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Cloud gaming (GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud, Luna, Boosteroid): latency, bandwidth and when it beats a local GPU

Cloud gaming runs the game on a remote server with a data-centre GPU and streams the video to your device, so a weak laptop, TV or phone can play AAA titles; the costs are added latency (typically 15–40 ms over a local connection), compression artefacts and the need for a stable 25–75 Mbit/s connection. GeForce NOW (NVIDIA), Xbox Cloud Gaming (Game Pass Ultimate), Amazon Luna and Boosteroid are the main services in 2025.

GeForce NOW · xCloud · game streaming · Amazon Luna · Boosteroid

📅 Updated 👥 FPSHQ Team · methodology

Input≈1 msNetwork10–40 msServerGPUEncoding5–10 msNetwork10–40 msDisplaydecode
Cloud gaming: the frame is rendered on a server and arrives as a video stream Latencies are typical ranges; they depend on distance to the data centre

Key figures

From the FPSHQ database, as of Oct 15, 2026

47,547games in the catalog
2,028GPUs in the catalog
456CPUs in the catalog

Services compared (2025)

Requirements: 15 Mbit/s for 720p, 25 for 1080p 60, 45+ for 4K; wired Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6 near the router; a server within ~1000 km.

ServiceHardwareMax streamLibrary modelNotes
GeForce NOW UltimateRTX 4080 / 5080-class servers4K 120 FPS, 1440p 240, 5K ultrawidebring your own games (Steam, Epic, GOG, Xbox)Reflex, DLSS, RT; session limits; best latency
GeForce NOW Performance / FreeRTX 3060–class / queued1440p 60sameads and queues on free tier
Xbox Cloud GamingXbox Series X blades1080p 60Game Pass Ultimate library + owned Xbox gamesconsole settings
Amazon Lunacustom GPUs1080p 60 (some 1440p)channel subscriptions, PrimeUS/EU
Boosteroid / ShadowRTX-class / dedicated PC1080p–4Kbring your own / full Windows PCShadow gives a full VM

Latency: what to expect

Total latency = local input + encode + network round trip + decode + display. On GeForce NOW Ultimate with a nearby data centre, measured click-to-photon lands at 50–70 ms at 120 FPS — comparable to a mid-range PC at 60 FPS with V-Sync, but above a local 144 Hz setup (20–35 ms). Xbox Cloud sits around 80–120 ms. Fast single-player games, RPGs, strategy and casual multiplayer feel fine; competitive shooters and fighting games are noticeably worse than local play. NVIDIA's Reflex integration and 240 FPS modes reduce the server-side portion; the network part depends on your ISP.

When cloud makes sense

The FPSHQ FPS calculator shows what your own hardware achieves; if it predicts under 30 FPS in the games you want, cloud streaming is the cheap stopgap.

  • Playing AAA titles on a laptop, Mac, TV, tablet or handheld without a gaming GPU
  • Trying games before buying hardware, or bridging until an upgrade
  • Travel and second rooms where a PC is impractical
  • Not a replacement for a local GPU in competitive play or where internet is unstable
  • Cost: a year of GeForce NOW Ultimate is roughly the price of a mid-range GPU every 2–3 years

Input latency

FPS, render queue and frame generation → estimated click-to-screen latency.

Unified FPSHQ model estimate, not a measurement.

FPSHQ

On your PC

Enter your GPU (and CPU) — we calculate the effect of "Cloud gaming" with the unified FPSHQ model using Cyberpunk 2077 as the example.

Save your PC in the account · Detect hardware with the app · Unified FPSHQ model estimate, not a measurement.

Where to use this on FPSHQ

FPS calculatorGame requirementsGame errors and crashesHandheld PCs

Forum discussions

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In short

What is Cloud gaming?

Cloud gaming runs the game on a remote server with a data-centre GPU and streams the video to your device, so a weak laptop, TV or phone can play AAA titles; the costs are added latency (typically 15–40 ms over a local connection), compression artefacts and the need for a stable 25–75 Mbit/s connection. GeForce NOW (NVIDIA), Xbox Cloud Gaming (Game Pass Ultimate), Amazon Luna and Boosteroid are the main services in 2025.

games in the catalog
47,547
GPUs in the catalog
2,028
CPUs in the catalog
456
updated · source: NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Xbox Cloud Gaming, FPSHQ model estimate

FAQ

How much internet speed do I need for cloud gaming?
25 Mbit/s for 1080p 60 FPS, 45+ for 4K; low jitter matters more than raw speed — use Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6.
Is cloud gaming latency noticeable?
Yes compared with a local high-refresh PC (about 2× higher), but fine for most single-player and casual games.
Do I need to buy games again for GeForce NOW?
No — it streams games you own on Steam, Epic, Ubisoft, GOG and Xbox, if the publisher has opted in.
Which service has the best quality?
GeForce NOW Ultimate: RTX 4080/5080-class servers, up to 4K 120 FPS or 240 FPS modes, lowest latency.

Sources

FPSHQ Team · methodology · methodology · Updated

✏️ Found a mistake? Suggest an edit

Edits are moderated. Say what to fix and, if you can, add a source (NVIDIA/AMD/Intel docs, the game developer).

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