Buzz
PC gaming is widely regarded as a task suited for powerful systems. While numerous games will function on older or less powerful PCs and laptops, the latest, most demanding games need high-performance hardware and gaming-centric operating systems like Windows or SteamOS—features typically missing from compact Chromebooks.
Despite their basic hardware and ChromeOS's limited game support, Chromebooks can actually serve as capable gaming devices... if you configure them properly.
Take advantage of cloud gaming services
Cloud gaming is the gateway to playing games on ChromeOS. While Chromebooks can't run titles like Halo Infinite or Elden Ring natively, they can stream these games via cloud gaming, which connects you to powerful remote hardware handling the intense processing. You interact with the game through a controller or keyboard attached to your Chromebook, with gameplay streamed directly to your device’s screen over the internet. (This is the same method used by Android and iOS devices to play the latest PC and console games.)
Several cloud gaming services are compatible with ChromeOS devices, accessible through the Chrome web browser or dedicated ChromeOS apps. These services include Amazon Luna, Google Stadia, Nvidia’s GeForce Now, Shadow, PlayStation Plus Premium (formerly PlayStation Now), and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
It’s crucial to understand that all cloud gaming options are subscription-based services with varying features and game libraries. Some require you to purchase or rent games in addition to the monthly subscription fee, while others grant access to a selection of games each month. Some services combine both models.
Here’s a quick breakdown of each service’s pricing and game offerings:
Amazon Luna: Included with an Amazon Prime membership ($15/month or $139/year), Luna provides a rotating library of games. Premium 'channels' for additional games are available for an extra $5 to $18/month.
Google Stadia: Stadia lets you buy games individually and stream without a subscription fee, or access the Stadia Pro game collection for $10/month (includes a free 30-day trial).
PlayStation Plus Premium: PlayStation’s upcoming PlayStation Plus Premium ($18/month) merges PlayStation Plus ($10/month) and PlayStation Now ($10/month) into one subscription, offering cloud streaming access to over 740 games from all PlayStation home consoles and handhelds, plus free monthly games for PS5. PlayStation Plus launches in June, with PlayStation Now available until then.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Xbox’s top-tier Game Pass plan includes cloud streaming access to hundreds of Xbox and PC games, available either through a rotating collection or individually purchased (not all games support cloud streaming). New subscribers can start for $1 for the first month, then $15/month thereafter.
Unlike other services, GeForce Now (starting at $10/month) and Shadow (starting at $30/month) don’t offer game purchases or rentals. Instead, you pay for remote access to powerful gaming PC hardware where you can play games purchased from external platforms like Steam or the Epic Games Store.
If you own a gaming PC, Xbox console, or PlayStation 4/5, you can use remote play apps from Steam, Xbox, and Sony to play on your ChromeOS device remotely.
The games offered will vary between services, so it’s a good idea to check out the current libraries of each to find the best fit. Recent leaks about ChromeOS suggest that Google might soon introduce a gaming search aggregator on Chromebooks to help you find available games across streaming platforms, but this feature has not yet been officially confirmed. For now, you’ll need to browse each service’s catalog individually to see what’s on offer.
While choosing the right service and games is crucial for your Chromebook’s cloud gaming experience, there are a few other factors to consider.
A fast and stable internet connection is essential
Cloud streaming relies on your internet connection more than your device’s hardware, so ensuring your speeds are sufficient is key. Some services require a minimum of 15Mbps download speeds to subscribe, but that’s just the baseline. For optimal performance, use a wired Ethernet connection—either through your Chromebook’s Ethernet port or via a USB Ethernet adapter. If you’re gaming wirelessly, stay close to your router or use a 5G mobile hotspot. Keep in mind that even the best connections can experience input lag, service interruptions, and changes in graphical quality.
Think about your input devices
Lastly, you’ll want to ensure you have proper control over the games you’re playing. While most PC games require a mouse and keyboard, which are typically built into your Chromebook, using an external mouse and full-size keyboard will provide a more comfortable experience. Additionally, many games support gamepads, which can easily connect to your device either through USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth.
With all the right components set up, your Chromebook can transform into a powerful cloud gaming device, granting you access to many of the latest PC and even console games—often at a fraction of the cost of building your own gaming PC.
