Nearcade

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.2 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Browser-based local co-op over the internet
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Free and open-source with self-hosted deployment
  • Browser viewers can join from desktop or mobile devices
  • Touch controls, input permissions, and PIN-protected sessions

• Where it doesn't

  • Requires a Linux, Windows, or macOS host application
  • Focused on local co-op rather than general remote play
  • Tunneling options are limited to Cloudflare or Zrok

Our verdict on Nearcade

Nearcade is an open-source, self-hosted game streaming platform for playing local co-op games with friends over the internet. The host runs a desktop application on Linux, Windows, or macOS, while other players join through a web browser on desktop or mobile devices. It is designed for groups that want browser-based access without requiring every player to install a desktop client, and its focus is specifically local co-op rather than general remote play.

The published product details emphasize flexible browser input. Viewers can use virtual gamepads, keyboard or mouse input, touch controls, and a virtual joystick on mobile devices. Hosts control the player roster and input permissions, which gives the session owner a defined role in deciding who can interact. Nearcade uses WebCodecs and WebRTC for media streaming, alongside native operating-system video and audio capture. For private access, it supports Cloudflare Tunnel and Zrok tunneling, while an optional public Arcade lobby provides another way to make sessions available.

Nearcade's open-source and self-hosted model makes it a fit for users who want control over how local co-op sessions are hosted and shared. Session links are protected by a PIN, and the platform runs across Linux, Windows, and macOS hosts with web clients on desktop and mobile. The trade-off is scope: this is a specialized co-op streaming tool, not a broad remote-play platform. Choose Nearcade for browser viewers, mobile touch input, host-managed permissions, and self-hosting; choose another option if you need a wider remote-play focus or do not want to run the host application yourself.

Your product? Our editors can test Nearcade in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

Nearcade pricing

Nearcade fact sheet

Nearcade integrations

Nearcade lists 2 integrations on its own site.

• Cloudflare Tunnel
• Zrok

Alternatives to Nearcade

• Moonlight Game StreamingA free, flexible client for streaming PC games and desktops across many devices.9.4
• ParsecA flexible remote-play tool with free personal access and paid team controls.9.2
• Moonlight WebA free, open-source browser client for high-resolution PC game streaming.9.1

See all Nearcade alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Nearcade is listed in our Game Remote Play Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

<a href="https://www.itechguides.com/products/nearcade/"><img src="https://www.itechguides.com/best/badge/nearcade.svg" alt="Featured on iTechGuides" width="230" height="46"></a>

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update