Home
/
Gaming news
/
Game reviews
/

Choosing between xbox and steam: the impact of game pass

Choosing Sides | Xbox vs. Steam

By

Naomi Kwon

Apr 20, 2025, 08:45 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer choosing between Xbox Game Pass and Steam, with both platforms shown on screen and game controllers in hand.

The debate over gaming platforms heats up as players weigh the benefits of Xbox Game Pass against Steamโ€™s remote play features. While some stick to one, others see advantages to using both.

The Dilemma of Dual Platforms

Many gamers find themselves torn between the convenience of Xbox and the extensive library of Steam. With a powerful gaming PC and an Xbox console, players are evaluating their time and efforts across these platforms. The key factor appears to be Xbox Game Pass, which many consider a major draw.

"The ease of use on Xbox pulls me in, especially with Game Pass," shared one player. However, a comparison with Steam reveals its superior remote play capabilities. "Sunshine and Moonlight streaming is just straightforward better in every way compared to Xbox," noted another enthusiast.

Community Insights

Feedback from the community reveals differing opinions on whether to commit to a single platform or to embrace both. Three main themes emerged from discussions:

  1. The Flexibility of Using Both Platforms: Many players argue that they can optimize their gaming experience by choosing based on the game type. A gamer commented, "That's tough. I use both and choose on a per-game basis which platform Iโ€™m going to use."

  2. Limitations of Xbox Remote Play: Concerns persist regarding Xboxโ€™s cloud gaming features. One commenter expressed frustration, "Itโ€™s a shame how bad Xbox remote play is theyโ€™re the company leaning the hardest into cloud and remote play, and theyโ€™re the worst at it."

  3. Game Selection Constraints: Gamers are wary of limitations in available titles on PC Game Pass, with one saying, "I donโ€™t bring up PC Game Pass because many games I like aren't on there."

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Xbox Game Pass is a major factor influencing platform choice

  • โ–ฝ Mixed sentiments about remote play quality on Xbox

  • โ€ป "Why limit yourself to just one?" - Common sentiment among gamers

As players ponder their choices in gaming experiences, it's clear that both platforms offer unique benefits worth considering. Will you stick with just one, or branch out into both for the ultimate gaming adventure?