Cloudy Pad review
A capable open-source option for users ready to manage cloud gaming infrastructure.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Cloudy Pad is an open-source cloud gaming service for technical users who want to deploy gaming instances on their own server or a supported cloud provider. It streams personal libraries from Steam, Epic, GOG and Amazon Prime Games to supported devices through Moonlight, with access across web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. The supported-device listing also includes Smart TV, tablet and Apple TV. This is a bring-your-own-library service rather than a subscription catalog, and it supports up to 1440p resolution.
The platform's main strength is infrastructure flexibility. Users can deploy through a CLI or the Cloudy Pad web platform on AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Scaleway or SSH-accessible servers. Native Steam and Heroic Games Launcher support covers common library and launcher workflows, while Lutris is available experimentally. Sunshine or Wolf can provide the streaming server, and Moonlight handles client streaming. Persistent game data and saves remain available across stopped sessions, while mod, custom-tool and additional-software installation support gives users more control than a fixed game catalog.
Cloudy Pad itself is free and open source, but running it still requires cloud-provider or server resources. The hosted platform uses hourly, resource-based billing, so the total cost depends on the infrastructure selected and how long instances run. Automated cost alerts and instance auto-stop help control usage, and data-disk snapshots plus base-image recreation are available for supported providers. Cloudy Pad suits users comfortable choosing providers, managing deployments and supplying their own games. Those seeking a ready-made catalog subscription or a service that supplies the gaming infrastructure should consider a different type of cloud gaming product.
Cloudy Pad pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Supports AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Scaleway and SSH servers
- Streams personal Steam, Epic, GOG and Amazon Prime Games libraries
- Adds cost alerts, auto-stop, snapshots and persistent game data
- Where it doesn't
- Requires users to supply and manage cloud or server infrastructure
- Cloud-provider usage costs are separate from the free software
- Lutris support is experimental rather than native
Cloudy Pad fact sheet, pricing and score →
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