Nvidia’s GeForce Now Upgrades to RTX 5080, Adds Wave of New Games
▼ Summary
– Nvidia’s GeForce Now will add RTX 5080-class cloud GPUs in September, offering 48GB memory and DLSS 4 for $20/month across various devices.
– A new “Install-to-Play” feature will double the game library by allowing installation of any Steam Cloud Play-enabled title without prior curation.
– Streaming upgrades include 5K resolution at 120fps, 1080p at 360fps, and a Cinematic Quality mode to enhance visual details and reduce artifacts.
– Latency improvements are expected through partnerships with ISPs and a 360fps mode, though performance gains depend on DLSS 4 and network conditions.
– The service price remains unchanged, and Nvidia is experimenting with Discord integration for instant game trials without downloads.
Nvidia’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service is set for a major upgrade this September, introducing what amounts to RTX 5080-level performance for subscribers. The new hardware promises a significant leap in graphical capability, featuring 48GB of memory and support for DLSS 4, all accessible for $20 per month across a wide range of devices including phones, PCs, Macs, TVs, and Chromebooks.
A standout addition is the Install-to-Play feature, which dramatically expands the available game library. Instead of waiting for Nvidia to manually approve titles, users can now install any game that supports Valve’s Steam Cloud Play. This change is expected to instantly add over 2,300 games to the platform, with more titles and even demos becoming available on their release dates as long as publishers enable the option.
Currently, Steam is the only supported platform, but major publishers like Ubisoft, CD Projekt Red, and Devolver Digital already participate through Valve’s system. One important note: these games won’t launch instantly. Each session requires a fresh download unless users opt for persistent storage, available at additional monthly rates.
Performance isn’t just improving on the server side. Subscribers with sufficient home bandwidth can now stream at 5K resolution and 120fps, or push frame rates as high as 360fps at 1080p. A new Cinematic Quality Streaming mode aims to reduce color bleed and enhance detail in darker scenes, supported by a boosted bitrate of up to 100Mbps.
Compatibility is also broadening. Steam Deck OLED users will enjoy a native 90Hz streaming mode, LG is integrating GeForce Now directly into its OLED TVs and monitors, and Logitech’s haptic feedback racing wheels are now supported.
While the promise of RTX 5080 performance is exciting, Nvidia clarifies that not every game will run on the latest hardware immediately. The rollout will be gradual as server capacity expands. Still, many popular titles, including Cyberpunk 2077, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, are slated to receive the upgrade from day one.
Latency remains a critical consideration, especially with frame generation technologies like DLSS 4 in the mix. However, Nvidia has made strides in this area through partnerships with major ISPs and the introduction of high-refresh streaming modes. In optimized conditions, end-to-end latency can drop as low as 30ms in competitive titles like Overwatch 2.
Pricing for the Ultimate tier remains unchanged at $19.99 per month, with no immediate plans for an increase. Nvidia has historically adjusted prices only in response to significant changes in power consumption or regional currency fluctuations.
In a forward-looking experiment, Nvidia is also testing instant game trials via Discord. Partnering with Epic Games, the feature will allow users to jump into titles like Fortnite directly from a Discord server without any downloads or logins. While still in the demonstration phase, this could redefine how players discover and try new games.
Despite these advances, some notable absences remain. Major publishers like Sony and Rockstar have yet to bring franchises like Grand Theft Auto to the service, though Nvidia remains open to collaboration.
With these substantial upgrades, GeForce Now continues to position itself as a compelling alternative to traditional gaming hardware, offering high-end performance without the need for local hardware investments.
(Source: The Verge)