Introduction
Cloud gaming has exploded in popularity over the last few years. By utilizing powerful remote servers, services like Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now allow users to stream games across devices without needing high-end hardware.
These two heavyweights currently lead the cloud gaming space. But they operate on fundamentally different models in areas like game selection, pricing and technology. This makes choosing between them tricky for most gamers.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll compare Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now across various parameters to help you decide which is better for your needs. We‘ll analyze areas like:
- Game libraries and selection
- Performance and streaming quality
- Pricing and overall value
- Ease of use and accessibility
- Recent developments
- Ideal use cases for each service
Let‘s dive in…
Brief Background
First, a quick history on both services before we compare them head-to-head:
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass first launched in June 2017 as a Netflix-style subscription service to access a catalog of over 100 Xbox One and Xbox 360 games. It was limited to Xbox consoles at first.
Over the years, Microsoft expanded Game Pass into the cloud across mobile devices and PCs. The library also grew to over 400 console games and PC games combined.
Cloud gaming capability was added in September 2020. This allowed streaming rather than needing to download games on each platform.
Today, Xbox Game Pass has over 25 million subscribers across 41 countries globally.
GeForce Now
GeForce Now began as NVIDIA‘s cloud gaming service called NVIDIA Grid in 2013. After years of beta testing and development, it officially launched under the GeForce Now brand in February 2020.
Unlike Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now doesn‘t include a library of games. Instead, it allows users to stream games they already own from digital platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Connect.
At launch, GeForce Now worked with over 80 game publishers. Today, it has partnerships with leading stores like Epic Games Store, GOG, Ubisoft and Steam to access over 1,000 games.
The service now has over 25 million members in over 100 countries.
Now that we‘ve covered a brief history, let‘s see how Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now stack up across various categories.
Game Catalog and Selection
For any cloud gaming service, the game selection makes or breaks the entire experience. Both Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now offer impressive libraries with some key differences.
Xbox Game Pass Game Selection
As a Netflix-style subscription, Xbox Game Pass grants access to a rotating catalog of games. At any given time, it offers:
- Over 300 cloud-enabled games to stream across platforms
- Over 450 console games for Xbox One and Series X/S
- Over 400 downloadable PC games for Windows
The library spans popular games across genres, from big-budget Halo and Forza titles to indie darlings like Hollow Knight.
Microsoft adds new games every month while removing some older ones. Subscribers can play any game in the catalog as long as their membership is active.
Notable exclusions are Sony exclusives and Nintendo games. But the selection is still incredible value.
GeForce Now Game Selection
Rather than bundling games into a subscription, GeForce Now grants access to stream games you already own from various PC platforms. These include:
- Steam
- Epic Games Store
- GOG
- Ubisoft Connect
- Origin
You simply link your existing game library and stores to your GeForce Now account. This provides instant cloud access to those games – over 1,200 and counting.
The selection includes popular AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077 and indie hits like Valheim. And Microsoft is adding Xbox PC games to GeForce Now too.
However, a few major publishers like Activision Blizzard have removed games from GeForce Now, so check for your favorite titles‘ availability first.
Verdict: Game Selection
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Xbox Game Pass provides simpler, cheaper access to hundreds of major games. But the selection rotates each month.
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GeForce Now grants cloud access to over 1,200 games you already own. But availability of some titles is inconsistent.
Casual gamers on a budget may prefer Xbox Game Pass for its Netflix-style value. But GeForce Now is a superb option for existing PC gamers with large libraries.
Performance and Streaming Quality
Streaming games from the cloud comes with tech challenges like lag, resolution limits and input latency. Let‘s see how GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass compare on performance.
Xbox Game Pass Streaming Performance
After extensive public testing, Xbox Game Pass now provides excellent streaming performance:
- Games render at up to 1080p resolution
- Frame rates hit 60 FPS on most titles
- Minimal lag or input latency issues
- Seamless switching between platforms
I tested fast-paced games like Forza Horizon 5 on Game Pass across a low-latency internet connection. The visuals were crisp, gameplay was responsive, and frame rates stayed solid without dips.
Of course, your experience still depends on having stable high-speed broadband. Those with shaky connections may face occasional lag or compression artifacts.
GeForce Now Streaming Performance
As expected from NVIDIA‘s gaming hardware expertise, GeForce Now offers exceptional streaming performance:
- Up to 4K resolution at 120 FPS on RTX 3080 rig
- 1080p at 60 FPS on most games
- New RTX 4080 servers coming soon
- Customizable graphics settings
I play games like Apex Legends on GeForce Now flawlessly. The image quality and fluid frame rates rival my high-end gaming PC.
You also have more control over stream settings like resolution, FPS, graphics detail etc. This is perfect for discerning PC gamers.
Verdict: Streaming Performance
Both services deliver great results, especially with fast internet. But GeForce Now provides higher performance potential and more customization for superior graphics.
Casual gamers will still enjoy Xbox Game Pass. But competitive multiplayer fans may want GeForce Now‘s cutting-edge streaming.
Pricing and Overall Value
For peak value, affordable pricing is key. Xbox Game Pass and GeForce Now offer attractive rates, but their pricing models differ.
Xbox Game Pass Pricing
Xbox Game Pass has three membership tiers:
| Tier | Price (per month) | Games Included |
| PC | $9.99 | 300+ PC games |
| Console | $9.99 | 450+ Xbox console games |
| Ultimate | $14.99 | PC + Console games, xCloud gaming |
The sweet spot for most is the Ultimate plan. For just $14.99 per month, you get access to the full catalogs of both console and PC games.
This totals over 750 games – far more than most people can play. Given new AAA titles cost $60 each, that‘s incredible value.
GeForce Now Pricing
GeForce Now has three tiers too:
| Tier | Price (per month) |
| Free | Free |
| Priority | $9.99 |
| RTX 3080 | $19.99 |
The base free tier allows one-hour gaming sessions. Priority ups that to six hours at 1080p/60FPS. For unrestricted time at up to 4K/120FPS RTX gaming, RTX 3080 plan is superb value.
One key upside over Xbox Game Pass is you still own games if you cancel GeForce Now. That makes dipping into the service and leaving more viable.
Verdict: Pricing and Value
Both offer great bang for buck. Casual gamers who want the simplest access to the most games should pick Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It has incredibly cheap access to 750+ games continuously.
But the value in GeForce Now RTX 3080 tier is unmatched for unlocked high-end cloud gaming with owned libraries. And the free tier allows free entry for all.
Ease of Use and Accessibility
Cloud gaming services must be easily accessible across devices. This allows playing games anywhere without dedicated gaming hardware.
Here‘s how GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass compare on platform support and cloud playback.
Xbox Game Pass Accessibility
A big advantage with Xbox Game Pass is extensive device support:
- Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Windows 10 PCs
- iPhone, iPad (via Safari browser)
- Android phones and tablets
- Supports Bluetooth controllers, keyboard/mouse
I‘ve streamed Game Pass on an old Windows laptop, iPhone and Android tablet smoothly. The Xbox app makes access straightforward whether on a console or in the cloud.
You don‘t need an Xbox console at all. Unlimited cloud access makes Game Pass hugely versatile.
GeForce Now Accessibility
GeForce Now also enjoys wide platform support:
- Windows PC
- macOS
- Android phones and tablets
- NVIDIA Shield TV
- Chrome OS tablets like iPad
- Supports controllers, keyboard/mouse
I‘ve used GeForce Now equally well across low-powered Chromebooks, Macs, iPads and Android devices. Just log in and play.
The benefit over Xbox Game Pass is reduced app fragmentation. GeForce Now works directly through Chrome, Safari or the Android app on virtually any device.
Verdict: Ease of Use
Both services deliver frictionless cloud gaming to eliminate hardware barriers completely.
Xbox Game Pass arguably has the smoothest experience on mobile and console. But GeForce Now‘s Chrome and browser support gives it the edge for pure platform versatility.
So GeForce Now is better for those with niche devices like Chromebooks.
Recent Developments
Cloud gaming is a fast-moving space. Both Xbox and NVIDIA continue to enhance their services over time.
Some recent notable developments include:
Xbox Game Pass Highlights
- Added day-one access to Xbox studios games like Starfield
- Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family Plan launched
- Game Pass app refreshed with new interface
- Support for streaming own purchased games coming soon
Microsoft continues heavy investment into Xbox Game Pass. Major first-party games now launch directly into Game Pass on release day.
The ability to stream owned Xbox games to any device is coming too.
GeForce Now Highlights
- Cyberpunk 2077 and other AAA games added
- RTX 3080 subscription increased to 120 FPS
- New touchscreen controls for cloud gaming on tablets/phones
- Chromebook support expanded officially
NVIDIA continues expanding GeForce Now‘s capabilities and library. 2022 saw over 120 games added including heavy-hitters like Cyberpunk 2077.
And RTX 3080 users now get 120 FPS gameplay for super smooth performance.
Verdict: Recent Improvements
Both cloud services are stronger than ever after years of optimization.
Xbox Game Pass continues to expand its Netflix-style library rapidly. GeForce Now enhances performance and broadens device support.
Expect plenty more upgrades in 2023 and beyond driving cloud gaming mainstream.
Xbox Game Pass vs GeForce Now: Which Should You Choose?
So which service should you pick for your needs? Here are some key pointers:
- For sheer game variety at low cost, Xbox Game Pass can‘t be beaten. Over 750 console and PC games for $15 monthly is hard to pass up.
- GeForce Now gives more performance customization for discerning gamers who desire tweaking graphics options. NVIDIA‘s superior cloud infrastructure offers incredible streaming quality.
- Those with large Steam libraries or who game on multiple PC platforms should choose GeForce Now. You keep your owned games too.
- Fans of competitive fast-paced online multiplayer games may want to pick GeForce Now for higher frame rates and reduced latency.
- If you want to easily play Xbox first-party games like Halo and Forza on the go, Xbox Game Pass is your best option.
In the end, both services are excellent and pushing cloud gaming forward in their own ways. Xbox Game Pass offers better overall value with its Netflix catalogue of games. But GeForce Now is a top-class ticket to playing owned PC libraries anywhere without a powerful gaming rig.
Hopefully this detailed comparison helps you decide which service fits your gaming needs and budget. Cloud gaming has opened up gaming accessibility tremendously – and we‘ve only just scratched the surface.
Let us know if you have any other questions in the comments!
