Google Stadia vs. Nvidia GeForce Now
The launch of Stadia, Google’s push into the game-streaming arena, was troubled at best, and user numbers are already struggling, while other platforms have drawn comparisons with Google’s offering. So, we’re working out which one is best; Stadia’s primary competition here is Nvidia’s GeForce Now, originally designed for its Shield TV, but since expanded for PCs and mobile devices. Which is the superior service? Let’s take a look.
ROUND 1
Value
Stadia and GeForce Now are both subscription services, though the price points vary, and there are different hardware options. Stadia requires a specific controller and Chromecast Ultra, which can be purchased in a bundle for $129. GeForce Now requires a PC, Mac, or Android device. Naturally, both require a TV or monitor, and a high-speed Internet connection.
Both Stadia and Now offer free and paid subscription services, but at the time of writing, Google’s free service isn’t available yet. Looking at the paid options puts Nvidia ahead. GeForce Now’s premium membership costs $5 a month, half that of Stadia Pro, and offers ray-traced content. However, the premium Stadia subscription offers more: 5.1 surround sound, regular free games, and exclusive discounts on Stadia store games.
GeForce Now also has limited playtime. The free model only allows one-hour sessions, although the paid subscription allows six-hour sessions. It isn’t a content platform either, as Stadia is; you need your own games. Ultimately, GeForce Now is better value, thanks to compatibility with platforms such as Steam and Uplay.
Winner: GeForce Now
ROUND 2
Performance
Stadia had a big leg up on GeForce Now thanks to the 4K resolution offered by the Pro subscription. Google has also improved Stadia’s performance since its November release, while GeForce Now has stuck to 1080p for the entire duration of its five-year beta. Fully released in February, Now has seen a positive response thanks to reliable performance at 720p and 1080p, even on slower Internet connections (nothing lower than 15MB/s, though).
Both run well with high-speed fiber optic. Both have 60fps options, and latency is almost non-existent if your connection is fast enough. Singleplayer titles almost unilaterally run smoother than games with online multiplayer. Stadia nabs another point thanks to its Wi-Fi-enabled controller, which cuts down latency a little more.
RTX functionality would be a big plus for GeForce Now, if it weren’t for the fact that the number of games that support ray-tracing can be counted on your fingers. Once (if) ray-tracing reaches better industry penetration, GeForce Now might begin to look like the superior option. While it’s a nice addition, it isn’t enough to trump 4K streaming, so the win goes to Google.
Winner:
Stadia
ROUND 3
Game Selection
For all its innovation, Stadia is not unlike a home console, with its own Google-mediated library of games available for digital purchase. GeForce Now connects to any major storefront, and allows you to play games you already own. Stadia Pro subscriptions come with a couple of free games every month, but the selection is limited, and the free games have failed to impress.
While GeForce Now’s premium subscription doesn’t provide any games, the ability to access numerous digital storefronts means that the game selection is almost infinitely wider. If you’re already a PC gamer, you can bring most of your games— ideal if you want to play the latest games but lack the hardware needed.
Steam alone would be enough to smash any other platform’s lineup, but Stadia’s puny game library barely requires a tap to topple. Around 30 games isn’t enough to carry a platform, especially when that selection is almost exclusively high-priced triple-A games. Stadia doesn’t feel friendly to indie developers—one of the great benefits of the PC gaming industry as a whole. It just can’t win against the existing juggernaut storefronts on PC.
Winner: GeForce Now
ROUND 4
Ease of Use
Stadia is inherently easy to use. Once the controller is connected to your Wi-Fi network, getting your games up and running is a cinch. Whether it’s selecting Stadia from your Chromecast on a TV or using the mobile app, getting to your games is a smooth process. You can even stream your games via Chrome on a PC or Mac.
GeForce Now needs the installation of a specific client from Nvidia, and the registering of digital storefront accounts. It’s a longer setup period, and buying games still requires the use of existing third-party storefronts. While Stadia has a far shorter list of games available, buying and playing a game is a streamlined process.
Stadia’s UI is also better than GeForce Now. Navigating Stadia is a smooth, satisfying experience, familiar in aesthetics and functionality to anyone who uses Google’s other services. The all-white background is a bit bright, but we have no other criticisms. GeForce Now’s UI is messier. If a game is available via multiple third-party launchers, the search function can be wonky, sometimes locating the wrong version of a game. Stadia’s simplicity creates a more enjoyable experience.
Winner: Stadia
ROUND 5
Design
Google’s genius with the Stadia is the controller. The physical design is topnotch—comfortable in the hands and taking the best elements of the Xbox and PlayStation controllers. But this goes one step further, thanks to direct Wi-Fi connectivity. While the primary source of latency in game-streaming platforms will likely always be the physical distance between your router and the hosting server, controller-toconsole latency can be an issue.
Connecting directly to Wi-Fi eliminates latency not just from the controller to the system, but also from the system to the local Wi-Fi network. It’s a masterstroke. The Chromecast Ultra is also a well-made piece of gear, easily one of the best contentstreaming solutions on the market— although, technically, it’s only required to play Stadia games on your TV.
GeForce Now requires no specific hardware from Nvidia, although there is the Shield. Essentially a streaming device not unlike a Chromecast, the Shield is a sleek unit, with a great remote, easily beating most streaming solutions. It’s awesome, but as it’s not part of the necessary GeForce Now setup, the win has to go to Stadia.
Winner: Stadia