Cloudy Pad vs Xbox Cloud Gaming

Cloudy Pad lets users deploy a cloud gaming instance on their own server, machine, or cloud provider and play games from their own library. It can be self-deployed, including directly on a server via SSH, or used through Cloudy Pad App, a web platform for deploying a gaming instance. Listed launchers include Steam, Epic, GOG, Heroic, and Lutris; listed providers include AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Scaleway, and Paperspace. Cloudy Pad can deploy a Sunshine or Wolf streaming server for use with the Moonlight client, with streaming up to 1440p. Its documentation describes hourly billing without a subscription, automated cost alerts, and Spot instances that can be up to 90% cheaper. The self-deployment guide requires Docker, a Moonlight client, an NVIDIA GPU or supported cloud provider, and a stable internet connection with at least 20 Mbps download speed. Steam use requires Proton, and compatibility can be checked on ProtonDB. Cloudy Pad is free and open source, though cloud provider usage may incur charges. The maker describes the project as experimental and says breaking changes may occur.

Xbox Cloud Gaming streams games to supported devices including Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, handhelds, Steam Deck, Android devices, iPhone, iPad, smart TVs, streaming devices, and Meta Quest. It is out of beta and included with Essential, Premium, and Ultimate subscriptions. The listed monthly cloud-play limits are five hours for Essential, ten for Premium, and fifteen for Ultimate, though another Essential plan listing specifies unlimited cloud gaming. More than two thirds of the Game Pass library is enabled for cloud streaming, and some games outside Game Pass can be streamed when owned. The service is listed in 29 countries, including India, with a maximum streaming resolution of 1440p. Progress is saved and shared across platforms, and Premium subscribers receive priority access. Official Xbox controllers, partner controllers, and verified third-party controllers are supported; many compatible games also accept mouse and keyboard or touch input. Android, iOS, and iPadOS use browser streaming. A connection of at least 20 Mbps is recommended for stable gaming. Premium costs $14.99 a month after a $1.00 trial for 14 days.