published: 5th January 2023 updated: 19th February 2026
There was a time when gaming without a console would have seemed impossible! Streaming services changed entertainment forever, and we’ve seen this happening with gaming too.
Enter: cloud gaming.
table of contents
why cloud gaming?
The complex nature of gaming provided certain roadblocks in comparison to TV streaming services. With the UK achieving an average of just 12 Mbps download (and 1 Mbps upload) back in 2012, cloud gaming was simply ahead of its time. In a time of gigabit broadband which now covers 88% of premises due to full-fibre broadband being available in 79% of residential premises in England, cloud gaming can be utilised to its full capabilities1.
do you need fast internet for cloud gaming?
In a game, when you press a button, you need the action to happen in real time and even a small delay could mean the difference between winning or losing. This delay is called ‘latency’ or ‘lag’.
Cloud gaming requires a good internet connection because your experience is internet-dependent, meaning if your internet drops, so does your game!
You require a fast, reliable and stable internet connection that can deliver this this data between your device and the data centres quickly. One of the most important things that can make a difference to your cloud gaming is choosing broadband with symmetrical speeds that can achieve fast uploads and fast downloads. Choosing broadband that offers this type of service with a low latency is more important for a good gaming experience than fast broadband.
what is latency?
Latency is how long it takes a packet of data to get from your connected device to the server. Latency is measured in Ping, shown in milliseconds (ms).
You might hear people refer to ‘packet loss’, this refers to how much data is lost between your device and server.
Low latency and ping are crucial for smooth gameplay whether you have cloud gaming services or a console.
It’s ideal to choose a broadband provider that can deliver ping under 50ms for competitive gaming and under 100ms for casual play. Ping over 100 will likely make fast-paced games unplayable2. A poor ping could make your game play jittery, this refers to how your ping changes over time and is generally considered as important when gaming.
At toob, our 900 Mbps broadband delivers a 3-6 ms ping, which is an extremely small range and helps reduce jitter during gameplay.
what to look for in an internet provider?
If you are ready to try cloud gaming, here is your checklist for the perfect broadband package:
- low latency (ping) – you want a ping rate as low as possible, ensuring your controller actions feel instant
- symmetrical speeds – most providers offer fast download speeds but slow upload speeds, symmetrical speeds mean your connection is just as fast sending data as it is receiving it, which is vital for smooth gameplay
- unlimited data – streaming high-definition video games eats up a lot of data so ensure your package has no data caps, so you never get cut off mid-boss fight
ready to play?
Cloud gaming is a fantastic, affordable way to enjoy the best titles without breaking the bank on the latest hardware. But to really enjoy it, you need a connection that can keep up.
Don’t let lag ruin your game. If you want to get the best cloud gaming experience, check out our full-fibre options designed for gamers.
