(Image source: joystiq)

BY EVAN THOMAS

You're watching multisource video news analysis from Newsy.

Game on! Streaming game service OnLive has released a client application for tablets and smartphones. Now gamers can stream modern console titles to all of their devices.

OnLive cuts the console out of the modern videogaming equation. Its computers do the heavy lifting; users stream the video output to their TV and PC screens, and now their tablets and smartphones, too. Business Insider explains.

“Essentially what this means is that you can play top tier games like L.A. Noire and Batman: Arkham City on your iPad, which is completely insane. Even last year I wouldn't have dreamed of playing games as gorgeous as these on a smartphone or tablet device."

And joystiq says playing on tablets and smartphones means an alternative to traditional console controls.

“OnLive has teamed up with a few different publishers to create custom touch controls made specifically for certain titles. Rockstar Games has completely redone the controls for LA Noire, so when gamers load it up on OnLive's tablet app, they'll be treated to a touch-based control scheme.”

Touch controls and support for multiple devices? 9to5 Google says when it works smoothly, the OnLive app is great. When it doesn’t, well...

“The service has received mixed reviews, mostly due to inconsistencies in performance. The same appears to be true for the mobile version ... These are “console-class” games, but not always a console quality experience.”

TechCrunch tested it out on an iPad, and found -- yep, it’s a little laggy.

“Bandwidth is the key, and I found even with a fast connection lag is still present. Don’t expect Xbox quality on an iPad. .... All the lag you’re seeing is from the service, not the streaming video; but even with the lag, it’s a pretty slick integration. All of OnLive is here.”

And since it’s just streaming video, GigaOM on says this won’t completely vacuum up your wifi -- or your monthly data allotment.

“Those streams are also relatively low-bandwidth, with the average bandwidth required for TV or PC gaming about 1 Mbps to 5 Mbps, which isn’t much different from watching an HD movie on Netflix. Streams sent to mobile devices are even lower bandwidth...”

The OnLive app is free for your favorite device -- but you’ll pay market price to buy or rent games, and the controller, if you want one, will run you 50 bucks.