Nearcade review
A focused, open-source way to stream local co-op games through a browser.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
Nearcade pros and cons
- 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
Nearcade fact sheet, pricing and score →
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