Shadowy Cloud Gaming with Questionable Legitimacy
JoySak promises a world of high-end console gaming at your fingertips, but the experience falls short and raises some red flags. Here’s why you might want to avoid JoySak altogether.
The Grey Cloud
JoySak operates in a sort of “grey cloud” area. Much like JoyArk (no links found between the two) and Netboom. Unlike established cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce NOW (that officially license games or required you to purchase games yourself via Steam), the legality of the games offered on JoySak is unclear. You will see titles you wouldn’t expect to be readily available for “free” streaming, such as Sony’s Spiderman or God of War, which can feel uncomfortably close to piracy. This raises concerns about potential account terminations and even malware risks.
With no official webpage to be found, and the company being based in China, there’s an added layer of uncertainty about who you’re trusting with your data. Any Google search brings up links to download the APK from other sites. This is not something I’d recommend doing whilst it is available on the play store.
Limited Playtime and Frustrations
While the short daily free play sessions might seem enticing at first, they quickly become a pain point. You’re left wanting more just as you get started, and the queue system for extended play can be tedious. The free tier feels more like a demo than a genuine gaming experience. On top of that, existing user reviews on the app store paint a fairly negative picture, suggesting frequent bugs and performance issues.
App and Games
JoySak boasts a visually appealing and smooth interface, with a responsive design that makes navigation a breeze. However, the app’s sleek exterior hides a disappointing reality: a severely limited game library. While the game categories appear extensive, it quickly becomes apparent that many titles are repeated across different sections, creating a false sense of variety. The overall selection of playable games is simply too small to justify the app’s existence, leaving users feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.
JoySak’s pricing structure is another major disappointment. The initial monthly and quarterly rates seem reasonable ($5.99 and $14.99), but the steep price hikes after the first month or quarter are hard to swallow ($9.99 and $19.99). Moreover, the daily playtime limit of one hour is incredibly restrictive for most gamers, making the subscription feel like a constant battle against the clock. Considering the limited game selection and questionable legality of the licensing of the games that are there, the value proposition for subscribers is simply not there.
Visuals and Gameplay
Performance-wise, JoySak falls short of expectations. Noticeable latency plagues the gameplay experience, regardless of whether you use an Xbox, Gamesir, or Stadia controller either via Bluetooth, or wired. The visuals are mediocre at best, lacking the crispness and detail found on dedicated gaming platforms. Some times you get severe ghosting and banding, which forces you stop for 15+ seconds waiting for it to catch up.
Game saves are temperamental at best. Sometimes they are there, sometimes they aren’t. I’ve had saves disappear after an hour session and a 10 hour session (over 10 days!), only to reappear after a few more days. For big games that they do have on their app, this is just unacceptable.
To add insult to injury, JoySak is exclusively a mobile app, with no option to cast or stream to a computer or TV, severely limiting where and how you can play.
Is it Worth the Risk?
In short, no.
JoySak offers a tempting glimpse into a library of console games, but the cloud of uncertainty surrounding its legitimacy, the limitations of the free tier, and the lack of a trustworthy web presence make it a gamble you shouldn’t take. If you’re looking for a reliable and secure cloud gaming experience with a clear library of titles, you will be better off with established platforms.
Consider Alternatives
There are reputable cloud gaming services with subscription options that offer a wider range of games, a more secure experience, and clear communication from the company. Do your research and choose a platform that puts your mind at ease while you game.
