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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider Smart partners with Blacknut to bring console-level cloud gaming to Filipinos

Smart partners with Blacknut to bring console-level cloud gaming to Filipinos

Published Jul 27, 2026 08:48 pm
Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the wireless subsidiary of PLDT Inc. (PLDT), has partnered with Blacknut, a global leader in B2C and B2B cloud gaming, to make console-level cloud gaming more accessible to Filipinos.
Like streaming movies or series online, cloud gaming lets users play instantly through a mobile browser, with gameplay rendered in real time on powerful cloud servers. This allows players to enjoy console-quality games without buying a gaming console or PC, downloading an app, or installing large files.
Play over 1,000 console games on your smartphone
Through the partnership, Smart and TNT subscribers can access the Blacknut Cloud Gaming service at blacknut.com/p/smart where they can play more than 1,000 titles spanning AAA hits, indie favorites, and family-friendly games.
The library includes popular IPs such as NBA 2K, For Honor, Asphalt, Overcooked!, and a wide range of LEGO games, among others. Titles are streamed directly via a mobile browser, allowing users to jump into gameplay within seconds.
Subscribers can sign up using their Smart or TNT mobile number and pay for a weekly subscription starting at P145, charged directly to their prepaid load. After a quick OTP verification, users can start playing instantly.
“Our strategic partnership with Blacknut affirms Smart’s commitment to empowering more Filipinos with access to cutting-edge digital experiences and immersive online entertainment that cloud gaming brings,” said Marjorie C. Garrovillo, FVP and Co-OIC at Smart.
"Cloud gaming removes the biggest barriers to enjoy console-level gaming at your fingertips — expensive hardware, long downloads, and limited storage. With Blacknut, we’re making high-quality gaming instantly accessible to our millions of subscribers, powered by our award-winning network,” said Lloyd R. Manaloto, FVP and Co-OIC at Smart.
“We’re proud to partner with Smart in making premium, console-level gaming accessible locally, giving players new ways to game and have fun anytime, anywhere,” said Olivier Avaro, CEO of Blacknut.
Powered by Smart's award-winning network
Because cloud gaming relies heavily on responsiveness, network performance is critical to the experience. Smart’s network is designed to support low-latency applications like game streaming, helping ensure smoother and more responsive gameplay.
In its Speedtest Connectivity Report for Q1–Q2 2025*, Ookla® found that Smart delivered the Best Mobile Latency Performance in the Philippines, with a median latency of 45.88 milliseconds (ms) across all network technologies, making Smart the ideal network for next-generation cloud gaming experiences.
Ookla also recognized Smart for providing the Best Mobile Video Experience based on its analysis of Speedtest Intelligence® data for Q3-Q4 2025, where Smart posted a Video Score of 78.60, ranking highest among mobile operators nationwide.
With this partnership, Smart further strengthens its thrust to enable next-generation digital lifestyles, offering customers innovative ways to maximize the power of its network through productivity, gaming, entertainment, and beyond. 

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