pass: dynamic based on connection, around 150-200ms is common
- GeForce Now: as low as 20ms with excellent connection
Configurability
- Xbox Game Pass: Limited in-app settings for stream quality
- GeForce Now: Extensive settings control bitrate, FPS, graphics and more
So while Game Pass offers a more standardized and consistent experience, GeForce Now generally provides superior streaming fidelity and control. Those hungry for max quality 4K, high FPS gaming will want GeForce Now‘s higher-tier subscriptions.
Device and Platform Availability
When it comes to playing on the go, Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now take slightly different approaches. But they both enable cloud gaming across a wide spectrum of devices:
- Mobile: Android and iOS apps available on both services. Xbox Game Pass has official dedicated mobile app with touch controls. GeForce Now requires browser access on iOS.
- PC: Full support for Windows and MacOS machines.
- TV: Xbox Game Pass for console play on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. GeForce Now on Nvidia Shield TV.
- Chromebooks: GeForce Now recommended for underpowered Chrome OS devices.
Xbox Game Pass generally provides the smoother experience across mobile devices, while GeForce Now excels at turning low-end laptops into gaming rigs.
Pricing Breakdown
Gamers weighing Xbox Game Pass versus GeForce Now will also want to consider what tiers of access they need—and how much they‘re willing to pay monthly.
Xbox Game Pass
- Console Pass – $9.99/month (400+ games)
- PC Pass – $9.99/month (400+ games)
- Ultimate Pass – $14.99/month (Game library across console, PC and cloud; online play)
GeForce Now
- Free tier: 1-hour session length; Standard access
- Priority tier: $9.99/month; 6-hour sessions; RTX 2080 rig; ray tracing
- Ultimate tier: $19.99/month; 8-hour sessions; RTX 3080 rig; 120 FPS
Cost-wise, Game Pass provides an affordable middle ground for access to all Xbox exclusives and a variety of third-party games. GeForce Now starts free but charges more for high-end performance.
Which Service Do You Choose?
So which service should you select for your cloud gaming needs? There‘s no one-size-fits-all answer, as Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now have distinct strengths. Consider what features matter most:
- If you want the simplest, most versatile service with tons of games included, pick Xbox Game Pass.
- Existing PC gamers who want mobile access to titles they already own should pick GeForce Now.
- Gamers who care about high resolution and FPS streaming should go GeForce Now.
- Those looking for the biggest gaming library overall should try GeForce Now.
For many, the ideal solution is subscribing to both services depending on the experience you want! Cloud gaming keeps improving, with Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now leading the way.
FAQ
Does Xbox Game Pass include brand new release games?
Yes. Xbox Game Pass frequently provides day-one access to first-party exclusives like Microsoft Flight Simulator along with select third party games via partnerships. However, the majority of mega-AAA titles don‘t launch directly into Game Pass.
Can you use a Dualshock controller with Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming?
Absolutely. Xbox Game Pass supports any Bluetooth gaming controller, including PlayStation and Nintendo Switch controllers. Adaptive controllers are also compatible.
What PC component does GeForce Now compare to?
GeForce Now uses high-end Nvidia GPUs comparable to an RTX 4080 in its top subscription tier. This translates to exceptional graphics, ray tracing and frame rates. Local network conditions impact streaming quality though.
How often do games leave Xbox Game Pass?
Microsoft adds new games every month while retiring others based on licenses, so the Game Pass lineup sees constant rotation. However, exclusives and first-party games tend to have indefinite availability compared to third-party titles.
