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1) Xbox Game Pass

Screenshot: Florence Ion / Gizmodo
Screenshot: Florence Ion / Gizmodo

While Game Pass’s streaming capabilities are technically still in beta, I’ve been playing Elder Scrolls Online with it for a while, and it feels like a native experience. Xbox Game Pass also tends to have new games on launch day. I had the opportunity to use it to test Disney’s new Dreamlight Valley game without having to fork over any cash before committing. And because I’m traditionally a Windows user, I can sneak in game time from my work laptop without much strain on the system itself.

How’s the library?

Xbox Game Pass has nearly 500 games in its library. You also get the benefit of having access to EA Play and Microsoft-made titles like Flight Simulator. Here’s the list of games available.

Problems

Xbox Game Pass tops out at 1080p at 60fps, which is fine for most people but not for gearheads. If you’re buying that svelte laptop with a 120Hz refresh rate on its display, you want a service that can help deliver on that.

Also, given the types of games it focuses on, you’ll definitely want a controller (or mouse and keyboard on the PC) nearby.

Pricing

Starts at $15/month (for access to Xbox Cloud Gaming)