Social interaction during the pandemic: 5 on Your Side checks out video game subscription services

For many people, video games have become a go-to during the pandemic.

But if a console is outside your budget or doesn't fit your lifestyle, there are a number of video game subscription services from big tech names like Apple, Google and Microsoft – and they can be played on a device you already own.

“It’s similar to Netflix, where you pay five to ten dollars a month, and in exchange for that you get access to a library of hundreds of video games," said Nicolas De Leon, Consumer Reports’ Tech Editor. "You can either download these games or stream these games and play them on whatever device you have available.”

If you have an Apple computer, iPhone or apple TV, you can check out AppleArcade for $5 a month.

Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass is another option, if you want to play big name game classics like Halo on your PC.

Google Stadia allows you to play on a smartphone and tablet, or your TV if you have a Chromecast Ultra streaming device with a controller.

When streaming games, make sure you have a strong internet connection, and that you’re playing near your router.

Whichever service you try, many of the games are multi-player mode, allowing for social interaction and fun at a safe distance.