Every publicly released game streaming service is available on Windows in some form, either as a dedicated app or in a web browser. This effectively lets you turn even a cheap work laptop into a high-end gaming PC. Computer clients have the added benefit of supporting even faster, more stable Ethernet connections, in addition to Wi-Fi.

You can also use a smartphone to play games on many streaming services. Every service except PlayStation Plus has an Android app. But the iOS game streaming ecosystem is a bit shakier, with some services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate using a browser app as a workaround. Just remember you'll be playing console and PC games on a smaller smartphone or tablet screen, which can feel awkward.

Several services also offer straight-to-TV options, either via a smart TV platform or with extra hardware like a media streamer. Amazon Luna works with Amazon Fire TV devices. Nvidia GeForce Now works on Google TV devices, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate works on Fire TV devices; both can run on certain LG and Samsung TVs. PlayStation Plus only works on PC, PS4, PS5, and PlayStation Portal.

You almost certainly need a gamepad. Amazon Luna works with some Bluetooth gamepads, but the Luna Controller is the best way to play over that service. Nvidia GeForce Now works best with an Xbox Wireless Controller, but you can also use any XInput-compatible wireless gamepad. PlayStation Plus is compatible with DualShock 4, DualSense, and Xbox controllers.

Game streaming lets you remotely access hardware on the service's servers. You use a client to log into a powerful PC over the internet, and the games you play run on that PC instead of your own hardware. The client simply provides a live feed of the video and audio coming from the server hardware, and sends all of your inputs to that server to translate into gaming commands. Essentially, you're controlling a computer that isn't in front of you, and seeing everything that computer displays.