Google Stadia and Project xCloud face to face: this is the fight between the two most advanced streaming gaming platforms

The future of video games almost inevitably passes through streaming . Leaving aside the arrival of a new generation of consoles (we have already seen details of the next Microsoft model), the big names in the sector such as Google, Apple and Microsoft see the future of the gaming world on the Internet. And no, these are not just digital downloads.

In this race Google with Stadia and Microsoft with Project xCloud have an advantage and are the most advanced in the project.Both platforms want to offer a similar gaming experience anywhere and have already set their launch in the coming months, but right now, who seduces us the most? Google with Stadia or Microsoft with Project xCloud?.

How much will they cost?

First of all you have to talk about your pocket and that is that leaving catalog and possibilities aside, we are facing a determining factor. If the price is exorbitant, an unbeatable user experience and a huge catalog of titles will be useless.

For now we know that Google Stadia Pro is part of a monthly subscription that will cost 9.99 euros Through it we will have access to games in 4K at 60 frames per second and with 5.1 sound, but even so we will have to pay for the games, at least the triple A ones. We will, however, have free access to a library of classic titles.

Similarly it is to be expected that titles from the Google Play Store will also arrive as well as new developments focused exclusively on the platform. But for now nothing is confirmed.

Later Google Stadia Base is rumored to be coming, a free option that drops the resolution to 1080p and removes the Free access to the catalog of older titles (they must be paid individually). However, it can be an interesting option for those with a less powerful connection or those who do not have a 4K television.

For its part, Microsoft has announced that its platform will be priced at 9.99 euros per month Also, in a final nod, Those from Redmond have announced that Xbox One users will be able to use their consoles on free virtual servers. It remains to be seen if it will be mandatory to have an Xbox One (we assume not) to have an xCloud account.But what is certain is that for now there is no information on prices.

Launch

From Google Stadia we already know its release date in several countries, including Spain. Along with the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, the platform will arrive in November 2019

Project xCloud is coming a little earlier in October 2019 and will be in the following markets: UK, France, Germany, South Africa, India, Singapore, China, Korea, Japan, Australia, the United States and Canada, and Brazil. It is clear that if you are from Spain, it is not such an attractive option in principle.

Requirements

When playing in streaming it is essential to determine what I need in order to have an acceptable experience. And in this sense, we must establish differences between the system requirements for Google Stadia and those of Projec xCloud.

From Google Stadia we know for now that it will be limited to its use in a very closed ecosystem in which it will be able to operate with the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, Pixel phones 3a and Pixel 3a XL It will also be accessible from televisions with Chromecast built-in or not, as well as in the future it is expected to be accessible for any device with Google Chrome.

In terms of bandwidth, Stadia will need at least 10 Mbps to play in 720p resolution, up to 20 Mbps if we want to play at 1080p. Meanwhile, to enjoy games in 4K with 5.1 surround sound at 60 FPS we are going to need a minimum of 35 Mbps.

In the case of Microsoft's proposal, device and bandwidth requirements to still be able to use Project xCloud undisclosed.

Game Catalog

This is another strong point: the catalog of games that we will have on both platforms. And here there are differences.

While Google Stadia is essentially a service for streaming PC games to any compatible device, Project xCloud actually allows play from enabled devices so they can play as if it were an Xbox One.

Play the PC or Xbox One catalog as well as classic titles from previous generations. Here is the dilemma.

For now Google Stadia has confirmed 31 titles including some like Baldur's Gate 3, Destiny 2, DOOM Eternal and Ghost Recon Breakpoint. Project xCloud will allow us to transmit our Xbox One library remotely, but the truth is that for now they have not reported full titles although 250 games available from the start are announced