Nvidia’s PS5 Pro vs GeForce Now Demo Is Audaciously Impressive
▼ Summary
– Nvidia showcased a side-by-side demo at Gamescom 2025 comparing a locally installed version of Cyberpunk 2077 on a PS5 Pro with a cloud-streamed version via GeForce Now on an LG TV.
– The streamed version appeared visually equivalent or even superior in some aspects, demonstrating significant progress in game streaming technology.
– GeForce Now will upgrade its top-tier subscription in September to offer graphical performance equivalent to a GeForce RTX 5080 without a price increase.
– Nvidia introduced “Install to Play,” allowing users to manually install up to 100GB of additional games beyond the curated list, effectively doubling the service’s compatibility.
– Updates to improve latency and image quality were announced, alongside support for racing games with steering wheels and demonstrations of low latency using specialized testing devices.
The Nvidia GeForce Now streaming service delivered one of the most striking demonstrations at Gamescom 2025, boldly comparing its cloud performance against a locally running PlayStation 5 Pro. In a side-by-side setup, both screens ran Cyberpunk 2077, one via GeForce Now and the other on a PS5 Pro, with the cloud version not only matching but in some respects surpassing the console’s visual output. This audacious comparison underscores how far game streaming technology has advanced, positioning it as a genuine competitor to traditional hardware.
What made the demo so compelling wasn’t just the technical achievement, but the sheer confidence behind it. Nvidia placed two identical LG OLED TVs side by side, each running the same scene from Night City’s Afterlife bar. Viewers could pick up a controller and play either version, making it a true interactive comparison rather than a passive visual showcase. The fact that the company chose a high-profile title like Cyberpunk 2077, a game known for its demanding graphics, only emphasized the statement being made.
For those familiar with GeForce Now, the improvements might feel incremental, but the cumulative effect is significant. The service is set to receive a major upgrade in September, granting top-tier subscribers access to graphical performance on par with a GeForce RTX 5080, a premium GPU retailing for around £1000. Better still, this upgrade comes with no price increase, allowing users to push in-game settings further without investing in new hardware.
Another major announcement was the introduction of “Install to Play,” a feature that dramatically expands the service’s library. While GeForce Now traditionally relied on a curated list of around 2,000 pre-installed games, users can now manually install an additional 2,200 titles. There are limitations, users get 100GB of free storage with options to buy more, but this effectively doubles the number of playable games. New releases like The Outer Worlds 2 and Borderlands 4 will continue to be added directly to the official supported list.
Perhaps the most impactful improvements lie in reduced latency and enhanced image quality. A separate demo compared the current and upcoming versions of Black Myth: Wukong running on GeForce Now. The new iteration showed noticeably better color accuracy, sharper details, and cleaner UI rendering. Once seen, the difference is difficult to unsee, a testament to the rapid refinements in streaming tech.
Nvidia also showcased its commitment to responsive gameplay with latency tests performed using an LDAT device, the same high-end tool used by monitor manufacturers. Combined with support for racing wheels and other peripherals, the company is clearly targeting even the most timing-sensitive genres.
That said, GeForce Now still feels complementary rather than disruptive. Unlike defunct services like Stadia, it doesn’t aim to replace your entire game library, instead, it leverages your existing PC store accounts. This hybrid approach may actually be its greatest strength, offering a flexible, high-performance alternative without demanding full commitment.
While cloud gaming may not yet be the universal future once promised, demonstrations like this make a powerful case for its place in the ecosystem. With improved performance, a vastly expanded library, and visibly superior image quality, GeForce Now is no longer an experiment, it’s a viable and compelling way to play.
(Source: eurogamer)
