OnLive might not be the most successful cloud-based gaming platform, but with Sony’s recent reveal of the Gaikai-powered PlayStation Now, the concept is only gaining more traction. Similar to OnLive’s push for integration with tablets and TVs, Toshiba’s incoming line of smart TVs will also offer game streaming capabilities via cloud-based gaming service GameNow. Toshiba’s press release states that the GameNow-compatible L3400U, L5400U, and L7400U smart TV models are “scheduled to begin shipping” in the first quarter of 2014.
Polygon reports that the service will feature PC games published by Capcom like Devil May Cry 4 and Resident Evil 5, as well as Warner Bros. games like Batman: Arkham City. GameNow creator Ubitus has also struck deals with Square Enix, Sega and Konami involving cloud-based versions of their games overseas, such as Dragon Quest X.
Polygon described the rounds of Street Fighter X Tekken it played at CES with Logitch wireless controllers as “playable, but laggy,” suggesting GameNow might be serviceable for genres where split-second timing isn’t everything.
