Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, launching on October 23, can be played without requiring players to purchase expensive new consoles or high-end PCs, thanks to cloud gaming services. While the game is not included with Xbox Game Pass, subscribers can stream it after purchasing it outright, a feature available across all Game Pass tiers.
Nvidia's GeForce Now also presents a streaming option. Although not officially confirmed by Nvidia, early access to the campaign via the service suggests it will be supported at launch. Players will need to purchase the game separately to stream it on GeForce Now. The service offers various subscription tiers, including a free ad-supported option, alongside paid tiers for enhanced experiences, with day passes also available.
Cloud streaming offers the significant advantage of eliminating the need for costly gaming hardware, as the games are run on remote, high-end systems and beamed to the player's device. This requires a stable internet connection, and performance can vary. Additionally, Microsoft plans to implement streaming hour caps for Game Pass starting in November, potentially requiring additional payment for extended play sessions.
The rising cost of gaming hardware is a significant factor. Consoles like the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5, released in 2020, have seen price increases rather than the typical historical decreases. Factors such as AI-driven component demand, global economic conditions, and tariffs are contributing to these higher prices. The Nintendo Switch 2 is listed at $500, the PS5 at $600, the Xbox Series S at $500, and the Series X at $750, representing a substantial increase from their launch prices. Building a capable PC rig has also become more expensive.
Players will still need a controller or a keyboard and mouse setup, but these peripherals are generally less expensive than new consoles or powerful PCs. Gamers are advised to check the respective GeForce Now and Game Pass websites for detailed subscription information.